22 APPLICATION ARTICLES ALLIED VISION www.alliedvision.com Photovoltaic module inspection systems Photovoltaic Module In-Line Inspection


Structural defects in solar cells such as micro-cracks, degradation and shunted areas may stem from challenges in silicon processing, the quality of crystalline lattices or other external influences. DISSEM, Allied Vision’s partner in Korea, helped leading providers of solar cell inspection systems develop a cost-efficient imaging solution based on electroluminescence in the near-infrared spectrum. Many defects cannot be visually observed with conventional imaging systems. However, Electroluminescence (EL) Imaging can accurately detect numerous failures and ageing effects in both crystalline and thin film solar modules. EL imaging consists of applying a direct current to the solar module and measuring the photoemission by means of an infrared-sensitive camera. Since these emissions are very weak, extremely sensitive cameras are required. Good soſtware is also required to study the image for dark defects, uniformity and overall efficiency of the cell. Based on the severity of the defects, the cell will either be accepted or rejected. Multiple cameras are utilised in an enclosure free from ambient light.


Photovoltaic module inspection is carried out in a specific wavelength range of 950- 1250nm. The camera must have the ability to precisely render the whole panel in a single exposure with the required resolution for easy detection of broken contacts, and the sensitivity needed to detect varying but weak emissions. The Manta G-145B Near-Infrared (NIR) is equipped with a CCD image sensor with good responsivity in the NIR region, delivering 20~30% QE at 900nm, low read noise and down to sub-second frame read out. It is capable of detecting shunts, crystalline defects and broken finger electrodes both before and aſter the lamination process. The favourable and affordable price of the Manta camera was a key factor in the customer choosing this camera for their PV Module Inspection System. In addition, Allied Vision’s VIMBA Soſtware Development Kit is intuitive and simple to use, making it efficient and convenient during the whole set-up.


For particularly demanding photovoltaic inspection applications, Allied Vision’s


Goldeye camera series offer a more advanced solution. Goldeye is a short-wave infrared camera with a maximal sensitivity between 900 and 1,700 nm, which makes it an ideal solution to detect weaker electroluminescent emissions at higher wavelengths.


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