Nowadays long-term performance and reliability of photovoltaic modules are a key for the success of development of the PV market. The best way to answer customers questions about the quality and generated power of PV modules is to provide a wide range of tests, which help to characterize not only PV modules but also technical parameters of solar cells. Protechlab has capabilities and specialists to conduct quality inspections of PV modules manufacturing processes, to estimate the degradation level and power change of PV modules.
SERVICES RANGE
Measurements & Characterization
The Measurements and Characterization group includes solar cells and photovoltaic modules.
Solar cells
It is very important to ensure the high quality of solar cells, because they are the main elements in PV module construction. A variety of measurements are used to characterize the performance of solar cells, including the measurements of its electrical parameters, determination of breakage and other defects in cells.
SERVICES PROVIDED
- Visual inspection using optical microscopy
- I-V measurement
- Electroluminescence analysis
- Spectral response and optical transmission measurements
- Surface profile recording
- Solar cells grid contact resistance determination
- P-n transition measurement
- Ellipsometry (coat thickness, refractive index)
In order for the photovoltaic technology to compete with traditional energy generation technologies, the biggest challenge is not only to reduce the high production costs, but also to increase the durability and performance of photovoltaic modules. We offer to test and periodically monitor the performance of the modules.
Photovoltaic Modules
SERVICES PROVIDED
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- Preconditioning (5 kWh/m2)
- Visual inspection
- Visual inspection using optical microscopy
- I-V characteristics (Pmax, Voc, Isc, Vmp, Imp, FF) measurement at Standard Testing Conditions (STC)
- Power measurement at Nominal Operating Cell Temperature (NOCT: 800 W/m2)
- I-V characteristics (Pmax, Voc, Isc, Vmp, Imp, FF) measurement at low irradiance (700 W/m2, 500 W/m2, 400 W/m2, 300 W/m2, 200 W/m2, 100 W/m2)
- I-V characteristics measurement at 1200-800 W/m2 irradiance (irradiance changing step is 1 W/m2)
- Mechanical load test (2400 Pa) with electrical continuity
- Electrical insulation measurement
- Wet leakage current test
- Insulation test up to 6 kV (Hi Pot)
- Reverse current test
- Bypass diode thermal test
- Ground continuity test
- Electroluminescence analysis
- Thermography & Hot-spot analysis
Accelerated Ageing Testing
The efficiency of photovoltaic modules diminishes over time. This degradation has a serious impact on the lifetime of PV modules, thereby prolonging the return of investment in the installation of PV systems. Testing modules in extremely wide range of environmental conditions for a longer period of time, is essential to determine the real annual energy output of the modules and lifetime of PV system. In order to evaluate the rate at which module‘s efficiency will decrease and estimate degradation of different components of PV panels, the accelerated ageing tests have been implemented.
SERVICES PROVIDED
- UV resistance test
- Thermal cycling tests
- Humidity freeze tests
- Damp heat tests
- Outdoor exposure test (dose of 60 kWh/m2)
- Light soaking
Manufacturing Processes Verification
PV modules manufacturing processes group consist of:
- Gel content measurement
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) thermal analysis
- Adhesion measurement
- Laminator heating plate temperature distribution measurement
- Glass optical transparency measurement
Gel Content Measurement
Thermal analysis test is a laboratory experiment that is carried out with differential scanning calorimetry to check the optimal melting temperature (melting point) of EVA or PVB films.
Gel Content test should be carried out periodically, changing a manufacturer of EVA film and the components of PV modules, the lamination recipe, after laminator repair and if the equipment has not been used for a long time.
Measurement results of EVA film
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) Thermal Analysis
Thermal analysis test is a laboratory experiment that is carried out with differential scanning calorimetry to check the optimal melting temperature (melting point) of EVA or PVB films.
Adhesion measurement
Adhesion test of solar cells ribbons is a widely used procedure to assess the strength of the soldered joints and soldering process quality. During the test the force, necessary to peel the ribbon from the solar cell, is measured. Adhesion test of EVA and PVB films is performed in order to assess the quality of lamination process.
SERVICES PROVIDED
- Adhesion test of solar cell with 2 or 3 ribbons
- Adhesion test of EVA and PVB films
PV Modules Testing
PV modules testing and certification are the main guarantee of module quality. The laboratory is testing modules and seeking accreditation due to verify and issue IEC 61215, IEC 61646 and IEC 61730 certificates of conformity.
- IEC 61215 – Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval (IEC 61215:2005)
- IEC 61646 – Thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval (IEC 61646:2008)
- IEC 61730 – Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification – Part 1: Requirements for construction (IEC 61730-1:2004, modified)
We offer specific test packages and individual testing in order to avoid the risk of failures in photovoltaic modules.
Test Packages and Individual Testing
SERVICES PROVIDED
- Potential Induced Degradation (PID) test packages
- I-V measurement and electroluminescence analysis test package
- Electroluminescence analysis test package
