Remove #1 Defect from your PV projects?

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AI-driven electroluminescence EL Testing Software for the removal of Micro Cracks from your PV modules and PV projects

Micro cracks are the top defect found in PV test results and can seriously affect the performance of your solar power plant.

How to avoid this #1 defect that affects performance?
Through EL testing solar panels, with our solution: Sinovoltaics EL Mass Analysis (SELMA) software you can have peace of mind knowing your solar investment is well-protected. Improve your factory’s production with fast, high-accuracy electro luminescence analysis using advanced solar cell testers.

Remove 100% of serious micro-cracks from your PV shipments using AI driven Electro luminescence EL testing.


Advantages of EL Testing with SELMA:

  • Up to 99% accuracy 
  • High-speed analysis: avoid delays and easily keep up with the factory’s production speed
  • Trained with 10+ years of defect data
  • Accepted by all leading Tier 1 manufacturers
  • Identification and classification of up to 15 cell-inherent defect types
  • Improve silicon solar cell efficiency of your production and shipment
  • Replace defective solar modules at the factory prior to shipment

Who can benefit from EL image testing?

  • Developers PV projects
  • EPCs
  • Financiers
  • Insurers
  • PV module factories


Receive a quote? Fill out the form to inquire about our electroluminescence tests on panels performed with the highest standards.


What is Electroluminescence testing in solar?
Electroluminescence testing a solar module is a Non-Destructive Testing and Early Defect Detection EL inspection technique that uses the light emission phenomenon of photovoltaic (PV) cells to detect defects and failures in solar modules. When a current is applied to a PV cell, it emits light in the infrared spectrum, which can be captured by a camera and analyzed to reveal the quality and performance of the cell. Electroluminescence testing in solar panels uses advanced techniques to detect defects like micro cracks and broken cells, ensuring photovoltaic module efficiency.

EL testing allows for proactive replacement of faulty solar panels before they enter the field by preventing shipping faulty panels, EL testing captures defects such as bus bar contact failures and Potential Induced Degradation (PID) without halting production. Unlike other inspection techniques, EL testing provides a non-invasive method of identifying hidden defects that aren't visible through traditional visual inspections or I-V curve tracing.

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What defects can be found in EL testing?
Thorough EL testing is essential for ensuring the long-term efficiency of photovoltaic modules. The following defects are critical to the performance and lifetime of PV modules, and Electroluminescence EL testing provides a non-destructive way to identify and mitigate them early on.


  1. Micro cracks: Tiny cracks in the silicon cells, which can lead to power loss, diode activation, or hot spots. They can be caused during manufacturing, shipping, or installation.

  2. Cell Cracks: Cracks that isolate regions of cells, leading to current disruption, hot spots, and performance degradation.

  3. Soldering Defects: Poor connections due to improper soldering, which can result in power loss and potential fire hazards.

  4. Potential Induced Degradation (PID): Voltage stress-induced degradation affecting the module’s performance. PID leads to a reduction in power output over time.

  5. Dead Cell : Cells that have lost the ability to generate electricity, often due to mechanical stress or other damage.

  6. Diode Failures: When bypass diodes fail, one or more cell strings are deactivated, reducing the overall module output.

  7. Bus Bar Contact Defects: Issues with the bus bar, which can disrupt the flow of electricity and lead to reduced performance.

  8. Backsheet Scratches: Scratches on the module's backsheet that compromise the integrity of the module, potentially allowing moisture to penetrate and causing electrical issues.

  9. Wafer Defects: Imperfections in the silicon wafer, which can impact the efficiency and performance of the cells.

  10. Hot Spots: Areas of excessive heat caused by microcracks or cell defects, which can lead to performance loss or further damage.

  11. Broken or Damaged Cells: Physical damage to the cells that affects the module’s ability to generate power.

  12. Missing or Interrupted Screen-Printed Fingers: Issues with the grid lines on the cells, which can cause performance loss or incomplete current collection.

  13. Cell Array Shifting: Displacement of the cell array, which can cause performance loss or disconnection.

  14. Fragmentation: Large sections of cells broken off, severely affecting module output.

  15. Cell Mixing: Differences in electrical performance between cells leading to efficiency problems in the module.

  16. Linear Hidden Cracks: Cracks that run along grid lines or cell edges, impacting the cell’s function.

  17. Cross Hidden Cracks: Cracks extending outward in a cross pattern, affecting the cell’s performance.

  18. Tabbing Disconnections: Disconnection of the tabs, which impairs the electrical continuity within the module.

  19. Short Circuits: Faults causing cells to stop functioning, often leading to the entire module becoming inoperative.

  20. Environmental and Mechanical Damage: Damage due to weather events such as hailstorms, heavy snow, or improper handling during transportation or installation.


Third-Party EL Testing for Warranty and Risk Management Third-party EL testing plays a crucial role in validating the integrity of photovoltaic modules, especially for warranty claims and risk management. Independent EL testing services provide detailed reports, ensuring manufacturers and asset owners can pinpoint issues such as cell array shifting, dead cells, or bypass diode failures.

Through 100% detailed PV module testing on the above defects, manufacturers and developers can prevent performance losses, ensuring their solar power systems operate at optimal capacity from the start. This EL factory testing method guarantees the highest level of quality control for PV modules, offering developers a reliable path to avoid costly performance degradation.

With high-accuracy EL imaging, insurers and financiers can assess the long-term reliability of solar projects, minimizing investment risks and maximizing returns. By identifying and eliminating underperforming modules, EL testing ensures your solar projects maintain high performance and avoid future financial losses.

What do the market leaders have in common?

They prevent defects on a mass scale at the PV factories

jinko
Fortum
Micro cracks

On-site Electroluminescence (EL) Testing 

The advanced imaging of EL testing can even be conducted on-site and post-installation, identifying latent issues caused by environmental factors like hail or windstorms. Early defect detection with EL testing safeguards the performance of your photovoltaic modules and extends their lifespan.

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