MOBILE EL AND FLASH TESTING LABS

Partnered with leading module testing specialists, we provide in-field Electroluminescence (EL) and Flash testing solutions with high accuracies. We test up to 250 modules per day, capturing high-resolution EL images and accurate power output curves for further analysis. We are able to identify a range of module failure defects and assess power output to provide recommendations for improvement.

AERIAL THERMOGRAPHY

Cobalt Energy offers drone aerial thermography for large scale sites to identify high level issues such as inactive strings, diode faults, shading, hot spots and in some cases Potential Induced Degradation (PID). Partnered with professionally qualified UAV specialists, we use infrared radiation interpretation techniques to provide an overview of the site, allowing the quick and efficient resolution of issues throughout your site. Repeatable survey routes means results can be compared year on year, monitoring any areas of concern and potential deterioration trends. We offer a range of outputs to suit your needs, from basic reporting to the use of interactive online portals.

DAYTIME & NIGHT-TIME EL SERVICES

Working with leading European technology partners, Cobalt Energy has developed both daytime & night-time EL services aimed at delivering high volume module assessments. Depending on the objectives of the assignment, Cobalt Energy can design an optimised solution for both operational sites and those under construction. We capture a large volume of high quality EL images and measure in both daytime and night-time, without the need to pick modules. Measuring between 500-3,000 modules per day/night, we undertake high-volume sampling to capture current and future module defects and power loss failures at cell level.

MICRO-CRACK INVESTIGATIONS USING UV

Cobalt Energy have the capability now to carry out site-wide surveys using smart UV light technology to identify micro-cracks on modules at night. Our technology partner has specifically developed a smart UV spectrum LED light and correlating UV camera filters with solar PV inspections in mind. The big benefit is that no powering of the panels is required in order to detect cracks, and this technique can be deployed very quickly. As well as leading this innovative and emerging service in the UK, Cobalt Energy are also able to supply survey equipment and specialist training to other EPC’s and O&M’s in the market, arming them with a must have piece of equipment for field based micro-crack detection.

IV-CURVE TESTING SERVICE

Using Sewards PV200 with IV-Curve Software, we carry out a range of electrical tests including module and string level IV-tracing. We are able to convert IV-Curve measurements to standard test conditions (STC) depending on irradiation. No module picking is required for this service and we use high-volume sampling to detect module power loss issues.

LABORATORY TESTING SERVICE

Cobalt Energy works with accredited laboratories across Europe to conduct a range of laboratory based tests and assessments. Services include:

• Standard Test Condition (STC) flash tests
• Visual inspections tests
• Insulation tests
• PID tests
• Peel off tests
• Gel content tests

We manage the entire process from picking and packing of the modules, to delivering the final professional laboratory reports. All tests are carried out to applicable international and European standards.

PID DETECTION AND HEALING

The Potential Induced Degradation (PID) phenomenon affecting the cells of PV modules is a process that can occur only a few years after installation. It causes accelerated degradation in performance, which expands exponentially. Cobalt Energy diagnoses PID using advanced analytical techniques such as aerial infrared radiation surveys, traditional EL and Flash Mobile Labs, and also our ‘EL Quickcheck Service’. Once detected, we introduce site-specific PID healing technology into the system to start the healing process. Continuous monitoring confirms the progress of restoration and significant healing can be achieved in only a matter of weeks, restoring your assets to generate more power. Cobalt Energy works with world leading hardware suppliers to design and install the optimised solution relating to the site specific findings in both centralised or decentralised site configurations.

DATA VALIDATION SERVICES

Data is key to validating revenue streams for a solar system. Working with our technology provider, Cobalt Energy has developed a data validation service that can be leased on any site. Meteo sensors and inverter data loggers capture real time irradiance, temperature and wind data. Constructed in a weatherproof outdoor cabinet, they can be placed on a site during the planning or pre-construction phases of a project or during site operation to independently validate the irradiance and temperature data. Real time data reinforces PV GIST (satellite) database assumptions, in some cases maximising the value of a site before acquisition. The data can also be used to check Engineer, Procure, Construction contractor’s (EPC’s) or the operation and maintenance provider’s (O&M’s) data, ensuring that operational site irradiance data is accurate and Intermediate Acceptance Certificate (IAC) and Final Acceptance Certificate (FAC) performance tests are correct.

SITE OPTIMISATION & DIGITALISATION

Cobalt Energy is working with Sunsniffer® for module based digitalisation technologies & Tigo® for site optimisation technologies. Sunsniffer® provide retrofit sensors which can either be installed into the junction box or as external units clamped on to the positive and negative DC cables to provide module level monitoring and remote cost based analysis capabilities on whether a particular module, string or inverter issue warrants a trip to site. Tigo® offer a range of junction box retrofitting kits which can be universally attached to any new or existing operational module to provide monitoring, safety (remote power down functions ), and optimisation functionality. Cobalt Energy offer a site evaluation & optimisation service, holistically assessing each site on an individual basis and in some cases carrying out supporting investigations, we present to the asset owner in the form of a cost based analysis (ROI, IRR, payback period), likely site deterioration and demonstrate intervention solutions (such as optimisation, digitalisation, re-stringing, repowering etc) to potentially save asset owners in some cases hundreds of thousands of pounds over the life of the project.