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F R A U N H O F E R I N s t I t U t E F O R s O l A R E N E R g y s y s t E m s I s E
TesTLab PV ModuLes
April 2013
Fraunhofer Institute for
solar Energy systems IsE
Heidenhofstrasse 2
79110 Freiburg
Germany
Phone +49 761 4588-0
Fax +49 761 4588-9000
www.ise.fraunhofer.de
Head of group module testing
Daniel Philipp
Phone + 49 761 4588-5414
Fax +49 761 4588-9000
Administrative Assistant testlab PV modules
Jeanette Wolf
Phone + 49 761 4588-5284
Fax +49 761 4588-9132
w w w . t E s t l A b - P V - m O d U l E s . c O m
To ensure a safe and reliable operation of PV modules, we
offer various services going beyond certification. In an
individual consulting, our experienced technicians and
engineers point out purposeful and cost-efficient solutions.
Enhanced Quality and Reliability tests
With test conditions adapted to specific climate requirements,
the risk of failures can be reduced:
n enhanced mechanical load test (pressure load up to
10 kPa, temperatures down to -40 °C; maximum
frequency of 0.2 Hz)
n enhanced hail test (25 mm Ø; 35 mm Ø; 45 mm Ø)
n salt mist corrosion test
Moreover, specific tests for degradation factors which are not
included in the PV module certification can be performed.
For example:
n PID (Potential Induced Degradation): potential Induced
Degradation is a failure mechanism which is currently
much discussed. In a PID test the module’s sensitivity
towards electrical potential differences between cell and
frame / glass is tested. Fraunhofer ISE also approximates
this phenomenon within several research projects.
n enhanced UV test: within the scope of module certification
UV tests are only performed as preconditioning
(15 kWh/m²). Since certain failure mechanisms are caused
by UV irradiance, enhanced UV tests can help to detect if
the module is sensitive to UV degradation.
n as degradation factors appear combined under real
conditions, we provide the following test facilities: climate
chamber with integrated solar simulator as well as climate
chamber with integrated UV source.
2
CerTifiCaTion, reLiabiLiTy, QuaLiTy ConTroL
1 For the certification, modules are tested with regard to
their reliability, quality and safety. Most of the stress tests
are performed on two modules. The graphic shows the test
sequence according to IEC 61215:2005.
Evaluation and Analysis of Failures
In cooperation with research and development departments
of Fraunhofer ISE, we can examine the events of damage or
failures purposefully:
n examination and analysis of damage cause
n long-term development
n development of accelerated test procedures to
minimize risks in the future
Quality Assurance, Quality control, bankability
Frequently, manufacturers, investors and installers need special
tests or test sequences which increase the trust in module
reliability or allow a meaningful comparison between different
module types. We provide advisory assistance with the
definition of such test sequences and the evaluation of its
results.
Reliability of New module concepts
We gladly support our customers in questions on reliability of
new module developments or the introduction of new com-
ponents. In this way we can contribute to recognize possible
failure causes at an early stage.
3
The share of photovoltaics in global energy supply is increasing
rapidly. Improvements in efficiency and economies of scale in
production led to a substantial cost reduction. Thus, PV energy
has crossed the threshold to grid parity in many regions. A
growing number of producers offer module components as
back sheets, cells and encapsulants. Therefore, the assurance
of module quality gains in importance for investors as well as
for manufacturers.
Based on many years of experience in the area of service
life analysis, the TestLab PV Modules was founded at
Fraunhofer ISE in 2006 and accredited in accordance with
ISO / IEC 17025. High-grade and innovative testing facilities
enable a comprehensive range of services and meet highest
quality demands. In addition, customers profit from the
embedding of TestLab PV Modules into the scientific
environment of Fraunhofer ISE.
Quality and Safety Certification of PV Modules
For the certification of PV modules we work closely together
with our experienced cooperation partner, the VDE Institute
in Offenbach. Our TestLab is accredited for the following
standards:
n IEC 61215:2005, Crystalline Silicon Terrestrial Photovoltaic
Modules – Design Qualification and Type Approval
n IEC 61646:2008, Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic
Modules – Design Qualification and Type Approval
n IEC 61730:2004, Photovoltaic Module Safety
Qualification – Part 2: Requirements for Testing
initial characterization
preconditioning – visual inspection – performance – dry insulation and wet leakage test
wet leakagetest
hailtest
mechanical load test
damp heat test 1000 h
robustness of termination test
thermal cycling test
200 cycles
thermal cycling test
50 cycles
humidity freeze test
10 cycles
UV preconditioning15 kwh/m2
measuring of temperature coefficient
determination ofNOct
performance atstc and NOct
performance at low
irradiance
outdoor exposure60 kwh/m2
temperature testing of
bypass diode
hot - spotendurance test
con
tro
l
2 In the climate chamber with steady state solar simulator hot
spot tests according to IEC 61215 are performed. The test facility is
also appropriate for customized testing, e. g. enhanced module
characterization and BIPV applications.
3 The mechanical load test facility allows the automated
performance of IEC-compliant tests as well as of tests going
beyond standards (maximum pressure and suction 10 kPa,
maximum frequency 0.2 Hz).
final characterization
visual inspection – performance – dry insulation and wet leakage test
