Characterization of PV Modules

To successfully market your photovoltaic module, it is crucial to specify an exact power rating. A value that is too high can lead to dissatisfaction among your customers. Conversely, if the value is too low, you may not be able to realize the full market potential of your product.

To ensure that your customers can rely on the value you determined and that you can prove metrological traceability to international standards, we offer you a calibration that utilizes reference cells, is based on the World PV Scale (WPVS) and conforms to IEC 60904-2 requirements. These reference cells undergo primary calibration by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt in Braunschweig, Germany’s national metrology institute, and have a very low calibration value measurement uncertainty.

By determining the nominal power of the reference modules, any deviations from the values you determined can be identified and the power rating can be established with maximum precision.

For testing the reference module, you can choose between three service packages – Gold, Silver, and Bronze – depending on the degree of measurement uncertainty. At the end, we will provide you with a detailed report for each of your tested modules.

Our test package includes:

• Determination of the spectral response / (quantum efficiency measurement)
• Temperature coefficient (temperature behavior)
• Low-light behavior
• Characteristic curves / correction parameters
• Nominal power analysis (STC measurement)
• Electrical stability analysis
• Reference module measurements
• Reference testing (3 packages: Gold, Silber, Bronze)

Are you currently developing a new PV module concept, pursuing an unusual module type, or perhaps have launched a module with record efficiency on the market? Do you want to have the performance of your PV modules measured by an independent third party that is trusted by investors and PV system operators across the globe?

We support you in demonstrating the high quality and performance of your photovoltaic modules to your business partners – with performance measurements by TÜV Rheinland. Benefit from our neutrality, strong reputation and state-of-the-art testing facilities to strengthen your customers' confidence in your product.

We will prepare a report for you that contains the results of all tested PV modules.

Our test package includes:

• Determination of the spectral response / (quantum efficiency measurement)
• Temperature coefficient (temperature behavior)
• Low-light behavior
• Characteristic curves / correction parameters
• Determination of bifacial coefficients
• Nominal power analysis (STC measurement)
• Electrical stability analysis

As part of our "Ask the Expert: PV Supply Chain" series, Sebastian Petretschek explains in this video how performance measurements may lead to different results – and what action is required in this case.

Whether private home or industrial photovoltaic systems – the evaluation of the expected energy yield of your PV modules plays a major role in any investment decision.

We therefore offer manufacturers the preparation of PAN files. These files include all properties of your PV modules that are related to energy yield. The results take into account potential variations under outdoor conditions. Our file contains exact PV module characteristics that can be used to simulate effects that may influence the performance of the modules under field conditions. Examples include the orientation, the tilt angle or the angular behavior or angular sensitivity of the PV modules. With our PAN files, the behavior of your PV module can be precisely simulated. The files also provide important information on the factors that need to be considered to achieve the highest possible output during use.

Offer your business partners and end customers the opportunity to make a data-based decision in favor of your PV modules.

Just ask us to create the PAN file – we will be happy to provide the file and the test report directly to prospective buyers. By entering the PAN file in Certipedia, our online certificate database that is accessible at any time, you provide additional transparency and credibility to end customers and clients.

Our test package includes:

• Determination of the spectral response / (quantum efficiency measurement)
• Electrical stability analysis
• Angular dependency / angular sensitivity testing
• Energy matrix (temperature coefficient / low-light behavior)
• Generation of a file for PVSyst

Do you also have a solar simulator to independently test the performance of your PV modules? To ensure that the measurement uncertainty is as low as possible, it is essential to regularly check the quality and functionality of solar simulators.

We will perform various optical measurements on the solar simulators at your production facility. The aspects examined include the spatial non-uniformity of the simulated sunlight on the measuring surface and the spectral conformity with the reference sunlight spectrum.

When lamps are wearing out

The components of your simulator that require the most maintenance are the lamps. Depending on the frequency of use and the lamp technology, your lamps will show signs of ageing after just a few months, resulting in measurement inaccuracies.

We will carry out on-site measurements on your solar simulator to determine whether the radiation properties (homogeneity, spectral composition, stability) have changed due to the ageing of the lamps. This should be done annually to prevent potential age-related optical effects. After a lamp has been replaced, it is also advisable to classify the solar simulator to ensure consistent quality.

We will summarize the results of the quality test of your solar simulator in a test report for you.

You manufacture solar simulators?

We will be happy to support you!

Based on the 2PfG 2788 test specification, we classify your solar simulators, carry out a document review and perform tests according to an expanded test program. Upon completion, in addition to a test report, we will also issue a certificate and a test mark.