Advanced PV Fault Detection: Faster, Smarter, Cost-Efficient

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Recording of Monday, June 22, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 8:58 .

Enhancements in Photovoltaic Fault Detection and Inspection Processes

Advanced PV fault detection program focuses on enhancing the speed, intelligence, and cost-efficiency of identifying issues within photovoltaic (PV) systems. A collaboration with TÜV Rheinland ensures quality assurance throughout the PV project lifecycle. On-site inspections are critical for bridging data analysis and decision-making, particularly in warranty claims, as they provide verified insights into detected issues. A significant portion of solar-related tickets originates from inverter problems, yet on-site inspections often reveal that solar module faults, such as glass breakage, are the primary cause of failures. Visual inspections and advanced methods like electroluminescence testing, conducted by drones, are vital for identifying these issues, but a single approach is insufficient for comprehensive fault detection. The proposed three-level framework begins with data analysis, followed by targeted on-site inspections and concludes with laboratory testing to confirm findings. This structured workflow emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making to improve fault detection, supported by extensive statistics and case studies.

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Speaker

Magnus Herz
Senior Expert PV
TÜV Rheinland Energy GmbH
Germany

As technology advances rapidly and price pressure increases, ensuring performance throughout the asset's lifecycle is paramount, especially as storage gains importance in new solar plants. From factory audits to field inspections - tailored quality strategies are essential for reducing risk and making operation profitable. This session examines inspection frameworks, technology testing and advanced fault detection in order to enhance reliability and strengthen the bankability and profitability of PV-plus storage projects.

Key topics:

  • Quality assurance and certification for modules, balance of systems and batteries
  • Failure modes and degradation risks
  • Impacts on yield and lifecycle costs
  • Best practices to secure long-term reliability and bankability

Further Talks of this session:

Speaker

George Touloupas
Head of Procurement Quality and Localization
Scatec

To Talk

Speaker

Jörg Althaus
Director QA and Engineering Services
Intertek CEA
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Sishir Garemella
Head of International Business Development
Kiwa PVEL
USA

To Talk

Speaker

Julia Moser
Product Lead Photovoltaics
Munich RE
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Nikoletta Fodor
Project Officer
SolarPower Europe
Belgium

To Talk

To Talk

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