Lock-in thermography as a tool for quality control of photovoltaic modules

Vetter A, Fecher F, Adams J, Schaeffler R, Theisen JP, Brabec C, Buerhop C (2013)

Publication Language: English

Publication Status: Published

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2013

Journal

Energy Science and Engineering

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Book Volume: 1

Pages Range: 12-17

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1002/ese3.1

Abstract

In this short communication, we present a method which utilizes contactless ILIT (illuminated lock-in thermography) measurement of a photovoltaic (PV) module and image postprocessing in order to calculate the peak power Pmpp of the module and to study the influence of local defects on the module performance. In total, 103 Copper-Indium-Gallium-Diselenide (CIGS) modules were investigated and the results showed a good correlation (mean error less than 6%) between the calculated IR-signal and the measured Pmpp. We performed our study on CIGS modules but the presented approach is not restricted to CIGS modules. The method provides a valuable tool for PV quality control. We present a method which utilizes contactless ILIT (illuminated lock-in thermography) measurement of PV modules and image postprocessing in order to calculate the peak power of the modules. The method provides a valuable tool for PV quality control. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Authors with CRIS profile

Christoph Brabec Institute Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology (i-MEET)

Involved external institutions

Bayerisches Zentrum für Angewandte Energieforschung e.V. (ZAE Bayern) DE Germany (DE) Manz CIGS Technology GmbH DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Vetter, A., Fecher, F., Adams, J., Schaeffler, R., Theisen, J.-P., Brabec, C., & Buerhop, C. (2013). Lock-in thermography as a tool for quality control of photovoltaic modules. Energy Science and Engineering, 1(1), 12-17. https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ese3.1

MLA:

Vetter, Andreas, et al. "Lock-in thermography as a tool for quality control of photovoltaic modules." Energy Science and Engineering 1.1 (2013): 12-17.

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