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Solar Testing and Inspection

Automated Solar Testing & Inspection Equipment

At SDC, we take pride in engineering innovative, custom solutions for solar module testing. As the solar industry continues to evolve, manufacturers require reliable, high-precision testing equipment to ensure the quality, efficiency, and longevity of photovoltaic (PV) modules.

Custom-Engineered for Your Testing Needs

With years of experience in automation, our team has developed a wide range of advanced testing and inspection systems designed specifically for PV module manufacturers. Our automated solutions provide accurate, repeatable results while optimizing throughput and minimizing manual handling.

Reliable, High-Performance Solutions

Our automated solar testing equipment is designed for precision, efficiency, and long-term reliability. We work closely with manufacturers to develop systems that enhance quality control, reduce waste, and improve overall production efficiency.

6 Key Advantages of Automating Solar Panel Testing

Automating solar panel testing with the latest technology and intelligent programming ensures every module meets the highest standards for quality, efficiency, and energy output. Here are six key advantages of implementing advanced automation in solar testing:

Unmatched Precision & Accuracy

Advanced automation ensures consistent and highly precise testing, eliminating human error and providing accurate performance data for every solar panel.

Higher Throughput & Efficiency

Automated systems significantly speed up the testing process, allowing manufacturers to inspect more panels in less time while maintaining quality standards.

Early Defect Detection & Quality Assurance

Cutting-edge technology such as electroluminescence (EL) and flash testing identifies microcracks, electrical faults, and performance issues before modules reach the market, reducing warranty claims and improving reliability.

Optimized Energy Harvesting Performance

By rigorously testing each panel’s power output and efficiency, automation ensures only high-performing modules reach the field, maximizing energy production for end users.

Seamless Data Integration & Traceability

Automated systems collect, store, and analyze test results, providing manufacturers with real-time insights, traceability, and data-driven quality control improvements.

Compliance with Industry Standards

State-of-the-art automation ensures every module meets strict industry certifications (IEC 61215, IEC 61730, UL 1703), guaranteeing safety, durability, and long-term performance.

Wet Leakage Current Testing for Solar Modules

Understanding the Wet Leakage Current Test

The wet leakage current test is a critical evaluation used in the solar industry to assess the electrical insulation of photovoltaic (PV) modules under wet operating conditions. This test ensures that moisture—whether from rain, fog, dew, snow, or condensation—does not penetrate the active electrical components of a solar module, which could lead to corrosion, ground faults, or potential safety hazards.

This test is crucial for verifying the durability and safety of solar panels in outdoor environments where exposure to moisture is inevitable. Inadequate insulation can lead to electrical leakage, performance degradation, and increased safety risks such as electric shock or system failure. Ensuring compliance with this test helps manufacturers prevent long-term reliability issues and costly field failures.

Compliance with IEC 61215 Standards

The wet leakage current test is a mandatory component of IEC 61215 certification, a key industry standard for PV module safety and performance. It is performed after the initial insulation resistance test and repeated at the end of the quality control sequence to verify that all modules meet the necessary safety and reliability benchmarks before deployment.

By implementing rigorous wet leakage current testing, manufacturers can ensure that their solar panels are built to withstand real-world environmental conditions, providing safe and efficient energy generation for years to come.

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Mechanical Load Test System (Static and Dynamic)

Durability and Reliability Testing for PV Modules

SDC’s mechanical load test systems provide a comprehensive approach to evaluating the strength and longevity of photovoltaic (PV) modules. These systems simulate the mechanical stresses that solar panels endure in real-world environments, such as wind, snow, and handling during installation. By integrating both static load testing and dynamic load testing, we ensure the durability and reliability of solar modules under a variety of external forces.

Static Load Testing: Simulating Wind and Snow Loads

The static load test evaluates a solar module’s resistance to pressure and deformation. Our system applies a predefined weight to the module, simulating the effects of typical wind and snow loads. This test ensures that the module can withstand external pressures without compromising its structural integrity. The test setup includes a zone control feature, which allows for testing specific areas of the module to target potential weak points.

Dynamic Load Testing: Assessing Durability Under Wind Forces

Dynamic load testing is used to assess the resilience of solar modules against dynamic forces, such as those produced by strong winds or typhoons. Our system uses a controlled setup to simulate the push-pull forces that occur during high winds. This test evaluates the module’s ability to endure the extreme conditions of tropical storms and other wind-related natural disasters, helping manufacturers optimize module durability for regions prone to such events.

By conducting static and dynamic mechanical load testing, manufacturers can ensure that their PV modules meet the rigorous demands of the solar market and perform reliably in a variety of environmental conditions.

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Rinse/Dry Module Cleaning System

The Rinse/Dry Module Cleaning System is an essential tool in the solar panel testing and manufacturing process, designed to thoroughly clean and prepare PV modules for further testing, inspection, or packaging. This system automates the cleaning process, ensuring quick, consistent, and hands-free module cleanup while maintaining the integrity of the modules.

Key Functions and Benefits

  • Efficient Cleaning: The system effectively removes contaminants such as conductive solutions from leakage current testing, dust, debris, or any loose particles, ensuring a clean surface for accurate testing results.
  • Prepares for Further Testing: A clean module surface is vital for obtaining reliable results in subsequent tests, like electroluminescence (EL) testing or other performance evaluations, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
  • Protects Module Integrity: By preventing potential damage from corrosive substances or debris, the rinse and dry process helps protect the module’s long-term performance and durability.
  • Programmable Cycles: Some systems are programmable, allowing for multiple rinse and dry cycles on a single module, which enhances cleaning efficiency and consistency in high-volume environments.
  • Hands-Free Operation: Designed for automation, this system eliminates the need for manual cleaning, saving time and labor, while boosting productivity in testing or manufacturing settings.

By ensuring the thorough cleaning of PV modules, the Rinse/Dry Module Cleaning System plays a crucial role in maintaining the reliability and performance of solar panels throughout the testing and production processes.

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CASE STUDIES

Solar Panel Dynamic Load Test Machine

With advancements in solar panel technology, SDC’s U.S.-based customer in the alternative energy industry needed to upgrade one type of their testing machines. This upgrade would help test and ensure warranty of the new series of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.
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CASE STUDIES

Solar Panel Sweep Test Machine

With advancements in solar power technology, SDC’s customer in the alternative energy industry needed to upgrade their testing machines. This upgrade would help the customer to accommodate and test the next series of solar panels. 
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CASE STUDIES

Solar Panel Reflectance Test

This SDC customer needed to update their existing solar panel testing machine to accommodate the next generation of panels. This request also included a need for a duplicate machine after upgrades were made. 
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CASE STUDIES

Precision Optical and Electrical Tester

An SDC customer in the alternative energy industry needed a flexible system to move solar panel coupons to and from three or more pre-existing testing stations at their facility.
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CASE STUDIES

Alternative Energy Humidity Control System

A returning customer in the alternative energy industry needed a way to control and test humidity in a downstream process for the manufacturing of solar panels. 
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