Inspector Gadget: New Device Can Spot Defects in Photovoltaic Modules

First prototype of the non-contact scanner

The light source is a bank of 64 light-emitting diodes that feed into fibers that deliver light to the cell. Photo courtesy of Tau Science.

First prototype of the non-contact scanner

The first prototype of the non-contact scanner. Photo courtesy of Tau Science.

Compact camera and controller

Linescan and cracked cell

A cracked photovoltaic cell on a module. Photo courtesy of Tau Science.

First prototype of the non-contact scanner

The light source is a bank of 64 light-emitting diodes that feed into fibers that deliver light to the cell. Photo courtesy of Tau Science.

The light source is a bank of 64 light-emitting diodes that feed into fibers that deliver light to the cell. Photo courtesy of Tau Science.

First prototype of the non-contact scanner

The first prototype of the non-contact scanner. Photo courtesy of Tau Science.

The first prototype of the non-contact scanner. Photo courtesy of Tau Science.

Compact camera and controller

Linescan and cracked cell

A cracked photovoltaic cell on a module. Photo courtesy of Tau Science.

A cracked photovoltaic cell on a module. Photo courtesy of Tau Science.