Solar PV Performance Lab

Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules (panels) are sold based on a label power rating, yet Australia has very few facilities for checking that the modules live up to their indicated power. This is particularly important after shipping and handling, time in the field, or after extreme weather events.

There is an opportunity to partner with us to:

1. provide high-accuracy, internationally accredited testing of solar PV modules
2. jointly develop new technologies applicable to testing of PV modules at the customer's site.

Technology

We have developed and demonstrated highly accurate testing of solar PV module output, along with software algorithms to extract key performance information from real-world outdoor testing. The facilities have been operating for both commercial and research purposes for more than ten years.

Our scientists work closely with similar calibration-level laboratories at other national science agencies overseas, and sit on international committees developing and documenting world’s best practice methods to keep up with the rapid changes occurring in PV module technology. 

Applications

Solar PV modules are shipped to Newcastle for testing. With some development, a portable solution can be developed that would allow testing to be performed at the customer’s solar farm site.

Intellectual property

The team have developed procedures and know-how that allow high accuracy measurements with carefully determined measurement uncertainty, plus documentation and operational rigour consistent with the requirements of the IEC 17025 international laboratory accreditation system.

The team

Our PV measurement experts have been in the field for decades and are embedded within a larger research team developing new solar cell technology. Our scientists sit on both the Australian and international standards committees for solar PV, and maintain productive international networks.