Self-Sourced Daylight Electroluminescence From Photovoltaic Modules

Conventional electroluminescence characterization of photovoltaic modules relies on injecting current into the modules from external power sources. Our novel power feedback modulator uses the power generated by the module itself: We enable self-sourced electroluminescence characterization of photovoltaic modules under daylight conditions. The modulator periodically collects the power from the solar generator, stores it, boosts it up to a higher voltage, and, finally, injects the accumulated energy back to the generator; thus, provoking electroluminescence. As a proof of concept, we present electroluminescence images of a large area photovoltaic module.