nl
en
de
fr
Register

Not only developers, but also end users make quality demands on their solar panels. PVO International offers you, besides our standard high quality requirements, additional options for quality monitoring.

Our standard quality inspections

Factory standard

During the production of all solar panels that are purchased according to a schedule specifically for you CIF, our people check the production process and ensure that factory quality is achieved. We call this the so-called ‘in-line inspection’. The customer will receive a report of this, if desired, which is included in the price.

Solar panels which have already been produced and which are bought ‘last minute’ by the client, can be inspected by PVO by means of a mobile tester in Europe. Additional costs are charged for this.

Colour check

During the in-line inspections PVO checks the modules on colour deviation in order to ensure the colour guarantee.

Using specialized instruments, the inspectors check the colour deviation between different cells in a module. This check is also carried out between different modules in a shipment.

Random checks

We also have our panels regularly tested for defects as soon as they arrive at the port, to ensure that our panels provide the expected result. The panels are tested by means of a flash test and electroluminescence test. These quality checks are carried out on location by the independent company Solar Tester B.V.

Flash Test

Determination of nominal power according to standard test conditions (STC). The nominal power is determined based on the current and voltage measured from the solar panel during the flash with a maximum light intensity of 1,000 Watt/m². From this measurement, a current-voltage graph (IV-curve) is drawn. This graph determines the point at which the solar panel delivers its maximum power. This power is the nominal (STC) power.

The Flash tester from SolarTester is a class A test and has a measuring accuracy of + 3 till 5%. Therefore, it should always be taken into account that there can be a +/- deviation from the specified Wp volume of a panel.

Electroluminescence

Research into invisible damage that negatively affects a panel’s lifespan. When light falls on a solar panel, electricity comes out of it. The reverse is also true: when current passes through the solar panel, it emits light. By using cameras that are sensitive to infrared light, this light can be captured. Cracks and fractures in cells that are invisible to the eye are thus made visible. A cell is never without cracks, but the quality standard prescribes how many and how large these may be and with what strength (‘zoom’) the camera measures them.

Additional quality inspections

In addition to basic inspections, we can also carry out inspections for you during production at higher quality standards than the factory offers as standard. We must agree this with you in writing beforehand so that it is clear which quality standard is required. The solar modules concerned will then be supplied at a higher price. You can discuss this with your account manager.

You can also opt to have an additional quality check carried out on arrival at the port. However, it is then difficult to prevent possible problems with the solar panels, which often leads to delays and unnecessary misunderstandings. If you do opt for this, the inspection must be carried out against the standards that were purchased. It is important to establish this at the time of purchase to avoid discussions afterwards.

Would you like to know more about the many quality inspections we offer?

Contact us today.