Simulation study of hail impact on photovoltaic modules

Abstract

The influence of hail on photovoltaic (PV) modules is one of the main reasons why PV modules lose their efficiency. Experimental and analytical research should be performed to evaluate the impact of hail on PV modules. This paper presents simulation study, where segment of PV module is exposed to hail ball, which allowed assessing: the hail ball impact on PV modules, which can create the micro-cracks in the structure of solar cells resulting in power loss generated by a solar cells. Moreover, simulation study allows to optimize the structure of solar cells in order to improve its resistance properties.