Solar Lattice

DetectionMethod

Flash testing

ID
method:flash-test
IRI
https://solarlattice.org/kb/method/flash-test
Status
active

Flash testing measures a module's power output so it can be compared with its nameplate rating. To check for light induced degradation, compare stabilized flash-test results with the nameplate and with the degradation expected for that module technology. Use IV traces and early-life production trends alongside the flash test. If a plant loses power unexpectedly early in its life, confirm the loss with IV and flash testing. Module rated power is usually already reduced by the expected saturated LID loss. LID only counts as a failure when the measured saturated loss is larger than expected. To tell system degradation apart from module degradation, combine module test results with long-term normalized plant output, string or inverter trends and IV curve data. Module tests show average module degradation, but they cannot show by themselves the extra system loss that comes from mismatch when modules age at different rates.

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Stabilized flash-test power is compared with the nameplate rating and with degradation expected for the module technology, to confirm LID.

verified by: joshuahamsaverified on: 2026-10-20

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