[RE-wrenches] module hot spots

Taiyoko Sadewic taiyoko at positiveenergysolar.com
Sun Nov 22 09:19:11 PST 2015


Marcos,
What I have found in my tests using Flir is that it is helpful first step
however it is generally inconclusive in dealing with the manufacturer.
There is no substitute for an IV curve trace. If there is a problem with
that module, then it will show up in an IV-Curve after cleaning it. One bad
cell will cause a ripple in the IV curve and we can provide evidence that
the module is out of its warranty spec. I use the Solmetric PVA-1000.  It
allows you to quickly do a pass no pass using the irradiance and cell temp
sensors to calculate the expected output.

Good luck,
Taiyoko

On Sun, Nov 22, 2015 at 8:30 AM, Dan Fink <danbob88 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Bill, all:
>
> My budget is limited. I went with the Seek Thermal camera ($250) that
> connects to my Android phone via micro USB, with an extension cable so I
> don't have to remove the phone from its Otterbox (unlike the FLIR One,
> which is a propriatary case you have to move an iPhone to). I think Seek
> has an iPhone version also.
>
> Since I'm just looking for drastic *differences* in temperature, it works
> fine and paid for itself on the first job, finding a high-resistance
> battery terminal connection without dismantling the whole battery bank
> looking for green crud. I include thermal photos on every system
> maintenance report I do now.
>
> Dan Fink
> Adjunct Professor, Ecotech Institute
> IREC Certified Instructor™ for:
> ~ PV Installation Professional
> ~ Small Wind Installer
> Executive Director, Buckville Energy
> NABCEP Accredited Continuing Education Providers™
> 970.672.4342
>
>
>
> On Sun, Nov 22, 2015 at 5:21 AM, Bill Loesch <solar1online at charter.net>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi Marco, boB, et al,
>>
>> Thermal imaging is so useful for so many diagnosis. How did you choose
>> the equipment you use without buying more than you use/need? Satisfied with
>> your current machine or would you recommend something else?
>>
>> TIA,
>>
>> Bill Loesch
>> Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar314 631 1094
>>
>> On 11/21/2015 11:48 PM, boB at midnitesolar.com wrote:
>>
>>
>> I have looked at several modules (not SunPower though) and I see this
>> much temperature
>> variation between cells BUT I have not seen anything like your picture,
>> with only one cell
>> hotter.  What I have seen is hotter and cooler cells more or less spread
>> out
>> semi-randomly.  Not sure if your example is normal or not for Sun Power ?
>>
>> Here is one example from my library of FLIR pix.
>> A thermal imaging camera sure sheds light
>> on many different things !
>> boB
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 11/21/2015 9:31 PM, Marco Mangelsdorf wrote:
>>
>> Hello all,
>>
>>
>>
>> I’m seeing hot spots on some of the SunPower modules we installed circa
>> 2007-2010.  (I’ve been a SunPower dealer since 2005.)
>>
>>
>>
>> Sometimes theses cells are 20-30 degrees C hotter than the surrounding
>> cells and it’s especially striking while using a Flir IR camera.  Check out
>> the two images below.
>>
>>
>>
>> [image: cid:image001.png at 01D12070.CBCC60D0][image:
>> cid:image002.png at 01D12070.CBCC60D0]
>>
>>
>>
>> Do many of you come across hot spotted mods?  Anyone know of any papers
>> out there on hot spots and the hit on performance and reliability?
>>
>>
>>
>> Mahalo,
>>
>> marco
>>
>>
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-- 
*Taiyoko Sadewic*

*Chief Financial OfficerChief Technical Officer*
*POSITIVE ENERGY SOLAR*
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales

Taiyoko at PositiveEnergySolar.com
www.PositiveEnergySolar.com
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