This article investigates the delamination, snail trails, and bubbled faults of PV panels using digital thermal image analysis and their feature extraction. Real time experiments were conducted, and the test results are presented in this article. Understanding how to inspect solar panels for delamination damage is a critical skill for O&M (Operations and Maintenance) professionals and system owners alike. Delamination occurs when the bonds between the various layers of a solar panel—the glass, the encapsulant (usually EVA), the solar cells. Among the various failure modes that can plague a solar panel over its 25-to-30-year lifespan, photovoltaic module delamination stands out as one of the most persistent and damaging. Understanding the intricacies of delamination—from the microscopic chemical breakdowns to the macroscopic power. This review paper focuses on the techniques developed to delaminate solar panels, which are considered a crucial step in the recycling of EOL solar panels. Initially, various classifications of solar panels are given.
