APRIL 2014

Snail Trails, a phenomenon to pay

attention to
Pyry Energy S.r.l. has developed a protocol for the analysis of the snail trail
phenomenon to evaluate the photovoltaic plants reliability.

Snail Trail What is it? Possible problems on the What we can do?
plants.
The Snail Trail phenomenon is a Once detected the first Snail Trails,
silicon degradation due to The phenomenon has started to Pyry can provide an assessment
pollution from the internal be studied recently and an defining the criticality level of the
components of the modules and historical database of the impacts phenomenon, the causes, the
from humidity infiltration from the on the plant production and effects, the responsibilities and the
back side of the PV modules. It is reliability is not yet available. mitigation measures (if any).
caused by micro crack inside the
silicon layer that can be due to Anyway, the sectorial experts and The activities provided during the
manufacturing, packaging, technologists agree on a assessment will foresee an
transport, handling and correlation between the snail trails analysis of:
installation. and a decrease of the PV
modules performance and life PV plant with thermographic
His name reflects the aspect of duration. measurements during the visit
the phenomenon that can be of the plant;
recognized in the modules as a structure design and modules
trail of a different color on their installation methodology;
surface. production process of the
modules;
packaging, transport and
handling;
bill of materials;
available production data.

Pyry Energy S.r.l. (Italia) Via Pietro Chiesa 9 16149 Genova, Italy
Telephone: +39 02 3659 6900
Telefax: +39 02 3659 6916
www.poyry.com
 APRIL 2014

Pyry Energy Srl

Pyry is a global consulting and We also offer engineering service

engineering company dedicated such as: Project development
to balanced sustainability and support, Due diligence, Lenders
responsible business Engineering, Owners Engineering

About 7 000 experts in about We would be pleased to discuss

50 countries; with you how our market insight
Project experience in over can help your business.
100 countries

Pyry Energy S.r.l. is the Italian

branch of Pyry Energy and has
been active for several years in
providing engineering services for
the licensing, construction and
commissioning of power plants.

Currently Pyry Energy S.r.l.

operates actively in various
sectors of Energy (Bioenergy,
Wind, Geothermal, Hydroelectric,
Nuclear, Solar and
Thermoelectric) guaranteeing the
Customer experience,
competence and professionalism.

Pyry is a global consulting and engineering company dedicated to balanced sustainability. We offer our Contact Pyry for more information:
clients total solutions for complex projects and efficient, best-in-class design and supervision. Our in-depth
expertise extends to the fields of industry, energy, urban & mobility and water & environment. Pyry has Alessio Giuffra
7000 experts operating in about 50 countries, locally and globally. Managing Director
Pyry Energy S.r.l.
Via Pietro Chiesa, 9
16149 Genova

Tel. +39 349 5392966

Fax +39 010 2910540
E-mail: alessio.giuffra@poyry.com

Maurizio Parodi
Competence Line Manager
Pyry Energy Srl (Italia)
Via Pietro Chiesa, 9
16149 Genova, Italy

Tel: +39 010 2910556

Fax +39 010 2910540
E-mail: maurizio.parodi@poyry.com