Examination of PV Panels' Performance Exposed to Environmental Stress with Electroluminescence Tests

The use of electrical energy from solar energy has spread to every area. Today, it has started to be used in every place that receives sunlight, such as building coatings, balconies, streets, highways, etc. In this study, monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV panels used for outdoor lighting were examined. The structures of these PV panels that were damaged under environmental stress were analyzed with electroluminescence (EL) test. In addition, electrical characterization tests and output parameters were measured. Power losses of monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV panels were measured as 75% and 79%, respectively. Defects such as cracks, breaks, and dead spots belonging to PV panels were detected with EL imaging. The extent to which the method will affect the system performance of all old or newly installed panels in practice was revealed with EL imaging.