Method and System for Evaluation of Solar Cells

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention describes a method and system for evaluating the quality of solar cells, particularly in photovoltaic modules, by using a specialized lighting and imaging setup. Several adjustable light sources are arranged around a camera, which is mounted on a support structure or potentially on a drone. The lighting ensures the solar cells are uniformly illuminated, and the camera captures high-resolution images of the illuminated cells. These images are then analyzed to assess the condition of the solar cells, such as identifying defects or performance losses, without needing direct physical or electrical contact with the solar modules. The system is optimized for both laboratory and outdoor, in-situ inspections, including drone-based surveys.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Routine inspection and maintenance of rooftop and ground-based photovoltaic systems to ensure optimal performance.
• Quality assurance during manufacturing or installation of solar panels by quickly identifying defective cells.
• Insurance assessments to verify the integrity of solar panels following damage or for claims processing.
• Pre-sale inspections for used or newly installed solar panels to demonstrate system quality to buyers.
• Research and development in solar cell technology, providing rapid feedback on new designs or materials.
• Automated drone-based large-scale solar farm surveys, reducing manual labor and increasing safety.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Non-invasive evaluation—no need to physically or electrically connect to the solar panels, reducing risk and speeding up inspections.
• Homogeneous and adjustable illumination enables highly accurate detection of a wide range of defects, including cracks, inactive cells, and subtle degradation patterns.
• Mobility and flexibility—system can be hand-held, drone-mounted, or adapted for various inspection environments, making it suitable for outdoor, on-site, and hard-to-reach installations.
• Automatable process allows for high-throughput, repeatable, and objective assessments, supporting both manual and fully automated workflows.
• Reduces time, effort, and expertise needed for effective solar cell assessment, supporting wider adoption of renewable energy systems.
• Enables early detection of issues, helping optimize maintenance schedules and prolong the lifespan of PV installations.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for assessing solar cells comprising one or more light sources (1), wherein: the one or more light sources (1) are fastened to fastening device (2); the one or more light sources (1) are fastened movably on the fastening device (2) and/or a luminous intensity controller (19) is provided, by means of which the luminous intensity of each light source (1) can be varied independently of the luminous intensity of the other light sources (1), and comprising a camera (3), which is fastened to the fastening device (2). The method comprises the following steps: orienting the fastening device (2) with the aid of the camera (3) relative to the solar cells such that the camera axis (9) of the camera (3) runs, to the greatest possible extent, perpendicularly relative to the surface of the solar cells to be assessed; orienting the one or more light sources (1) and/or controlling the luminous intensity of the one or more light sources (1) such that the solar cells to be assessed are illuminated as uniformly as possible; once the light sources have been illuminated as uniformly as possible, taking a photo with the camera (3) of the solar cells that are to be assessed; assessing the solar cells with the aid of the photo. The invention additionally relates to a system for carrying out the method.