Ultraviolet fluorescence

UVF-Spot

High-throughput, Noncontact Imaging of Panel Defects and BOM Variations

The UVF-Spot can image multiple panels every 5 seconds to see problems such as cell cracks, sealing failures, and bill of material (BOM) variations

A high-power UV flash is integrated with a highly sensitive pole mounted camera

Specifications

Camera:

Resolution: 12.4 MP
Battery Life: 600 shots
Memory Card: 64 GB
Lenses: 50 mm and 28 mm

UV Flash Unit:

Battery life: 650 flashes
Effective Range: 10 m
Remote Monitor:
Interface: Full color LCD touch screen with programmable shortcut keys
Screen Size: 5.5 in.

Monopod:

Adjustable from 0.5 m to 2.9 m

System Weight:

Monopod mounted with Camera and Flash: 3.6 kg
Total system weight in transport case: 19 kg

Where It Works, It Works Great

UVF works best on panels with polymer backsheets that have been in the field already for a few years. As the encapsulant ages, its fluorescence image evolves, revealing some defects even more clearly than EL.

Components

Remote Eye-level Camera Display

Shoulder Harness for Ergonomics

Adjustable Pole for High-Mounted Panels

Camera and Flash

The UVF-Spot travel case contains everything you need for high-throughput UVF imaging

A Complete UVF Testing Solution

UVF-Spot Includes

Full-Frame sensor camera for high quality images
Two lenses for different fields of view
Camera memory card, 2x batteries with charger, and data cable for connection to computer
Custom flash unit that emits UV light
2x rechargeable batteries for flash unit and a charger
Spare filter for flash housing
Adjustable height monopod and tilt head
Adjustable shoulder harness to hold monopod
Wired remote control for triggering focus and image acquisition
Remote monitor replicating the camera display at operator level, including batteries and charger
UV flashlight kit for use as a preliminary diagnostic tool – includes batteries and charger
2x UV safety goggles
Rugged hard case with custom foam insert to carry all components for travel
Training includes manual and videos, plus a no charge online training session

UVF can reveal a wide range of panel problems and non-uniformities

The UV Fluorescence technique works with panels that have polymer backsheets. Fluorophores are contained in panel encapsulants and backsheets – leading to fluorescence in the visible spectrum when exposed to UV light.

Encapsulant BOM Variations

Backsheet BOM Variations

Gridline
Corrosion

Edge Seal Failure

Non-uniform Lamination

Cell Cracking
Dating

Hotspots and Yellowing

J-Box Seal Failure

“

PV Lab provides testing services for commercial installations and solar parks in Australia. We have been using BrightSpot's UVF-Spot system to screen modules for damage after storm events, and have appreciated BrightSpot's depth of knowledge and support of the UVF system since we started using it.

Dr. Michelle McCann, CEO

Download Product Brochure

Download the product brochure to get all the info and specs

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