Bulk Electroluminescence (EL) Testing

High Volume EL testing

While solar PV is a proven technology with huge potential upsides for investors, the manufacturing side of the industry is still relatively young, meaning any number of issues can affect the quality of the modules during the manufacturing phase.

Short innovation cycles lead to ever new technologies arriving with limited reliability testing done before market entry, making it a challenge for anyone without expert guidance to source top-quality modules on a consistent basis.

With a global presence, CEA can bring its technology to you, wherever you are. Our AI-supported analytics are central and based on decades of EL testing experience.

Why is onsite EL testing so important?

• Commissioning and warranty claims

• Due diligence on existing assets

• Insurance documentation

• Degradation monitoring

Comprehensive Electroluminescence (EL) Testing Plan Reduces Your Risk of Underperformance

• Non-disruptive Process
  On installed modules, testing takes place at night so that production is not disrupted. Independent of weather and irradiance. Safe operation due to system being offline.

• Efficient Sampling Strategy or High-Volume Testing
  Intelligently planned sampling procedures ensure we’re testing just enough modules to give you the information you need. But we can test them all, if needed.

• Robust Quality & Analysis of Images
  CEA takes lab-quality images to utility scale assets.
  AI-based analytics can utilize client-specific inspection criteria.

Why CEA?

Lab-Quality at Utility Scale

• Advanced String Powering

  Connect full strings, full combiner boxes, or plug directly into the inverter. Proprietary equipment and streamlined processes enable seamless switching through the system and powering of modules for testing during inspection.

• Drone EL Inspection

  Unique lift-off technology: Drones equipped with specialized EL cameras and auto-detection capabilities capture sharp images from streaming video, enabling high-volume inspections even in challenging environments such as floating PV systems, facades, rooftops, and swampy terrain or mountainous area.

• Multi Camera Tripods

  Depending on the site layout, drones may not always be the fastest solution. Instead, CEA may utilize lightweight multi-camera systems that can process thousands of high-resolution images per hour.

• AI-Powered Processing

  • We leverage EL images assessed during QA work at PV module factories around the globe.

  • We have decades of experience in EL image analysis.

  • We train our AI using specific anomalies and apply project-specific classification criteria.

When To Perform the Testing

• Commissioning and Warranty Claims: Compare factory, post-shipment, and on-site EL images to pinpoint responsibility and support claims.

• Due Diligence: Reveal hidden issues before asset acquisition or refinancing. Representative sample of full site inspection.

• Insurance Documentation: Capture evidence post storm or hail with precision imaging techniques and reliable classification of the defects.

• Degradation Monitoring: Perform repetitive inspections to track defects over time to proactively manage risk.