Photoluminescence

PLus-Spot

Photoluminescence testing over large areas

The PLus-Spot system enables the imaging of defects and non-uniformities in solar panels (partially processed or finished) in a fast, non-contact mode

No need to connect and disconnect cables for testing
No operator needed

PLus-Spot Includes

Industrial camera(s), lens(es), and filters customized for each use case (semiconductor band gap, test area, desired resolution)
Array of heat-sinked LEDs (UV, blue, green, red or NIR depending on application)
Programmable power supplies) to drive LEDs
Enclosure to support LEDs, to improve light intensity and uniformity, and to eliminate room light artifacts
Customized metal frame to support the structure over/under a factory transport system or over a table
Optional cables and power supply for EL testing
Rack to hold power supplies
IMPEL software on a Windows Computer
No-charge software upgrades and usage assistance for two years

Specifications

Camera:

Resolution: 20-62 MP each
Lens: 8-35 mm
Filters: Customizable longpass and bandpass wavelengths available

PL Power Supplies:

Input Voltage Range: 208-240V AC 50/60 Hz

Light Enclosure:

Exterior: Variable
Minimum image area: 40 cm x 60 cm (see CellSpot for smaller areas)
Maximum image area: 250cm x 130 cm
Uniformity of light intensity: Better than 80%
Light intensity: Up to 1 Sun

Optional EL biasing

Any desired current, voltage, and power

Tower Computer:

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3S
Storage: 1 TB

Throughput:

Generally 3-12 seconds per panel + transport time

Thin film production quality control

Gain feedback on film quality after each processing step for statistical process control. Perovskites, CdTe, CIGS. Superstrate or substrate type.

After absorber deposition
After transport layer or buffer layer deposition

After TCO deposition

See shunts and non-uniformities
Degradation tests
1. UV or visible light soaking
2. Collect a series of images vs time

BIPV and VIPV Applications

For Building-Integrated and Vehicle-Integrated PV and other application that involve buying panels and integrating them into structures

Test purchased panels to see cracked cells prior to integration
Test after integration

Satellite PV Applications

Test purchased panels prior to integration for cell/CIC cracks
Test panels midway during production

Test panels after mounting when contacting strings for EL is difficult or not possible

Need a Custom Solution?

Whether you’re testing next-gen tandem cells, working in a space-rated clean room, or need custom optics for your line, we can help. BrightSpot has built custom EL, PL, and UVF systems for some of the most demanding PV applications on Earth—and in orbit.

Contact us and discuss your needs with one of our experts.

Download Product Brochure

Download the product brochure to get all the info and specs

IMPEL Software

Control

IMPEL is the unified control platform for BrightSpot imaging systems, enabling seamless coordination of camera, light sources, and power supply. From a single interface, users can adjust exposure settings, trigger PL or EL sequences, and automate capture workflows across multiple system components.

Enhancement

Built-in image processing tools help users sharpen contrast, highlight defects, and visualize subtle variations in cell or panel performance. With support for custom filters and multispectral imaging, IMPEL ensures every captured frame delivers actionable insights, whether in R&D or field diagnostics.

Report

IMPEL simplifies documentation by generating detailed reports with embedded images, metadata, and measurement context. Export results for internal QA, client acceptance, or long-term traceability – standardized and ready to share.

Publications

Here you’ll find white papers, case studies, and expert commentary designed to provide practical takeaways for professionals and decision-makers

Customized Defect Imaging Solutions for Perovskite and Tandem Cell/Panel Architectures

BrightSpot Automation serves the entire Perovskite PV value chain with a suite of metrology tools implemented from R&D to product development to manufacturing to field testing. Our systems help identify defects, improve quality, reduce investment risk, and extend the performance of PV technology throughout its lifecycle. BrightSpot supplies customized Photoluminescence…

UV Fluorescence Imaging Of Defects And Bill Of Materials Variations In Bifacial Solar Panels

EUPVSEC – Bilbao, Spain – Sep 22, 2025

Ultraviolet Fluorescence Imaging for Photovoltaic Module Metrology: Best Practices and Survey of Features Observed in Fielded Modules

IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics ( Volume: 15, Issue: 3, May 2025)

Low-Cost Daytime Electroluminescence Imaging

NREL PV Reliability Workshop – Lakewood, CO USA – Mar 6, 2025

UV Fluorescence Imaging for Solar Panel Product Development and Durability Testing

NREL PV Reliability Workshop – Lakewood, CO USA – Feb 28, 2024

Unveiling the Unseen: Harnessing UV Fluorescence for Comprehensive Rooftop PV System Assessment and Successful Insurance Claims Process

NREL PV Reliability Workshop – Lakewood, CO USA – Feb 28, 2024

Detection and Impact of Cracks Hidden Near Interconnect Wires in Silicon Solar Cells

50th IEEE PVSC, Jun 12 2023

Phone

+1 401.536.8396

Email

sales@brightspotautomation.com

Address

BrightSpot Automation LLC
Boulder, CO 80301 USA