Released in May 2020

DuPont runs a unique program featuring a multi-step inspection protocol conducted by DuPont scientists and engineers in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The 2020 field report was compiled from inspection and analysis of nearly 3 gigawatts (GW) of photovoltaic (PV) installations around the globe, spanning 9 million panels. A number of variables were analyzed in the course of the inspections including component, material, mounting, time in service and climate.

Key findings (compared to 2019):

Total module defects:30 percent
Total backsheet defects:16 percent
The overall outer layer cracking rate of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) backsheets increased by more than three times
Emerging trends in backsheet failures include:
Rapid increase in cracking in PVDF backsheets
Cracking of inner layers
Delamination in double glass modules.

Read the full research and results in the complete Global PV Reliability Report.