Automatic Solar Cell EL Tester

The Automatic Solar Cell EL Tester is a precision equipment integrating electroluminescence (EL) detection technology with high-speed automated processing capabilities, specifically designed for photovoltaic cell production lines. It automatically feeds cells to the inspection station via a loading system, applies specific bias voltage to generate infrared light (EL imaging), captures images using high-sensitivity cameras, and employs intelligent image analysis software to identify microscopic defects (such as micro-cracks, broken fingers, fragments, sintering issues, contamination, etc.) and efficiency distribution irregularities in real-time. Ultimately, the equipment performs high-speed, precise grading, classification, and unloading of cells according to preset quality standards, serving as a critical tool for enhancing photovoltaic module production efficiency, product yield, and ensuring cell quality consistency.

Product Features

This sorter utilizes non-contact, high-precision EL imaging technology to rapidly capture high-resolution infrared images without physical contact. This process accurately reveals microscopic defects such as micro-cracks, broken fingers, sintering defects, and contamination, along with efficiency distribution anomalies that are invisible to the naked eye.

The system offers fully automated high-speed processing by integrating automated loading, precise transfer, rapid imaging, and automated unloading and sorting functions. This enables unmanned high-speed operation from feeding to final grading, significantly boosting production efficiency and capacity utilization.

Powered by AI-driven image recognition and classification, the equipment is equipped with powerful AI algorithms and deep learning models. These analyze EL images in real-time to precisely identify defect types, locations, and severity, performing millisecond-level automatic classification and grading based on preset standards like efficiency grades and defect levels.

Acting as a critical end-of-line quality inspection step, the sorter enhances yield and enables smart quality control. It performs 100% full inspection and precise sorting to effectively screen out defective cells, ensuring consistent and reliable cell quality for module assembly and substantially improving module yield. Simultaneously, it provides real-time quality data feedback to support smart manufacturing decisions.

Technical Specifications

The model is designated YHFX-ZDEL. It is compatible with monocrystalline, polycrystalline, PERC, HJT, and TOPCon cells, among others. Imaging is handled by a 5-megapixel custom high-definition industrial camera, positioned for vertical downward imaging.

Key performance metrics include a throughput rate of 2,000 to 5,000 cells per hour and an exceptionally low breakage rate of ≤0.05% for Grade A cells. The system demonstrates high sensitivity, capable of detecting cracks less than 0.03mm wide.

Operation is facilitated through automatic loading and unloading, with an effective testing area of 230 x 230mm. The sorter includes 8 configurable sorting bins for flexible categorization and offers functional expansion options, such as optional AOI or IV testing modules.

Applications

This automatic sorter is vital for PV cell manufacturers, acting as a critical quality control checkpoint on production lines. It automatically detects internal defects—including micro-cracks, broken fingers, poor soldering, fragments, chipped edges, black spots, and contamination—and sorts out defective cells to prevent them from entering downstream manufacturing processes.

For PV module manufacturers, it is essential for incoming inspection prior to cell stringing. This ensures all received cells meet strict quality requirements, thereby helping to avoid potential module failures, such as hot spots, that can be caused by defective cells.

Additionally, the equipment serves laboratories in need of precise defect localization and in-depth analysis for solar cell research and development.