How to Identify Hidden Solar Panel Damage

Microcracks in solar panels—often invisible to the naked eye—can significantly affect system performance and claims outcomes. During a recent CLM Tech Talk, Britton Hager, a consulting engineer with EDT Forensic Engineering & Consulting, outlined the complexities of identifying and assessing these defects, which lie beneath the surface of the solar cell. His presentation focused on the diagnostic advantages of electroluminescence (EL) scanning in insurance claim investigations.

EL scanning allows for the detection of microcracks by energizing solar panels at night, causing them to emit light in a manner similar to LEDs. A special camera captures internal patterns of damage, helping professionals pinpoint issues and determine causation—whether due to hail, poor installation, or manufacturing defects. Hager emphasized that understanding the root cause of a microcrack is just as important as finding the damage itself.

He also addressed the limitations of infrared drone scanning, which, while quicker, only detects surface-level anomalies once microcracks have developed into heat-emitting hotspots. In contrast, EL scanning can catch these issues earlier in the damage timeline.

Hager concluded with actionable advice for insurance professionals: clearly define investigative goals, collaborate closely with consultants and contractors, and choose the right tools for the job. Understanding how and why a defect occurred can lead to more accurate assessments and better-informed claim decisions.