Why should we beware of hot spot effect on solar panels?

· About Solar Panels,PV Technology News

The sun is used to generate solar energy. It has grown quickly in recent years to become the most natural renewable energy source. Its potential is nearly limitless. Simply put, the photovoltaic system requires sunlight to generate energy and comprises multiple photovoltaics connected in series and parallel. Solar panels, on the other hand, can lose efficiency due to a variety of factors, one of which is the hot spot effect, which is regarded as one of the most common causes of solar panel failure. This is a serious problem. It will have an impact not only on the production of solar panels, but also on their safety.

What is hot spot effect?

A hot spot on a solar panel is an area where the temperature is higher than the rest of the panel. They are common and extremely difficult to forecast. Cell stress can typically reach temperatures of 150°C, resulting in permanent and irreversible damage such as glass cracking, cell degradation, and so on.

When solar cells are connected in series, the total current connection in the solar string is reduced when one cell is shaded, causing good cells to produce more voltage and frequently reverse biasing bad cells.

broken image

A study conducted in the United States looked at photovoltaic modules that had been in operation for 1-3 years to determine the causes of module failure and degradation. Hot spot effects damaged 22% of the 115 modules examined.

Heat spots can sometimes appear as brown spots or obvious damage on the panel's surface. However, heat spots are usually invisible to the naked eye. So just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there.

Thermal imaging, which can highlight hot spots, is the best way to detect hot spots.

Thermal imaging, which can highlight hot spots, is the best way to detect hot spots.

What causes the hot spot effect?

1. Cast Shadows: Objects close to or above the panel (such as trees, equipment, buildings, walls, and so on) can cast shadows on it.

2. Dirt: Dirt and deposits such as bird droppings, mud, and dirt accumulated on the glass surface of the panel in the corners will prevent light from entering the cell at that specific point and block it.

3. Internal design flaws: Inadequate component selection and manufacturing errors can result in solder joint flaws, photovoltaic cell flaws, and other problems.

4. Structural damage: caused by manufacturing and quality issues such as cell alignment defects, lamination issues, or poor welding, as well as improper handling of the battery board during installation.

5. External factors: Weather-related damage such as snow, hail, lightning, extreme heat or cold.

What causes the hot spot effect?

How can the hot spot effect be avoided?

1. Select the appropriate company: Choose a reputable company and ensure that you purchase solar panels from a professional and certified company. Furthermore, such businesses provide a broader range of services as well as more specialized services. For optimal thermal performance, the panel material must be of high quality. Because they will usually include product information to make it as useful as possible.

Since 2008, Maysun has been manufacturing high-quality photovoltaic modules. It is a solar panel manufacturer with 15 years of professional experience that will provide you with extremely reliable photovoltaic products!

2.Install panels at the proper angle:

Consider the surrounding environment and sunlight exposure in the location where you want to install the panel to determine the best angle for placement. There should be no obstacles when installing solar panels. As a result, they should not be too close to buildings, trees, or anything else that may cast shadows.

For example, if your installation site is in the northern hemisphere, the correct solar panel installation angle is 45 degrees south.

Installation angle calculation method:Azimuth = (day's peak load time (24 hours) -12) 15 + (longitude -116)

3. Maintain adequate airflow:

Hot spots are caused by heat buildup within the battery, and low airflow in the system increases the likelihood of hot spots.

Excessive heat causes hot spots, so proper ventilation and airflow are critical in a solar system. It is critical in roof installations to leave enough space between and beneath the panels.

4. Panel cleaning and maintenance: The accumulation of dirt on the panel is one of the primary causes of hot spots. Dirty components on the bottom of the panels, such as soil, bird droppings, leaves, water stains, and other pollutants, can prevent sunlight from passing through the solar glass and into the cells, resulting in hot spots. Regular cleaning of the panels will prevent this problem from occurring, thereby reducing the impact.

Panel cleaning and maintenance: 

Water sometimes collects in the corners of the panels, leaving a layer of dirt behind. This type of dirt can cause hot spots, which can lead to serious issues in the future. You can get around this by using drain clips, such as the Aqua Pi.

The unit, which is mounted on the lower edge of the panel, automatically drains stagnant water to assist you in cleaning your solar panels.

 Aqua Pi

5. Post-installation full site inspection:

We determined that rough handling of the module during shipping or installation could result in internal damage. These minor dents, scratches, or micro-cracks can grow into major issues in the future.

As a result, a thorough on-site inspection is required. Developers can examine any risk factors using electroluminescence imaging (EL) and thermal imaging technologies.

Maysun has been focusing on customer needs and providing high-quality services since its inception in 2008. Efficient, pleasant, and dedicated to exceeding customer expectations. In order to ensure customer satisfaction and long-term cooperation, we are constantly improving and innovating.

Twisun 390W-410W Dual-glass black frame PV module PERC 210mm 120cells
 Twisun 390W--410W Double Glass Full Black PV module PERC 210mm 120cells

Maysun will continue to support solar power generation innovation and long-term development. We can provide you with high-quality solar panel products without the hot spot effect in the manufacturing process to satisfy consumers' pursuit of clean energy consumption through continuous research and development and market expansion.

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