Field Inspection Overview

Incoming Goods / Site Acceptance

Check module condition before installation.

Document visible and hidden damage before modules are installed, so transport or handling issues can be identified while responsibility is still easier to establish.

When this inspection helps

• Modules have arrived on site and need to be checked before installation.
• Packaging, pallets, or modules show signs of transport or handling damage.
• You need to compare incoming condition with factory or pre-shipment records.
• You need evidence before accepting, installing, or replacing modules.

Commissioning Field Testing

Create an as-installed baseline before handover.

Establish a documented reference for module, string, and system condition that can support handover and future comparisons.

When this inspection helps

• The PV system is being prepared for handover or operation.
• You need to identify transport or installation-related damage.
• Factory or pre-installation EL images are available for comparison.
• You want Golden Rows, reference strings, or random samples for later inspections.

Technical Due Diligence

Understand hidden asset risk before a transaction.

Assess the real field condition of an operating PV asset before an acquisition, refinancing, investment, or portfolio decision.

When this inspection helps

• You are buying, refinancing, or reviewing an operating PV asset.
• Available site records do not provide a complete condition baseline.
• You need to know whether issues are isolated or repeated across the asset.
• You need a repeatable inspection approach across multiple sites.

Yield Loss Investigation / Root Cause Analysis

Find where performance losses are coming from.

Narrow underperformance from a plant-level concern to the modules, strings, areas, or failure modes that may explain the loss.

When this inspection helps

• The PV system is producing less energy than expected.
• The loss is visible, but its cause or location is unclear.
• Hotspots, cracks, glass damage, or hidden electrical defects are suspected.
• You need evidence for repair, warranty, or remediation decisions.

Safety Audits

Identify safety and fire risks before an incident occurs.

Review visible, thermal, and electrical conditions that may increase fire, personnel, equipment, or operational risk.

When this inspection helps

• You want a preventive safety review of an operating PV system.
• Wiring, connectors, damaged components, or installation quality are concerns.
• Hotspots or abnormal thermal patterns have appeared.
• Hidden bypass diode or BOS electrical risks may be present.

Hotspot & Electrical Risk Investigation

Find what is causing abnormal heating or electrical behavior.

Investigate whether hotspots originate in the module, string, wiring, connector, combiner box, or another part of the electrical system.

When this inspection helps

• Thermal scans show hotspots or recurring anomalies.
• Modules or strings show abnormal electrical behavior.
• Standard inspection has not explained the issue.
• LBPD, wiring, connector, insulation, or BOS risk is suspected.

Claim Support & Event Response

Document damage after an event or technical dispute.

Establish what was damaged, where it occurred, and how broadly the affected condition extends across the site.

When this inspection helps

• The site was affected by hail, storm, lightning, fire, or flooding.
• Maintenance, mowing, cleaning, or site work may have caused damage.
• Modules appear intact, but hidden damage is suspected.
• You need evidence for an insurer, supplier, EPC, owner, or O&M provider.

Request a Field Testing Plan

Start with the question, then define the inspection.

Intertek CEA can review the issue, available records, site constraints, and decision you need to make before recommending a practical field testing scope.