Services > Advanced Field Testing > Claim Support & Event Response
Claim Support & Event Response
Have a Question or Need Assistance?
-
Electroluminescence (EL) Testing
-
Infrared Thermography
-
IV Curve Tracing
-
Visual Inspection
-
Hidden electrical defect testing
-
BOS / Electrical Field Testing
Document damage after weather events, incidents, or technical disputes
When something goes wrong on a solar PV site, the first questions are usually simple: What was damaged? Where is it located? How widespread is it? And what evidence is needed for the next step?
The answer is not always visible from the outside. Hail, storms, lightning, fire, maintenance activity, cleaning equipment, or installation-related stress can damage modules, strings, and electrical components in different ways. Some damage is obvious. Other issues, such as cell cracks, bypass diode defects, or affected strings, may require targeted field testing.
Claim support and event response testing helps you document the condition of the affected PV system and produce evidence that can support insurance discussions, warranty claims, repair planning, or root-cause investigation.
When this inspection helps
The site was affected by hail, storm, lightning, fire, flooding, or windborne debris.
There was physical damage during maintenance, mowing, cleaning, or site work.
Modules look intact, but hidden cell or electrical damage is suspected.
A thermal event occurred and the system needs independent assessment.
You need evidence for an insurer, supplier, EPC, O&M provider, or owner.
You need to map the extent of damage before deciding what to repair or replace.
You need documentation that ties findings to strings, inverter blocks, module IDs, or site locations.
What we may test
The right inspection method depends on what happened, how broad the affected area is, and what evidence is needed for insurance, warranty, repair, or root-cause discussions. Intertek CEA may combine several methods to document visible damage, hidden module damage, thermal anomalies, and electrical behavior.
| Method | What it helps identify | When it is useful |
|---|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Visible damage such as broken glass, frame damage, burn marks, connector damage, impact marks, damaged wiring, and site-level evidence. | Useful as the first step after an event and for documenting visible damage for claims or repair planning. |
| Thermography | Hotspots, thermal irregularities, affected modules or strings, and electrical issues that appear during operation. | Useful for broad site screening and for mapping areas that may need closer follow-up. |
| EL testing | Hidden cell cracks, inactive cell areas, internal module damage, and cell-level defects that may not be visible from the outside. | Useful when damage may be hidden, when hail or mechanical stress is suspected, or when detailed module-level evidence is needed. |
| IV curve tracing | Electrical performance behavior of modules, strings, or sample groups. | Useful when the event may have affected output or when electrical performance needs to be confirmed. |
| Electrical field testing | Bypass diode concerns, lost substring behavior, insulation issues, connector or wiring concerns, and other electrical faults. | Useful when the event may have created safety risk or abnormal electrical behavior. |
| Serial number scan / location mapping | Traceability between inspected modules, site location, field images, and reporting outputs. | Useful when findings need to support insurance documentation, supplier discussions, replacement planning, or future follow-up. |
The exact method mix depends on the event type, suspected damage pattern, inspection urgency, site access, and how the results will be used.
How we decide the right scope
The final inspection plan depends on the event, the evidence needed, and how the results will be used.
What type of event occurred?
Different events create different damage patterns. Hail may require broad EL screening across the affected area. A thermal event may require visual inspection, thermography, and electrical checks. Maintenance or cleaning damage may call for targeted EL testing where module stress is suspected.
What needs to be proven?
Some projects need to confirm whether damage is present. Others need to define the extent of damage, classify defect types, support responsibility discussions, or provide evidence for an insurance or warranty claim.
How much of the site needs to be covered?
A large weather event may require broad screening or even full-area inspection. A localized incident may be better handled with targeted testing around the affected strings, tables, or inverter blocks.
What level of detail is needed?
A fast scan may be enough to map obvious damage across a broad area. A dispute or claim may require higher-resolution images, electrical measurements, serial number traceability, and clear location-based reporting.
How will the findings be used?
Before fieldwork starts, it helps to agree on the reporting format. Findings may need to be mapped by module serial number, string, table, inverter block, GPS location, claim area, or the site’s own naming conventions.
What you get
The report should give your team a clear view of:
Which site areas, strings, or modules were inspected
What visible, thermal, cell-level, or electrical issues were found
Whether damage appears isolated or widespread
Which findings are likely linked to the event or incident
Which modules, strings, or areas may need replacement or further testing
How findings are mapped for claims, repair planning, or stakeholder review
Whether additional root-cause analysis or laboratory testing is recommended
Request a commissioning field testing plan
Latest Field Inspection Insights
