Solar modules’ electrical performance is constrained due to cracks, inactive areas and other defects that fail to be detected by conventional inspection systems. In addition, production processes in module production and the quality of the cells used, also impacts the performance.
VITRONIC’s electroluminescence inspection is capable of robotic detection of defect areas. By using relevant software, the detection can be classified and displayed prior to lamination, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the module. The archived electroluminescence images from the finished module represent the resulting quality.
Mechanical and thermal stresses are experienced with module production and incorrect wiring or wrong electrical connections are common during soldering. The novel VINSPEC solar electroluminescence inspection system from VITRONIC is capable of detecting weak active cells, inactive areas, cracks, grid line interruptions and micro-cracks. Inspections can carried out any time on the solar cell matrix and the solar cell strings. The ability to inspect during the production steps facilitates the module manufacturer to make the necessary alterations and developments, thereby optimizing the performance of module. Based on the electroluminescence inspection, the modules undergo classification and the resulting images are preserved as proof of its quality.
The technique used in electroluminescence process is based on the stimulation of module or solar cell string with electricity. Special software methods such as micro-crack detection facilitate automated image assessment, followed by displaying the defect areas on monitors measuring up to 46 in. The integrated statistics function analyzes and records the effects caused by the frequency of the individual defects.