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Thermal News

Swiss solar panel specialist relies


on FLIR thermal imaging camera to
perform fail-proof inspections.
Swiss solar panel specialist relies
on FLIR thermal imaging camera to
perform fail-proof inspections.

Solar panels have proven to be a wise, future-proof investment in


terms of economy and ecology. But just like any other technology,
failures may occur. Thermal imaging cameras are an ideal for
quick detection of those failures. Heinz Simmler, owner of Swiss
photovoltaic inspection company Energie Netzwerk, is an avid The FLIR T420 has a 320 x 240 pixel resolution and a wide
supporter of this technology. array of functionality that makes a thermographers job
a lot easier.

Thermal imaging can provide owners Heinz Simmler. Before that, I had be a problem with the installation,
and installers of solar panels an already worked with the company something that becomes apparent
indispensable look at the interior of Emitec Messtechnik AG, a consultancy due to reduced output. Thirdly, before
solar modules and the construction firm and distributor of FLIR cameras. the warranty ends, a customer usually
of the photovoltaic system. Defective This is how I got acquainted with the wants to know whether everything is
cells, junction boxes, cables, inverters or power of thermal imaging. And when still in order.
incorrectly connected modules can be it was time to buy a thermal imaging
localized with high-resolution thermal camera ourselves, there was no Shadows result in reduced output
imaging cameras. Energie Netzwerk, question about it that we needed a FLIR A solar panel consists of several
based in Bachenblach, Switzerland, camera. photovoltaic cells. Whenever one or
is specialized in photovoltaic more of these cells are not working
thermography and a certified Solar panel inspections properly, a thermal imaging camera will
inspector according to the construction There are usually three situations in pick this up in the form of temperature
and electrical thermography which people require thermal imaging differences. This will allow the owner
standard EN ISO 9712. inspections, according to Heinz Simmler: and the installer to become aware
After gathering many years of First of all, at the time of installation, of reduced yield and to take the
experience with the installation and people want to be sure that everything appropriate measures.
construction of solar panels for a large works. A fully operational solar panel A frequent problem is reduced output
company, I decided to start my own will allow the installer to provide a as a result of shadows, says Heinz
company with a partner in 2014, says quality certificate. Secondly, there can Simmler. Even a flower that casts a
A thermal imaging camera will pick up cell defects as hot spots, which can cause damage to the solar panel in the The Bluetooth headset allows you to insert voice
long run. comments on a picture. Its so easy to add a comment to
a picture, such as third row, second panel from the left.

shadow on various solar cells can result camera outfit, Energie Netzwerk also comments via a Bluetooth headset.
in 30% less output in these cells. The purchased an additional 15 telescope This has proven to be a useful feature
result is also that these solar cells will lens and a 45 field of view lens. for me, especially when you are out
become hotter, which is not very healthy The 15 lens is a popular lens accessory there on a roof looking a dozens of solar
for the installation in the long run. and provides almost 2X magnification panels. Its so easy to add a comment
When an equal amount of sunlight compared to the 25 lens. This lens to a picture, such as third row, second
is cast on all solar cells, they will all is ideal to do your thermal inspections panel from the left. No need to bring
produce an equal amount of current. from a distance or when you need to an additional paper set or a tablet to
When a certain amount of cells is inspect a roof from the ground floor, make notes.
overshadowed, for example by a says Heinz Simmler. The 45 lens is
chimney, they will produce less current. ideal when you are on a roof and you
Still, the current of the neighboring cells dont have a lot of room to maneuver.
that are not overshadowed needs to
pass through these less active cells. The Multi Spectral Dynamic Imaging
current that is pushed through these (MSX)
cells will make them heat up. A thermal FLIR Systems recently added its Multi
imaging camera will pick this up as hot Spectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX)
spots, which can cause damage to the technology to every camera of its
solar panel in the long run. preventative maintenance range. This PORTLAND
Corporate Headquarters
new feature produces an extremely FLIR Systems, Inc.
FLIR T420 camera and lenses detail rich image and produces better 27700 SW Parkway Ave.
In 2014, Energie Netzwerk purchased a texture in a thermal image. Thanks to Wilsonville, OR 97070
USA
FLIR T420 for use during its photovoltaic MSX more anomalies can be detected, PH: +1 866.477.3687
inspections. This thermal imaging analyses can be done more detailed
BELGIUM
camera has a 320 x 240 pixel resolution and conclusions can be drawn in a FLIR Systems Trading Belgium
and a wide array of functionality that split second. BVBA
makes a thermographers job a lot Luxemburgstraat 2
The addition of MSX has also been a 2321 Meer
easier. As a complement to the standard success for Heinz Simmler: MSX lets Belgium
you see exactly in which cell of the solar PH: +32 (0) 3665 5100
panel there is a problem. This is not only SWEDEN
important for us; its also a way for us to FLIR Systems AB
Antennvgen 6,
show the customer where the problem PO Box 7376
is and what we need to do about it. I use SE-187 66 Tby
the MSX functionality a lot. I also include Sweden
PH: +46 (0)8 753 25 00
MSX footage in my reports.
UK
Ease of use FLIR Systems UK
2 Kings Hill Avenue
Next to MSX, the FLIR T420 camera also Kings Hill
has other useful features that make the West Malling - Kent
job of the solar panel thermographer ME19 4AQ
United Kingdom
easier. The annotation functionality PH: +44 (0)1732 220 011
for example is something that Heinz
Simmler frequently uses. With this www.flir.com
Heinz Simmler: When it was time to buy a thermal imaging
camera ourselves, there was no question about it that we feature, it is possible to add voice NASDAQ: FLIR
needed a FLIR camera.

2014 FLIR Systems, Inc. Specifications are subject to change without notice, check our website: www.flir.com.
Although thermal imaging cameras are generally accurate temperature measurement devices, they have not been tested or qualified as
diagnostics medical equipment, and should not be used to dviagnose any medical conditions. The images displayed are for illustrative
purposes only.

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