The impact of static wind load on the mechanical integrity of different commercially available mono‐crystalline photovoltaic modules

Abstract

AbstractMechanical integrity of Photovoltaic (PV) modules, which is dependent upon the materials used and the manufacturing process, plays an important role in their performance and electrical output. Besides, the mechanical integrity of the modules is also affected by environmental conditions. Mechanical loads, which include loads produced by wind, snow, rain, and hail, tend to degrade the performance of the PV module by generating stresses and enhancing micro cracks and defects. This research aims to investigate the impact of wind loads on the performance degradation of PV modules. The overall objective was to investigate the reliability of modules available in Pakistan. Wind loads were simulated through an indigenously developed setup which allowed application of uniform load of 2400 Pa on the modules as per international standards (IEC 61215 and ASTM E1830‐15). A total of 12 PV modules, from three different vendors, each of 50 W rated power, were subjected to solar flash testing and electroluminescence imaging before and after the application of three cycles of mechanical load test. Greatest effect of wind loads was observed for modules which had defects present prior to the application of load. A maximum drop of 3.19% in the power output and 8.24% increase in the series resistance was observed. The results highlight that wind load has the ability to initiate cracks, propagate the pre‐existing ones as well as damage the grid fingers.