Nondestructive Measurement of Concentrating Solar Cell Panel Profile

This paper discusses the development and evaluation of a nondestructive inspection tool for measuring surface geometry of light concentrator solar cell panels. Because the panel surfaces could not be contacted for contamination purposes, conventional measuring method could not be used. A no-contact inspection method was, therefore, needed to assure required surface geometry at any point on the concentrator panel. The resultant tool, "The Slit Image Profile Scope", was developed to provide for this capability.