Adhesion measurement and analysis at cell/encapsulant interface as quality control tools during PV module manufacture

Abstract

MDRC Techniques are used for the detection of the vulnerability in specific regions in a PV module. They can also be useful as quality control tools. PV modules were selected randomly at the factory floor over a sixteen month period. Adequate number of samples were extracted at predetermined locations in the middle, periphery, and bus line regions from a selected cells of each module. Adhesive shear strength was measured during the extraction of the samples. Care was taken to verify that the data was statistically significant. Consistently high values of adhesive strength are desirable in all the regions. There was a smaller spread of values in the batches with higher adhesive strengths. On the other hand, the data showed wider fluctuations in the batches of lower average values of adhesive shear strength showing that inhomogeneity from one region to other may be leading to overall low values. The techniques were found to be useful for assuring quality. The information may be useful for determining warranty period.