Why use UVF on solar modules? What kind of issues can it detect?

UVF can highlight a range of potential defects or degradation in PV modules, including:

• Cracks within solar cells — these often manifest as dark or altered-fluorescence lines or gaps under UV illumination.
• Encapsulant degradation or polymer aging (e.g., breakdown of EVA or other encapsulation materials) which can manifest through changed fluorescence signatures.
• Early signs of hot-spots or localized overheating — in some cases, fluorescence patterns or anomalies correlate with areas that may overheat under operation.
• Manufacturing or material-related anomalies — differences in polymer type or encapsulant/bill-of-materials (BOM) inconsistencies can sometimes be distinguished via UVF fluorescence behavior.