Degradation and defects can significantly reduce your system’s efficiency and lifespan.
Addressing these issues early is crucial for maintaining optimal performance.
of the solar farms have over degradation
of the sites tested have cell level defects
of most Investors do not make use of timely warranty claims
EL imaging is a critical tool for ensuring the long-term reliability and performance of your PV systems. This versatile inspection method is applicable at every key stage of the PV lifecycle, providing detailed insights that help maintain system integrity, prevent energy losses, and support informed decision-making.
New System Acceptance Test
Before Commercial Operation Date (COD), EL imaging is used to thoroughly inspect the PV system immediately after installation. This phase is critical for identifying and addressing any defects that may have occurred during transportation or installation, such as microcracks and backsheet scratch.
Application
EL imaging detects hidden defects that are not visible through standard inspections, ensuring that the system is defect-free before it becomes fully operational.
Benefits
- Construction Quality Assurance
EL imaging identifies damages caused by construction mishandling, ensuring that all PV modules are in perfect condition from the start. - Establishing a Baseline
By establishing a performance baseline, this test provides a critical reference point for future evaluations and supports potential warranty claims, safeguarding your investment from the outset.
Case Study
Explore real-world applications of EL imaging in new system acceptance
Final Site-Acceptance Testing
The Year 2 Final Site-Acceptance Testing is a crucial inspection conducted before the end of the Defect Liability Period (DLP). This test ensures that the solar PV system is free from defects and fully compliant with performance expectations before full responsibility is transferred from the EPC contractor to the owner.
Application
EL imaging captures detailed images of the PV modules, revealing any defects, including early-stage degradation such as light-induced degradation (LID), which may not be detectable at the system level. This ensures that any potential issues are identified and addressed before they impact overall system performance.
Benefits
- Performance Validation
By identifying and addressing both visible and hidden issues, including early degradation, this test ensures that the PV system meets all performance criteria and is ready for reliable operation under the owner’s management. - EPC Liability Check
It provides a thorough review of the system’s condition, supporting the release of liability from the EPC contractor and ensuring the system is handed over in optimal condition.
Technical Due-Diligence Test
This Test is performed prior to asset transactions, refinancing reinsurance, or other significant business decisions. EL imaging offers an in-depth assessment of the PV system’s current condition allowing predict its future performance, making it an invaluable tool for investors, buyers, and lenders.
Application
EL imaging provides a comprehensive evaluation of the PV modules, uncovering hidden defects that could affect the system’s value and reliability.
Troubleshooting Test
When performance issues arise, the Troubleshooting Test is essential for diagnosing the root cause and restoring the system to its optimal condition. EL imaging plays a vital role in this phase by providing precise diagnostics that identify defective modules.
Application
EL imaging pinpoints the exact location and nature of defects, such as LID, that are causing performance drops.
Benefits
- Accurate bottleneck identification
By accurately identify the defective modules for replacement, EL imaging minimizes downtime and ensures the system returns to peak performance as quickly as possible. - System Health Restoration
Ensures that the entire system operates efficiently after the corrective actions are taken.
Case Study
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Damage Evaluation Test
After force majeure events like natural disasters, a Damage Evaluation Test is performed to assess the extent of damage to the PV system. This test is critical for documenting damage for insurance claims and ensuring the system’s post-recovery functionality.
Application
EL imaging is employed to detect internal damages, such as microcracks, that are not visible through standard inspections but are crucial for substantiating insurance claims.
Benefits
The test provides a detailed assessment of the damage, supports insurance claims, and ensures that all damaged modules are accurately identified for repair or replacement.
Case Study
Following a severe hailstorm, EL imaging revealed extensive microcracks in a solar farm in France. The detailed report generated from the EL inspection facilitated the swift processing of million insurance claim.