Why scan and digitize serial numbers?

Recording all serial numbers early smooths the warranty-claim process and prevents the need for additional steps when module replacement is urgent.

As modules are replaced, swapping recorded serial numbers is an easy way to quality-control that the correct modules are removed and replaced. This ensures the digital twin of the solar PV system is updated and accurate.

The Raptor Maps app provides an intuitive and fast method of digitizing serial numbers for PV modules. This article walks through how to use the Raptor Maps app to successfully scan and store serial numbers into the digital twin for future use.

Preparing to Scan

• Log in to app.raptormaps.com to submit a  “Site Digitization” order

  • “New” -> “Site Digitization”

• Sites will be digitized according to the site electrical drawings and will enable scanners to navigate the site efficiently

  • Please upload complete site as-built PDF & KML.

• Assemble and upload module flash test data for all delivered modules following the provided format

  • “Digital Twin” -> “Manage” 

• Allow 5-7 business days for site digitization assuming all of the files listed above are provided.

Equipment for Scanning 

Serial-number scanning requires a mobile phone with the Raptor App downloaded on iOS or Android.

Bluetooth barcode scanners are highly recommended to scan serial numbers efficiently

A reliable bluetooth barcode scanner option is available here, but other bluetooth-enabled barcode scanners can be used instead.

Plan a Scanning Route/Pattern

Identify serial number location on modules to be scanned (front glass, backsheet label, etc.).

In general, users will want to scan from one end of a row to another and move sequentially through rows to maximize efficiency and minimize steps. 

Assign each scanner to a distinct region/block each working day to prevent overlap.

Be aware that some solar sites will have physical obstacles such as ungrounded wires or tracking equipment that prevent scanners from moving easily throughout the site. Plan routes accordingly.

Where do I find the PV module's serial number?

Common locations for serial number barcode locations:

Scanning Serial Numbers:

The Digital Twin will display specific colors based on the status of the serial number scan:

• GREY = Unscanned Rows

• YELLOW = Incomplete Scanned Rows

• RED = One or more issues in scanned row

• GREEN = Scanned and validated

After selecting a red row with issues, you can review the problems for each module:

• PURPLE = Serial Number not contained on uploaded flash report

• YELLOW = Duplicate serial number (usually indicates that a module was accidentally scanned twice)

Reviewing and Clearing Serial Number Records on Mobile

• Users can clear serial numbers for a row or module via the Scan tab and selecting the first module of that row.

• User must hold specific row identifier text next to "Selected Row" for 10 seconds. The app will prompt user with an option to refresh the row. Once this is confirmed, all serial records for that row will be cleared and user may proceed with re-scanning.

• This will likely want to be done if the user chooses to replace their module and/or is making a correction to faulty scanning in the first places

Sharing Serial-Number Records 

Access and export Equipment Records for each site to CSV via site “Equipment” tab: