[RE-wrenches] Module snail trails

[Jon Dixon]

Hello All,

I have a local utility with a 50Kw array installed in 2015 consisting of 
200 ReneSola 250w modules and 3 SMA Tripower 15000TL-US -10. They are 
having Arc fault code on two of the inverters. This has been going on 
for a few years now. It happens a couple times a year generally after a 
large rain. They just reset the code and it comes back to life.

They gave me a walk through and we noticed that a number of modules have 
snail trails. I have attached a closeup picture I took and IR views of 
affected module and non affected. It was a 90 deg day when the utility 
took the IR pictures.

Causes for snail trails that I found:

  * The difference in chemical properties of EVA foils and the silver
    contacts
  * The degradation extent of the EVA material
  * Water vapor permeability of the solar panel’s backsheet material

I did find that if you have snail trails you will have micro fractures. 
I did see some info that micro fractures could cause arc faults.

Finally my question is can snail trails cause arc faults also?


Thanks Jon

-- 
Jonathan Dixon
Dixon Power Systems
3250 N 20th St  Ste 1
Lincoln, NE 68521
402-467-3240
jon at dixonpowersystems.com
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