Case Study: The Microcracking Headache

The Challenge

Microcracking – invisible damage to the crystalline structure of solar panels – is one of the most prevalent issues facing solar assets today. These microscopic cracks can occur during manufacturing, transportation, installation, or from environmental stressors like hail and strong winds. Traditional insurance policies require electroluminescence (EL) imaging to verify damage, forcing owners to test panels individually at hundreds of dollars per module. This creates significant upfront expenses and operational disruptions, often making claims impractical to pursue.

The Solution: Simplified Coverage

kWh Analytics developed an innovative approach that eliminates the need for costly panel-by-panel testing:

• • Coverage triggered by visible damage indicators

• • Entire strings covered when damage threshold is met

• • No upfront testing costs

How It Works

The kWh Analytics Microcracking Endorsement is simplified coverage. When as few as three panels in a string are visibly damaged, all panels in the affected string are automatically covered and replaced, with no individual panel testing required.