Application of Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera for Solar Panel Inspection And Maintenance

The word solar panel may not be totally strange to us but for further advance in knowledge, we could just delve into it a little and that would further reinforce the usefulness of a Fotric thermal camera which is capable of both inspecting and maintaining the solar panel. Great features, right? Typically, what a solar panel does is to directly or indirectly convert solar radiation energy into electric energy. This can be achieved also either through a photoelectric effect or photochemical effect. It is a known fact that the major material used on the solar panel is silicon. As it is, solar cell saves more energy and is compatible with environmental standards relative to some other ordinary batteries and batteries that are rechargeable.

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY CUSTOMERS

Unarguably, during the manufacturing process of a device or an object certain errors may be encountered and this same principle applies in the manufacturing of the solar panel. Other faults may also be found during both processes of transporting and installation and also the usage of the solar panel. Faults can show up owing to damage or due to poor interphase. It could as well show up due to aging. Usually, the fundamental explanation for technical issues with the use of a solar panel is due to the challenges encountered in the soldering of tin material and also attributed to poor bonding.  As a result, if a solar panel with these issues is installed for usage and starts to produce electricity, what happens is that the ambient temperature changes a lot with respect to time and as a result, the severity of the poor contact originally in the soldering of tin increases. The resultant effect is that an increment in resistance occurs between the unit and the busbar. The current generated will then be converted into heat and also dissipated to form what is known as the hot spot. This situation can be worsened as time goes on. One of the most important factors that can adversely affect the optimal functioning of the solar panel is the hot spot effect. In the event that the hot spot effect is handled with levity and timely actions are not undertaken, the solar panel may be at risk of greater damage and that will greatly affect its performance. Extensive damage can also happen to sensitive and other core components.

ACTIONS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY CUSTOMERS

Pre-sales:

As stated in the contract, upon delivery of the solar panel, examination of the solar components will be carried out and the issuance of the infrared thermal imaging findings.

Sequel to the Pre-sale activities, components will be examined to detect the hot spot effect also known as the hot spot shade test. This will also lead to the issuance of a thermal imaging report.

Follow up on Product: A technician will be on the ground to provide technical assistance should there arise any form of issue. The technician engages the use of an infrared thermal camera to detect quality issues during inspection.

More on the hot spot effect:

It is very much possible for particles of dust and leaves from trees to register their presence on the solar panel thereby causing some parts to become shaded either totally or partially. The implications of these foreign invaders on the solar panel is that those parts that have become shaded will not produce electricity and will also go ahead to consume the production of the electricity by the other unshaded parts on the solar panel. This process ultimately will cause the other shaded solar cells modules to heat up thereby leading to the hot spot effect.

DANGER

As a result of the temperature produced by the shaded solar cells leading to hot spot effect, melting of the joints that were soldered will occur if the temperature produced has exceeded the maximum point. The grid line also on the solar cell module can be destroyed and finally leading to the entire scrapping of the modules of the solar cells. There is a valid statistic that indicates the hot spot effect could truncate the service life of the solar panel by as high as 10 % and even more than.

CURRENT PROBABLE SOLUTIONS AND LIMITATIONS.

At present, Fotric thermal camera is recognized to be one of the ultimate testing tool available for use. 

USE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE FOTRIC THERMAL CAMERA

The Fotric thermal camera can be used to inspect and detect other irregular faults on the solar panel. For the hot spot shade test to be performed, a Fotric thermal camera is needed and comes in very handy so as to detect abnormalities.

Also, the Fotric thermal camera locates the shade and any other problem that could be present on the solar panel or the modules responsible for producing electricity in a photovoltaic power station. It is noteworthy to state that the overheating of the connection box under the solar cells will result in a high temperature which in turns leads to a hot spot effect.

Next, active application of a Fotric thermal camera is that it enhances automatic thermal images caption together with the QR code/bar code. What this translates into is that, test samples can better be managed and after-sales follow-up can be carried out owing to the fact that accurate reports would have been gotten. All these will, in turn, increase the reliability and then adequate steps can be undertaken on the solar panels for optimal use.

Furthermore, cloud services are compatible with the Fotric thermal camera. The positive implication of this great and advanced feature is that information on the state of the various parts can easily be assessed thus bridging the gap between the manufacturers and the customers. Customers are resting assured that the information obtained can then be used to serve them better.   

RECOMMENDED THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA PACKAGE

The FOTRIC 220 series infrared thermal imaging camera which is configured with L91 ultra-wide angle lens and 30 units of Fotric 443 IR windows used in the reconstruction of the electrical cabinet of plant distribution rooms.

• Fotric 225 Pro. Thermal Camera 320x240 with 24° and 76° lenses
• Fotric 226 Pro. Thermal Camera 384x288 with 28° and 91° lenses
• Fotric 227 Pro. Thermal Camera 512x384 with 23° and 72° lenses
• Fotric 228 Pro. Thermal Camera 640x480 with 28° and 92° lenses

OTHER USES OF FOTRIC THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS

The manufacturers of the various parts of the solar panel can make use of the Fotric thermal camera. The Fotric thermal camera also finds its usefulness in R&D and also in testing departments. The customer service unit is not left out. Also serve as a maintenance service tool in photovoltaic power stations.

MORE QUESTIONS?

To learn more about FOTRIC infrared thermal imaging cameras, please visit www.NovaTestPro.com or contact info@NovaTestPro.com for any inquiries.