Photovoltaic module damage

Special care should be taken when transporting and installing photovoltaic (PV) solar panels because damaged modules may malfunction which can lead to safety risks.

There are different types of solar modules, one type having a hardened glass front and frame and the rear sealed and protected by a weather proof film.

Modules tested to IEC 61730-1 and IEC 61730 or EN 61730-1 and EN 61730-2, as referenced in AS/NZS 5033 Installation of photovoltaic (PV) arrays, should have suitable protection and structural integrity but if the back of the panels is hit (e.g. by part of the racking system or mounting brackets during installation) cells can be easily damaged.

Damage to the rear of the module may cause them to fail and the power output could be reduced or hot spots may develop.

In some cases, a brown overheat mark may be seen through the glass on the front side. In extreme cases, the hardened glass can shatter in a similar manner to an older style windscreen.

The figures below show a typical module and its corresponding thermal image. The white spots in the thermal image are areas of higher temperature caused by damage to the rear of the module during installation.