We’ve designed our EL service to fit real-world projects—from commercial rooftops to large utility-scale sites.
1. Discovery & Scope
- Review site design, module types, and O&M history
- Analyze storm or event data (hail, wind, lightning, etc.)
- Clarify key questions from owners, lenders, and insurers (e.g., “How many modules are affected?” “Is this hail or handling?”)
2. Sampling Strategy
Full-module imaging of an entire solar field can be costly, so we use industry-accepted sampling methodologies to balance confidence and cost.
Depending on site size and objectives, we:
- Define representative sample sets (by row, block, orientation, age, or suspected damage zone)
- Increase sampling density in high-risk or visibly damaged areas
- Maintain clear traceability for every module imaged
3. Nighttime Field EL Imaging
Our field crews:
- Perform controlled energization of selected strings
- Capture EL images of each target module using SWIR cameras
- Verify image quality in real time and re-capture if needed
Because EL is done in the dark, we coordinate closely with site operators to minimize disruption to normal operations. EDT Engineers
4. Expert Image Analysis
Experts review each EL image to:
- Classify defect types (microcracks, shattered cells, busbar issues, solder failures, contamination signatures, etc.)
- Estimate damage severity at the module and sample-area level
- Map results back to site layout for clear visualization
5. Reporting & Recommendations
You receive a detailed, decision-ready package that may include:
- Executive summary of findings
- Damage heat maps and representative EL images
- Breakdown of likely cause categories (e.g., hail vs. manufacturing vs. handling)
- Estimated percentage of affected modules by block or array
- Recommended actions: targeted replacements, warranty claims, or monitoring plans
Our reports are prepared to be clear, technical, and defensible for use in insurance and warranty discussions.