I am looking for an IR camera capable of solar module characterization. Could you recommend some brand with best cost to performance ratio? Thanks a lot.
Solar module is an assembled solar cell array ready for installation. IR camera has been used to characterize the "hot spots" of solar module during operation --- not sure if industrial standards have been released.
I don't think the shading effect can be avoided by optimizing the optical design. You may look the internet for more details. The IR camera vendors may be happy for this market
I am still looking forward to recommendations of IR camera.
In a photovoltaic installation efficiency is a function, in part, of temperature; cooler panels run more efficiently. Infrared can be used to understand overall thermal patterns, including shading. Also, as individual cells fail, they can begin to heat rather than collect, and can be seen. In all cases you must remember the front surface will be quite specular (mirror-like) and reflective. The attached image shows the front side of a PV panel; the hot spots are thermal differences (not problems) associated with the connectors.
