An interview with Michelle McCann from PV Lab Australia
In a recent podcast episode, Michelle McCann, a leader at PV Lab Australia, sat down to discuss her journey in the solar industry, the challenges of ensuring quality solar panels, and the evolving role of women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Here’s a breakdown of the conversation, focusing on the critical aspects of solar panel testing, industry trends, and the importance of product quality.
Michelle’s journey into the solar industry
Michelle McCann’s story is one of passion for the environment, which began during her childhood bushwalking trips. Inspired by environmental figures like David Suzuki, she pursued a career in physics, eventually earning a PhD in the field.
Her path into photovoltaics was guided by Andrew Blakers and the Solar Group at ANU, which led her to her current role at PV Lab Australia, a company dedicated to ensuring the quality and performance of solar panels across Australia.
The role and impact of PV Lab Australia
PV Lab Australia plays a crucial role in the solar industry by conducting a variety of tests on solar panels. Michelle highlighted how PV Lab helps solar farm operators, installers, and even regulators ensure the panels they receive are of high quality and will last as expected. Through their rigorous testing process, they’ve identified differences in performance when manufacturers know their products are being tested, often resulting in a 3% increase in power output.
Michelle emphasised that PV Lab works with large-scale solar farms, residential installers, and government bodies to inspect and verify the quality of solar products. A key service they provide is identifying damage caused by transit or environmental factors like hailstorms. Their expertise allows them to detect issues such as microcracks that could drastically reduce a panel’s performance.
The challenges of quality control in solar panels
One of the most significant takeaways from the podcast was the difference in quality control between large solar farms and the residential solar market in Australia. While large solar farms often have stringent testing procedures in place, the residential market doesn’t always receive the same level of scrutiny, leading to concerns about product reliability.
Michelle shared an example of a safety test that the PV Lab conducted, where they found live parts of a solar panel connecting with areas that shouldn’t be live. Shockingly, some new panels from big-name brands failed this test, raising concerns about the long-term durability of panels used in residential installations.
Technological advances and industry changes
Over the past decade, the solar industry has evolved rapidly. Michelle mentioned how, while some aspects of solar panel quality have improved, others have declined. The rise of Chinese manufacturers has shifted the landscape, but as Michelle noted, “Good companies welcome testing,” and a reluctance to have products tested can be a red flag.
PV Lab’s work has also expanded with advances in drone technology, allowing them to inspect thousands of solar panels in a single night, greatly increasing their efficiency and accuracy in identifying damaged panels.
Solar panel manufacturing in Australia
A critical discussion point was the possibility of manufacturing solar panels in Australia. While Michelle acknowledged China’s dominance in the industry, she pointed out that many of the CEOs and engineers leading China’s solar manufacturing efforts were educated in Australia. This could provide the country with a solid foundation to start its own manufacturing sector, although the challenges of competing with China’s cost efficiency remain significant.
The importance of solar panel recycling
Michelle is a strong advocate for solar panel recycling and reuse. She explained that many solar panels, particularly those removed after only a few years, still have a significant amount of life left in them. Through collaborations with organisations like ANU and Dow Chemical, PV Lab is working on projects to refurbish and reuse solar panels, extending their lifespan and reducing waste.
Women in the solar industry
As a woman in a leadership role in the solar industry, Michelle addressed the issue of sexism. While she acknowledges that the industry is changing and becoming more inclusive, challenges still remain. She shared an anecdote about a group of women leading a project who were mistaken for the administrative team, highlighting the subtle biases that still exist in male-dominated industries.
Conclusion
Michelle McCann’s interview sheds light on the critical role PV Lab plays in maintaining the quality of solar panels in Australia. From detecting microcracks to working on solar panel recycling, PV Lab is a vital part of ensuring that solar products meet the standards needed for long-term performance. Michelle’s story also underscores the importance of having more women in leadership positions within the solar industry, as well as the need for better product testing across all market sectors.
