This report covers the lessons learnt through the BT Imaging LIS-M1 Solar Module Inspection System Project which involved the development of the LIS-M1 solar module inspection tool and its trial deployment in a number of commercial and laboratory applications. The Project aimed to test the utility of the Lis-M1 in assessing the quality of solar PV modules and identifying defects that affect the degradation of solar PV modules over time.
Report extract
In late 2019, BT Imaging executed a Funding Agreement with The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to undertake an important Deployment project under ARENA’s
Advancing Renewables Program. The project, BT Imaging LIS-M1 Solar Module Inspection System Project, which was to be completed in just under two years, involved two domestic and one international industry partners, and would cost a total of near $3.0 million, with ARENA contributing $1.0 million of grant funding.
BT Imaging commenced the project as planned and submitted the first Milestone report to ARENA in March 2020. In that report, BT Imaging indicated the good progress that was being made, but also that a number of developments were emerging which might delay completion of various project activities. One of these developments was the then growing global Coronavirus emergency. Another development was the possibility of delays in the contributions from project partners who were critical to the project, due to the impacts of the Coronavirus emergency and also due to factors specific to their own business operations, factors totally outside of BT Imaging’s control.
