The hot-spot phenomenon is a relatively frequent problem occurring in current
photovoltaic generators. It entails both a risk for the photovoltaic module's
lifetime and a decrease in its operational efficiency. Nevertheless, there is
still a lack of widely accepted procedures for dealing with them in practice.
This paper presents the IES-UPM observations on 200 affected modules. Visual
and infrared inspection, electroluminescence, peak power and operating voltage
tests have been accomplished. Hot-spot observation procedures and well defined
acceptance and rejection criteria are proposed, addressing both the lifetime
and the operational efficiency of the modules. The operating voltage has come
out as the best parameter to control effective efficiency losses for the
affected modules. This procedure is oriented to its possible application in
contractual frameworks.Comment: 6 pages, 13 figures, conference proceedings 29th European
Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, Amsterdam, 201
