Services > Advanced Field Testing > Incoming Goods & Site Acceptance Inspection
Incoming Goods & Site Acceptance Inspection
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Electroluminescence (EL) Testing
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IV Curve Tracing
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Visual Inspection
Check module condition before installation
Modules can be damaged during shipping, unloading, storage, or handling on site. Some damage is visible. Other damage, such as cell cracks, may only show up with the right field test.
A site acceptance inspection helps you document module condition before installation, so transport or handling issues can be identified early and compared against factory records where available.
When this inspection helps
Modules have arrived on site.
Packaging looks damaged.
There are concerns about transport or unloading.
A supplier or EPC requires incoming goods checks.
You need documentation before modules are installed.
You want a baseline before commissioning.
What we may test
The right inspection method depends on what needs to be confirmed. For incoming goods or site acceptance, Intertek CEA may use visual inspection, EL testing, IV curve tracing, or a combination of methods.
| Method | What it helps identify | When it is useful |
|---|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Obvious physical damage, broken glass, frame damage, backsheet issues, connector damage, and packaging damage. | Useful for first-level screening and documentation when modules arrive on site. |
| EL testing | Hidden cell cracks, inactive cell areas, and internal module damage that may not be visible from the outside. | Useful when visual inspection is not enough, or when field images need to be compared with factory EL images. |
| IV curve tracing | Electrical performance behavior of modules or sample groups. | Useful when performance confirmation is needed, or when shipment damage may affect module output. |
How we decide the right scope
The final inspection plan depends on a few practical questions:
What condition are the modules in when they arrive?
If packaging is intact and risk appears low, a defined visual inspection and sample-based EL may be enough. If packaging is damaged, modules were mishandled, or several visible defects are found, a broader inspection may be needed.
Are factory records available?
If factory EL images or production records are available, field EL images can help compare module condition before and after shipment. This can support clearer discussions about whether damage happened in production, transport, or handling.
What evidence do you need?
A quick internal quality check may need less documentation than a supplier dispute, warranty discussion, or insurance claim. If the result may be used in a claim, the inspection plan should produce defensible records: module IDs, serial numbers, images, locations, and clear defect classification.
Are the modules installed yet?
Uninstalled modules can be tested differently than installed modules. If modules are still on pallets or staged on site, mobile lab or controlled on-site testing may be practical. If modules are already installed, the approach may shift toward commissioning field testing.
What you get
The report should give the client a clear view of:
Which modules were inspected
What damage or anomalies were found
Which issues were visible and which were hidden
Whether additional testing is recommended
How findings are documented by serial number, batch, pallet, or site location
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