New Product: mbj-Solutions applies electroluminescence inspection to modules

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Product Briefing Outline: mbj-Solutions have introduced an offline solar module inspection system designed for the use in the factory and laboratory. The ‘SolarModule EL-basic’ is an advanced offline electroluminescence inspection system. Different module sizes, laminated and not laminated can be inspected without any extensive adjustment work. The design of the system combines usability, high resolution, short tact time and fast return on investment in one machine.

Problem: Micro cracks on solar modules are mostly invisible to the human eye, yet present a significant risk of decreasing the module’s performance. Micro cracks can happen anywhere and anytime, during production, transportation or installation.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Solution: Once a module is placed on the roller tables, sensors detect its leading edge and the module is moved into the system automatically. Guide rollers assure the module’s precise positioning. The operator connects the power supply to the solar module. After the electrical connection is confirmed, the module will be conveyed to the inspection position and the operator may close the front cover. Image acquisition starts automatically. A high resolution image is captured of each solar cell. Three cooled near infrared (NIR) CCD cameras are moved to acquire images of each particular solar cell within the module under test. This inspection concept allows for shortest inspection cycles and highest resolution. All images of a 6 x 10 module will be captured in less than 30 seconds. The images are displayed on the user interface in a matrix view and the operator can grade the module as either ‘good’ or ‘reject’ depending on the defects visible in the images.

Applications: The system can be used for offline testing or in semi automated operation for inline applications in final inspection at the end of the solar module production line, before lamination process, in the laboratory or for trading companies to audit their suppliers. The system is designed for both mono- and multi crystalline silicon solar modules. Its software controlled test module power supply allows it to run all available module power classes, e.g. 6 x 10 module with 200Wp, 210Wp, etc…

Platform: The Solar Module EL-basic has a unique mechanical design which makes it very flexible and very easy to operate. Roller tables provide effortless loading and unloading of the modules which are facing down during the entire procedure. This design allows inspecting framed and non-laminated modules in various sizes and formats with only one machine and without any prior adjustments.

Availability: Currently available.

Read Next

May 22, 2025
US energy utility AES has signed two long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with technology giant Meta for two solar PV projects in the US states of Texas and Kansas.
May 22, 2025
The New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) has contracted 2.2GW of solar PV across 18 projects.
May 22, 2025
SMA Solar will begin local assembly of power systems for large-scale solar and energy storage systems in the US.
May 22, 2025
Prefabricated solar structure provider 5B has become the first recipient of the Australian government’s AU$1 billion Solar Sunshot Program, securing up to AU$46 million for its “Maverick” automated solar deployment system.
May 21, 2025
There is potential for cPPAs to deliver the energy transition, according to speakers at the Renewables Procurement and Revenue Summit.
May 21, 2025
US PV module manufacturer Silfab Solar has acquired a patent portfolio for back-contact (BC) solar cells from solar research firm EnPV.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
June 17, 2025
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 8, 2025
Asia
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece