Advancing Photovoltaic Module Inspection: The Power of UV Imaging for Comprehensive Material Analysis and Quality Assurance

Buerhop C, Van Dyk EE, Vorster FJ, Stroyuk O, Mashkov O, Crozier McCleland JL, Vumbugwa M, Hauch J, Peters IM (2024)

Publication Type: Conference contribution

Publication year: 2024

Journal

Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.

Pages Range: 250-252

Conference Proceedings Title: Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference

Event location: Seattle, WA, USA

ISBN: 9781665464260

DOI: 10.1109/PVSC57443.2024.10749225

Abstract

This study highlights the versatile applications of UV fluorescence imaging for solar park inspection. Beyond visualizing cell cracks, UV imaging efficiently classifies backsheet (BSh) types, assesses EVA degradation, and correlates with corrosion and insulation issues without system interruption. Utilizing a 1 MWp solar power plant as an example, UV imaging on 558 PV modules reveals three distinct patterns correlating with NIRA-identified BSh types. Critical issues, affecting 12.8% of modules with PET-based, multilayered BShs with a fluorinated coating (FC-PET-PP), include cracks, corrosion, and severe insulation problems (Riso < 8 MΩ) for 27% of strings. The results, achieved with a throughput rate of 220 modules per hour, underscore UV imaging's efficacy in discerning nuanced module conditions. Scaling this holistic approach promises statistically significant insights into PV system performance. The study advocates for elevated decision-making and maintenance strategies in the solar energy sector, emphasizing the transformative potential of UV imaging for comprehensive solar module assessments.

Involved external institutions

Forschungszentrum Jülich / Research Centre Jülich (FZJ) DE Germany (DE) Nelson Mandela University ZA South Africa (ZA)

How to cite

APA:

Buerhop, C., Van Dyk, E.E., Vorster, F.J., Stroyuk, O., Mashkov, O., Crozier McCleland, J.L.,... Peters, I.M. (2024). Advancing Photovoltaic Module Inspection: The Power of UV Imaging for Comprehensive Material Analysis and Quality Assurance. In Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (pp. 250-252). Seattle, WA, USA: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc..

MLA:

Buerhop, Claudia, et al. "Advancing Photovoltaic Module Inspection: The Power of UV Imaging for Comprehensive Material Analysis and Quality Assurance." Proceedings of the 52nd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2024, Seattle, WA, USA Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2024. 250-252.

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