About us

Experts in
PV Imaging

BrightSpot Automation provides the solar energy industry and photovoltaic researchers with specialized manufacturing and measurement tools.

Our Mission

At BrightSpot Automation, our mission is to support the solar energy industry and photovoltaic research community with advanced manufacturing and measurement tools. We are committed to helping you enhance module durability, detect defects early, and boost overall performance through precision inspection and analysis.

decades of experience and hundreds of customers

Companies

Countries

Years

You Can’t Fix It If You Can’t See It

No matter what your PV defect imaging requirement are, BrightSpot has an imaging solution for you. For over 12 years we have provided the solar energy industry and photovoltaic researchers with specialized manufacturing and measurement tools to help them see the invisible and solve their problems.

Our Values

We are driven by integrity, scientific excellence, and long-term partnership. We deliver responsible, data-driven PV testing solutions, advance the science of solar durability through research and innovation, and prioritize collaborative support tailored to each customer’s unique needs.

We Believe in Integrity in Solar Testing

We are committed to providing testing solutions that deliver meaningful and accurate insights into solar panel performance and durability, not that create unnecessary alarm or drive wasteful decision-making. We believe in responsible PV testing—ensuring that quality concerns are addressed while supporting a sustainable and data-driven approach to maximizing the long term cost effectiveness of PV systems.

Driving the Science of PV Durability

We believe that progress in solar energy depends on a deep understanding of how and why solar panels degrade over time. Beyond developing cutting-edge test equipment, we actively contribute to the industry’s knowledge by publishing research, presenting at conferences, and engaging in discussions that drive innovation. Through our insights and experience, we help manufacturers, researchers, and stakeholders make informed decisions that lead to more reliable and longer-lasting solar panels.

Partnership Through Customization & Support

We go beyond selling equipment—we build lasting partnerships. Our approach is deeply collaborative, tailoring both hardware and software to fit our customers’ unique needs. From tool installation to long-term optimization, we provide hands-on support, consulting, and joint research efforts to ensure our technology delivers maximum value

Our PV Experts

Our team is made up of seasoned photovoltaic professionals with deep expertise in solar panel inspection, durability testing, and failure analysis. With backgrounds in research, engineering, and manufacturing, our experts bring practical insights and cutting-edge knowledge to every project. Whether developing new tools, training teams, or supporting partners, we are dedicated to improving PV module performance and reliability across the industry.

Andrew Gabor

President and CTO

Expertise: Cell and module processing/testing steps and factory design, durability testing, and design of modules/systems to minimize cracks in solar cells.

Experience: 1366 Technologies, Evergreen Solar, Energy Photovoltaics, NREL.

Education: PhD Electrical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder; BA Physics, Carleton College

Brent Claassen

Head of Sales

Expertise: Domestic and international metrology equipment and software sales

Experience: LI-COR Environmental

Education: MBA Agribusiness, BA Mechanized Systems Management – U. of Nebraska, Lincoln

Rich Landy

Head of Software

Expertise: Software & Data Engineering, Cloud Architecture, Machine Learning and High Performance Computing

Experience: Accenture, GridCure

Education: BA Computer Science, Columbia University

Marissa Garcia

Head of Metrology Ops.

Expertise: Design of optical metrology systems, spectroscopy, mechanical design, programming

Experience: Colorado School of Mines

Education: MS, BS – Engineering Physics/Applied Physics – Colorado School of Mines

Dylan Dorvee

R&D Technician

Expertise: Airplane construction and repair, photography, drone piloting

Experience: Dylan Dorvee Creations

Philip Knodle

Principal Engineer

Expertise: Programming in multiple languages, Image analysis and processing, PCB design, machining

Experience: TissueVision, Fraunhofer USA

Education: BS Computer Science, Boston University

Aileen Ma

Software Engineer

Expertise: Programming, data analytics

Experience: Anduril Industries

Education: BS Computer Science, MIT

Jared Friedl

Photovoltaics Technologist

Expertise: Luminescence imaging, Thin film solar cells, Quantitative Analysis

Experience: U. of Toledo

Education: Ph.D. Physics – U. of Toledo; B.S. Physics – Clemson Univ.

Tiffany Overby

Assembly Technician

Expertise: Assembly, Testing, Inventory

Experience: Meisinger USA, Macys Logistics Warehouse, ALTRONICS

Rob Janoch

Consultant

Expertise: Opto-mechanical design, laser systems, photovoltaics manufacturing, program management

Experience: Evergreen Solar, Mobil Solar, Digital Equipment Corp., Polaroid

Education: MS Mechancial Engineering, MIT; BS Engineering & Applied Science, Yale University