Analysis of the Influence of Mechanical Damages of Thin Layer Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Panels on Their Electrical Characteristics

The paper presents a case study on the impact of mechanical defects, such as cracks and impaired sealing, in frameless solar panels based on a thin layer of cadmium telluride (CdTe). The influence of mechanical damages of several defective CdTe photovoltaic panels on their performance is analysed after measuring their I-V and power characteristics. The results show that small mechanical damages, such as fractures, do not significantly affect the efficiency of the panels before moisture penetrates them.