Our imaging tools inform your re-use vs. recycling decisions, both in-field and at the recycling facility
“
– Dr. Michelle McCann, CEO.
As PV systems approach the end of their service life, asset owners face mounting pressure to decide: repower, repurpose, recycle or resell? Each path carries different risks and rewards. Yet most decisions are made with minimal inspection, relying on string-level performance data or visual checks alone.
BrightSpot enables a new level of decommissioning intelligence with portable EL and UVF imaging systems purpose-built for the field. Whether you’re sorting modules for second-life use, assessing degradation, or planning component recycling, our technology gives you the data to act with confidence.
End-of-life inspection begins where the panel is—on rooftops, in fields, or in test arrays—and continues in the lab with advanced EL/PL tools. This seamless transition allows stakeholders to quickly identify degradation modes, sort recoverable modules, and collect the forensic data needed for warranty claims, recycling decisions, and repowering strategies.
Portable systems for rapid, non-invasive diagnosis of cracked cells, PID, and material degradation—directly on installed modules. EL pinpoints hidden defects; UVF adds fast, scalable inspection.
Screen fast for cracked cells and other problems with UVF, and for those that pass, image defects more thoroughly with EL.
End-of-life inspection requires imaging insights from both Electroluminescence and Ultraviolet Photoluminescence and our Custom EL/UVF System delivers exactly that: an in-line system for sunny-side-down imaging.
2-camera EL/UVF inline system for sunnyside down imaging at a recycling/re-use company.
Demonstrate the panel quality to potential buyers of your decommissioned system
Reduce risks by testing before you buy and install in a new system
Differentiate your company with the highest quality, most informative tools
Sample test before you buy, test in the field to sort panels, and/or test at the recycling facility to inform resale decisions
Determine panel quality and potential for re-use prior to selling/buying. Tag for resale vs. recycling streams.
Test at the recycling facility and redirect best panels to resale channels to maximize revenue
UVF can reveal variations in encapsulant backsheet and metallization paste, which can affect degradation rates
EL and UVF can see solar cell cracks, even those which are not yet affecting power or visible in thermal IR images
UVF can reveal sealing problems at the junction box penetrations and the perimeter of the panel
EL can see Gridline Interruptions Caused by Soldering (GICS) – an industry-wide problem for modern, multi-wire panels
EL and UVF can see metallization corrosion problems that increase series resistance losses
EL and UVF can see metallization corrosion problems that increase series resistance losses
EL can reveal soldering problems between interconnect wires and the cell or the bussing wires – an industry-wide problem for modern, multi-wire panels
UVF can see cells that had been running hot due to cell cracking or partial shading
EL can see PID effects especially clearly with high/low current level testing
UVF can reveal sealing problems at the junction box penetrations and the perimeter of the panel
EL can see small shunts in thin-film panels, sometimes caused by partial shade induced damage
Control
IMPEL is the unified control platform for BrightSpot imaging systems, enabling seamless coordination of camera, light sources, and power supply. From a single interface, users can adjust exposure settings, trigger PL or EL sequences, and automate capture workflows across multiple system components.
Enhancement
Built-in image processing tools help users sharpen contrast, highlight defects, and visualize subtle variations in cell or panel performance. With support for custom filters and multispectral imaging, IMPEL ensures every captured frame delivers actionable insights, whether in R&D or field diagnostics.
Report
IMPEL simplifies documentation by generating detailed reports with embedded images, metadata, and measurement context. Export results for internal QA, client acceptance, or long-term traceability – standardized and ready to share.
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