Can imaging technologies be used to analyze faults in photovoltaic (PV) modules?

This paper presents a review of imaging technologies and methods for analysis and characterization of faults in photovoltaic (PV) modules. The paper provides a brief overview of PV system (PVS) reliability studies and monitoring approaches where fault related PVS power loss is evaluated.

What are the disadvantages of PV module inspection?

The conventional approach to PV module inspection is to use a hand-held infrared sensor and perform visual inspection in-situ by a human operator. The main disadvantages of this method, when applied to a large-scale PV power plant, are that it is time-consuming and costly .

What is the fqc of PV modules?

The FQC refers to quality control of finished PV modules after they are cured. It mainly involves visual inspection, electroluminescence imaging, I-V measurement, ground resistance test and insulation test. This step of inspection involves all testing prior to packing and is performed on each piece of the sample.

Can a thermographic inspection improve PV maintenance decisions?

Starting from well-known mathematical models of PVMs, Pinceti et al. propose an innovative approach to correlate the results of a thermographic inspection with the power losses and the consequent income reduction, as a valid tool for supporting decisions about the maintenance actions on PV plants .

What is a severe rating on a solar PV module?

The schematics in the Terminology section describe where each component is found on a common solar PV module. A Severity Rating is also defined to give users guidelines on how concerning a particular defect may be.

How do aerial inspection systems identify faulty modules?

Infrared thermography in aerial inspection systems efficiently identify faulty modules. UV-Fluorescence, electroluminescence and photoluminescence imaging identify faults. The massive growth of PV farms, both in number and size, has motivated new approaches in inspection system design and monitoring.