The patents on photovoltaic cells are concentrated in the area of semiconductors for the conversion of solar radiation into electric energy, in the area of generators for the direct conversion of light energy into electric energy and in the area of solar panels adapted for roof structures.
The inspection of each cell in the solar panel provides a useful tool to identify faults that reduce the power output of the panel, such as cracks, finger failures, humidity corrosion, shunt faults, or disconnected busbars. Additionally, it is possible to identify patterns within the PV module.
In the ninth position, with 151 patents, is First Solar, a US company one of the largest manufacturers of photovoltaic solar modules with production units in the United States, Malaysia, Germany and Pakistan.
The growth of photovoltaic power plants in both size and number has spurred the development of new approaches in inspection techniques. The most commonly employed methods include visual inspections, current-voltage measurements, infrared thermography, and luminescence imaging.
Photovoltaic cell patent registrations are a valuable data set in the analysis and diffusion of PV technology and R&D activities. The dynamics of PV R&D activity is considered high, documented in a large increase in PV patent documents .
However, the current approach has only been demonstrated in highly efficient SunPower interdigitated all back-contact (IBC) solar modules. The investigation with other types of PV modules becomes mandatory in order to consolidate the method as an inspection technique for solar PV power plants.