Dave Savastano10.09.14
The calibration laboratory of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has optimized its precision measurements even further. After performing comprehensive analyses, CalLab PV Modules was able to improve its measurement precision of PV module performance tests to 1.6%.
A round robin event carried out among the internationally leading calibration laboratories (NREL in USA, AIST in Japan and JRC in Italy) confirmed the reproducibility of the measurements. Due to the improved performance measurements, CalLab PV Modules at Fraunhofer ISE can now provide even more reliable results for the evaluation of PV module quality.
“The low measurement uncertainty in our PV module test procedures increases the confidence in our measurement results. This equally benefits module manufacturers, project developers, banks and investors,” said Dr. Harry Wirth, division director of Photovoltaic Modules, Systems and Reliability.
For example, a reference module with low measurement uncertainty has a positive effect on the measurement accuracy of the module manufacturer. This, in turn, strengthens the purchaser’s confidence in the information provided on module label and specification sheet. For international clients, who use module measurements for the quality assurance of PV power plants, the improved measurement precision also has advantages. Banks and investors profit from precise measurements since they improve the chances of achieving a secure return.
“Many laboratories are still working with 2.5 % measurement precision,’ Frank Neuberger from CalLab PV Modules, said. “For a large 50 MWp power plant, the difference of using a higher measurement precision of 1.6% can quickly lead to a savings of several hundred thousand euros.”
A round robin event carried out among the internationally leading calibration laboratories (NREL in USA, AIST in Japan and JRC in Italy) confirmed the reproducibility of the measurements. Due to the improved performance measurements, CalLab PV Modules at Fraunhofer ISE can now provide even more reliable results for the evaluation of PV module quality.
“The low measurement uncertainty in our PV module test procedures increases the confidence in our measurement results. This equally benefits module manufacturers, project developers, banks and investors,” said Dr. Harry Wirth, division director of Photovoltaic Modules, Systems and Reliability.
For example, a reference module with low measurement uncertainty has a positive effect on the measurement accuracy of the module manufacturer. This, in turn, strengthens the purchaser’s confidence in the information provided on module label and specification sheet. For international clients, who use module measurements for the quality assurance of PV power plants, the improved measurement precision also has advantages. Banks and investors profit from precise measurements since they improve the chances of achieving a secure return.
“Many laboratories are still working with 2.5 % measurement precision,’ Frank Neuberger from CalLab PV Modules, said. “For a large 50 MWp power plant, the difference of using a higher measurement precision of 1.6% can quickly lead to a savings of several hundred thousand euros.”