Infrared thermography in inspection of photovoltaic panels

Paper provides an overview of passive thermographic analysis of photovoltaic panels. Operation state of real photovoltaic system, power plant ETFOS 1, is described through detailed thermographic documentation. The importance of education needed for correct measurement and interpretation of thermodynamic state of photovoltaic (PV) modules has been emphasized. Influences that can change apparent temperature as reflection, transmission and emissivity of analyzed object are described. All parameters that influence on formation of thermographic records are analyzed. Problems in determining the actual temperature of PV module are illustrated with a scientific background. Through the analysis of 16 thermographs and their corresponding visual images, the state of the photovoltaic modules was presented. Three unexpected thermal patterns were observed and compared with the relevant literature.