Photovoltaic Imaging of Solar Cells and Modules

Defects in solar cells drastically decrease their efficiency and lifetime. Therefore, quality inspection and characterization of solar cells and solar modules with electroluminescence is critical in the photovoltaic industry.

The coolSamBa cameras from Sensovation have been specifically de­signed for low-light luminescence imaging applications. Equipped with sensitive, high-resolution, scientific grade Si-CCD sensors, 16-bit ADCs and powerful 4-stage Peltier thermo-electric cooling, coolSamBa cameras provide images of high signal to noise ratio in demanding applications such as luminescence imaging for solar cell characterization.

The coolSamBa HR-400 and the coolSamBa HR-830 are best suited for in-line as well as off-line production characterization of solar cells and modules. The optimally balanced combination of sensitivity, spatial resolution and fast image read- out allows electroluminescence imaging at a speed of 1 image/sec (full imaging cycle including integration and read-out time).

Photovoltaic Imaging Applications:

• Process control in solar cell manufacturing
• in-line and off-line characterization of solar cells and modules
• electro-luminescence imaging
• photo-luminescence imaging
• micro crack identification
• detection of disconnected fingers
• shunt detection

Features of coolSamBa Cameras:

• customized scientific grade CCD sensors
• excellent near IR sensitivity (1,000 – 1,100nm)
• very high spatial resolution ( up to 63µm on 156mm x 156mm cells )
• 4-stage TE cooling of CCD for ultra-low noise imaging
• 16 bit dynamic range
• proven in electroluminescence imaging in solar cell production
• most cost efficient

Cameras for Photovoltaic Imaging:

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