SEMI International Standards
Standards New Activity Report Form (SNARF)
Date Prepared: 09/12/2014Revised (if Applicable):

Document Number: 5773
SNARF for: New Standard: Test Method for Cell Defects in Crystalline Silicon PV Modules by Using Electroluminescence

Originating Global Technical Committee: Photovoltaic
Originating TC Chapter: China
Task Force (TF) in which work is to be carried out: PV Module Task Force
Note: If a new task force is needed, also submit a task force organization form (TFOF)

___________________________________________________________________________
1. Rationale:
a. Describe the need or problem addressed by this activity.
(Indicate the customer, what benefits they will receive, and if possible, quantify the impact on the return on investment [ROI] if the Document is implemented.)
Solar energy is one of the important types of renewable energy. PV module is the core of photovoltaic power generation system, so how to improve the quality of PV modules and reduce the production cost of it is the primary tasks of PV industry.
In recent years, the photovoltaic industry is developing rapidly with the strong support of governments; but the overcapacity greatly influenced the development of solar companies, so the inter-enterprise integration and restructuring of PV enterprises is the inevitable trend in photovoltaic industry development. In order to remain invincible in the photovoltaic industry PV enterprises need to improve the quality of product and reduce production costs; therefore the quality of solar cells directly determines the quality of PV products. In other words, cell quality is an important guarantee for photoelectric converting of PV products.
Micro-defects could be caused in solar cells and PV modules in the course of improper manufacturing process, transportation, etc., which will influence the power generation efficiency and service lifetime of PV modules. The micro-defects may affect the power system by easily producing hot spot effect in the long-term lifetime in photovoltaic products; and consequently reduce the energy efficiency of the entire photovoltaic power generation system.
Currently, there is no universal PV modules micro-defects detection method in photovoltaic industry. Developing and implementing the standard of PV modules micro-defects detection method can effectively recognize and locate such as micro-cracks, grid finger, welding defects and other type of micro-defects in cells and modules. According to the monitoring results, production department can reasonably adjust the manufacturing process in a timely manner to improve the module quality. Developing and implementing such standard can also provide a common platform for manufacturers and customer of photovoltaic products on the micro-defect detection methods to further improve the quality of PV products, thereby to provide more reliable photovoltaic products for customers .


b. Estimate effect on industry.
1: Major effect on entire industry or on multiple important industry sectors - identify the relevant sectors
Sector or Company Information: PV Module

c. Estimate technical difficulty of the activity.
II: Some Difficulty - Disagreements on known requirements exist but developing consensus is possible

___________________________________________________________________________
2. Scope:
a: Describe the technical areas to be covered or addressed by this Document development activity. For Subordinate Standards, list common concepts or criteria that the Subordinate Standard inherits from the Primary Standard, as well as differences from the Primary Standard:
This is one test method for internal defect detection of crystalline silicon PV Modules by using Electroluminescence (EL). The main test methods are detecting and determining the micro-defects of photovoltaic cells and PV modules.
The main technical contents include:
Cell micro- defects classification;
Micro-defects standard in production;
Operating steps of Electroluminescent detector ;
The requirement of Camera system and image acquisition system etc.
This standard uses the premise that the shooting system uses internal defects by a qualified agency calibrated measuring testing the use of equipment and systems to meet the requirements provided by the manufacturer calibration bodies adjust to the best state of the system can be unified operation.
add new
1.The machine for use by a third party qualified calibration sample defect is detected, and is owned by the type of defect inside a reasonable; 2. Defect database constantly improve and standardize manufacturers and users, standardize and enhance the overall industry quality assurance; 3.Manufacturing, transportation, installation process defects are detected, improving the manufacturing process to solve the economic trade fair business disputes;

b: Expected result of activity
New Standard or Safety Guideline (including replacement of an existing Standard or Safety Guideline)

For a new Subordinate Standard, identify the Primary Standard here:




For Standards, identify the Standard Subtype below:


Miscellaneous (describe below):

___________________________________________________________________________
3. Projected Timetable for Completion:

a: General Milestones
a. Activity Start: 09/01/2014b. 1st Draft by: 05/01/2015
c. (Optional) Informational Ballot by: 09/01/2015d. Letter Ballot by: 12/01/2015
e. TC Chapter Approval By:03/01/2016

_____________________________________________________________________________
4. Liaisons with other Global Technical Committees/TC Chapters/Subcommittees/TFs:
a. List SEMI global technical committees, TC Chapters, subcommittees, or task forces in your or other Regions/Locales that should be kept informed regarding the progress of this activity. (Refer to SEMI Standards organization charts and global technical committee charters and scopes as needed.)
PV Materials Committee

b. List any planned Type I Liaisons with external nonprofit organizations (e.g., SDO) that should receive Draft Documents from Standards staff for feedback during this activity and be notified when the Letter Ballot is issued (refer to Procedure Manual § 7):


c. Intercommittee Ballots:


Identify the recipient global technical committee(s):

___________________________________________________________________________
5. Safety Considerations:
The resulting document is expected:
NOT to be a Safety Guideline

NOTE FOR "to be a Safety Guideline": When all safety-related information is removed from the Document, the Document is NOT technically sound and complete - Refer to Section 15.1 of the Regulations for special procedures to be followed.

NOTE FOR "NOT to be a Safety Guideline": When all safety-related information is removed from the Document, the Document is still technically sound and complete.

___________________________________________________________________________
6. Intellectual Property Considerations:
Note: Both a: and b: below should be checked for Revision of existing Standard(s) and Safety Guideline(s).

a. For a new Standard or Safety Guideline and for any part to be modified or added in a Revision of published Standards and Safety Guidelines:


If "patented technology is intended to be included in the proposed Standard(s) or Safety Guideline(s) " is selected above, then also check one:


b. For Revision, Reapproval, Reinstatement, or Withdrawal of existing Standard(s) and Safety Guideline(s):


c. The body of the Document and any Appendices, Complementary Files, Related Information sections, or Various Materials that may or may not be a part of the Document by reference:



NOTE FOR ‘the use of patented technology or the incorporation of Copyrighted Item(s) is NOT required’: If in the course of developing the Document, it is determined that the use of patented technology or Copyrighted Item(s) is necessary for the Document, the provisions of Regulations § 16 must be followed.

NOTE FOR ’will incorporate Copyrighted Item’: A copyright release letter must be obtained from the copyright owner prior to publication.

___________________________________________________________________________
7. Comments, Special Circumstances:
Combine with DOC 5768, DOC 5830 and start a new SNARF.

__________________________________________________________________________
8. TC Member Review:


Member Review Start Date; None.
Member Review End Date: None.

NOTE FOR ‘TC Member Review’ is required by the Regulations for a period of at least two weeks
before approval of a new, or a major revision of an existing, Standard or Safety Guideline. (Refer to Regulations ¶ 8.2.1)
__________________________________________________________________________

9. SNARF Approval Dates:
TC Chapter or GCS09/12/2014
Recorded in TC Minutes

__________________________________________________________________________

10. SNARF Extension Dates:
TC Chapter Extension Granted on
Extension Expires on