Tests of hail simulation and research of the resulting impact on the structural reliability of solar cells

The mandatory tests of resistance to hail is carried out in order to qualify solar cell modules according to standards (IEC 61215 and IEC 61646). The efficiency of modern photovoltaic systems decreases significantly, when the crystalline structure of solar cells is damaged as a result of climatic factors, such as wind, hail, etc., which are similar to mechanical-dynamic effects. This work presents a conducted research of efficiency and reliability of solar cells, simulating hail effects. A testbed was created specifically for carrying out experimental research. During the research, solar elements were exposed to impact, cyclic dynamic loads, with the frequency of revolutions of the balls simulating hail ranging from 5 to 20 Hz, the amplitude of the impact excitation acceleration of the solar cell up to 986 m / s2 and the force amplitude up to 1129 N. Experimental research results revealed the reliability of photovoltaic modules of different sizes during the simulation of hail. The proposed assessment methodology of hail effects can be successfully applied in studies of the influence of mechanical-dynamic effects of solar cells of different structures.