Hot spots and activated bypass diodes are indicators of potential module failures. If the modules are within warranty, you can use evidence of these types of failures to support a warranty claim. Raptor Maps Analytics assists you to identify these issues, as well as provides the documentation necessary for a claim.
To use Raptor Maps to streamline the warranty-claims process, begin by purchasing a Raptor Maps Comprehensive solar inspection.
Hot spot and multi cell anomalies are characterized by a significant thermal differential between the defective module and the adjacent module. For example, one manufacturer considers a temperature difference between two adjacent cells of 20 or more degrees Celsius evidence of a defective module, where the hotter module is defective.
Once your comprehensive inspection is complete, you will receive a .CSV file showing the difference in temperature (“temperature deltas”) compared to the surrounding for each anomaly identified, as well as linked images (IR and RGB).
Sort this data to determine which anomalies show temperature deltas greater than 20 degrees Celsius:

Use the location information in the file to find the associated anomaly on the map:

The map location provides links to both an RGB and IR image associated with the anomaly:

IR image associated with the anomaly.

RGB image associated with the anomaly.
Pair the thermal information and image with the module serial number to document your warranty claim. You can add a column to your CSV spreadsheet to input associated information, such as serial numbers.
To learn more about how Raptor Maps supports warranty claims, visit our Raptor Solar page.
Need more help? Contact support@raptormaps.com. We will be happy to help you follow up with your module manufacturer.