4 FAQs about Photovoltaic panel hail impact test method

How does hail damage affect photovoltaic systems?

In particular, hail damage seriously affects photovoltaic systems. The severity of hailstorms as well as impact responses are important factors in mitigating loss, so the first research area that needs to be addressed is the resistance of photovoltaic modules to hail.

What is a hail test?

A hail test is traditionally used to qualify a PV module at IEC level (IEC 61215-2, MQT17) and is defined as 25 mm diameter and 80 km/h speed. Swiss standards, issued by the VKF (Vereinigung Kantonaler Feuerversicherungen, association of cantonal fire insurers), are more demanding because of the particular conditions of the environment.

Do glass//glass modules lose power after hail testing?

Glass//glass modules continue to show minimal power loss as cells are protected from cracking within the neutral plane. Branching cell cracks have been observed on glass//backsheet modules following hail testing, but ultimately these modules suffer relatively little hail-induced power loss due to the use of half-cut, multi-bus bar (MBB) cells.

How strong should a PV module withstand a hailstone?

According to IEC 61215 standard, a PV module should resist at the minimum to the impact of a hailstone of 25 mm launched at 80 km/h, while the Swiss VKF standard demands a minimum of 30 mm, practically making it 40 mm or more.

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