Outdoor evaluation of photovoltaic modules using electroluminescence method

Abstract

It is mandatory to survey the output performances of photovoltaic (PV) modules to appropriately operate a PV system. This article introduces an outdoor electroluminescence (EL) method. Synchronized operation of the image sensor and injection current involving an appropriate bandpass optical filter allows to obtain a clear EL image even in a high-light-intensity environment. The developed system also provides an accurate estimation of the open-circuit voltage from each PV cell using the EL image.