Electroluminescence Test to Identify Defect Frequency in Photovoltaic Modules

Oliveira, Dayane Cynthia Pinto, Barboza, Amanda Gomes, Teixeira, Camila Fernanda Cardoso, Lopes, Nicholas Medeiros, Mendonça, João Vítor Fonseca, de Sousa, Alan Rodrigues, Emiliavaca, Samira de Azevedo Santos

ISES Solar World Congress 2025 · Fortaleza, Brazil · 2025-11-03
Published by International Solar Energy Society (ISES)
DOI: 10.18086/swc.2025.03.25

Abstract

Based on the technologies and solutions presented in the literature for identifying defects in photovoltaic modules, this study aims to correlate the identification of non-visual defect types in photovoltaic modules with the factors that caused them, using electroluminescence (EL) testing as an identification tool. Motivated by the potential for degradation and reduced performance of photovoltaic (PV) power plants caused by quality issues with photovoltaic modules, this study conducts a preliminary classification of defect categories present in a sample of modules that will be installed in a PV power plant. The experimental sample consisted of a batch of 84 monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules, divided into two groups: 48 bifacial modules with a rated power of 550 W and 36 monofacial modules with a rated power of 555 W. Through systematic defect classification, individual module profiling and analysis of the grey scale uniformity of modules with lower power performance, correlations between specific defect types and performance degradation were established. As a result, the sample predominantly presented defects related to cell quality and construction processes.

Keywords

Electroluminescence (EL), defect, photovoltaic modules, photovoltaic solar plant

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