Solutions

SUPSI PVLab offers a series of tests ranging from electrical to mechanical characterization, including accelerated aging and energy yield tests. These tests are divided in three main categories: Characterization, Safety and Reliability.

Type of tests

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Characterization

The precise electric characterization of emerging PV technologies is one of the most important procedures for the activities of the SUPSI PVLab. This consists in the evaluation of power performance in different environmental conditions providing insights for energy forecasting.

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Electrical Performance

IV curve measurement for standard and innovative PV modules (mono-facial, bi-facial, multijunction, etc.) are performed with best-in-class precision thanks to a long-term participation in metrology research projects. A Pasan 3b A+ class flasher has been internally customized to grant maximum performances.

Spectral Response

The measurement is performed at module level thanks to a customized setup using Pasan 3a flasher with 29 band pass filters. The possibility of multijunction characterization is granted through the use of LED bias lights.

Temperature Coefficients

A dedicated thermal chamber with front quartz glass allows to determine temperature coefficient of PV modules with maximum precision. The setup has been developed internally.

Angle of Incidence Characterization

A dedicated setup allows to characterize PV modules in terms of angular dependence. This test is particularly relevant for the definition for the modeling of PV modules. The use of precise models increases the accuracy of energy forecast through simulation software.

Electro and Photo Luminescence and IR Analysis

The optical characterization of PV modules is obtained trough the use of multi-spectral imaging. Visible, UV and infrared light is used to record the condition of the module at a different step of accelerated aging.

Safety

SUPSI PVLab runs all the necessary tests to grant product safety. Going beyond standard procedures, the lab also develops innovative approaches to test new technologies in the frame of research projects.

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Insulation Test

This test aims to verify electrical safety by determining whether the PV module is sufficiently insulated between current carrying parts and the frame or other outside accessible components.

Wet Leakage Test

This test aims to verify electrical safety in humid conditions, simulating wet weather submerging the PV module in a conductive solution.

Module Breakage Test

This test allows to simulate the impact of a human body against the module in order to avoid injuries due to glass breakage and assess the breakthrough resistance.

Hail Test

This test checks the resistance to hail impact with hail stones diameters ranging from 25 up to 70mm. Further to IEC standard procedures, SUPSI PVLab performs the test according to Swiss norms.

Reliability

This is a major requirement to grant sustainable production of energy. The activities of this subject go from indoor accelerated environmental testing to outdoor aging and monitoring of PV modules and systems.

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Accelerated Thermal Testing

These tests are performed in two large thermal chambers able to cycle between -40C degree to 110C+ and to keep modules in humid environments at 85% RH. Further to standard testing, these chambers are used for innovative procedures for new product classes and PID detection.

Mechanical Load Test

Simulates the effect of heavy snow load and wind uplifts. The setup is able to reach 14,000 Pa of pressure.

UV Test

Through the use of UV lamps, this test accelerates the aging of plastic materials with particular focus on encapsulants and back sheets.

Light Soaking Test

The sun simulator aims to stabilize the electrical performance of PV modules, check hotspot resistance and to verify the maximum temperature reachable for the modules components.

Certifications

SUPSI PVLab can verify the compliance of PV modules to different standard requirements from CE marking for market entry to the IEC certification for a complete verification of the product quality.

ISO accreditation

Laboratory accreditation in compliance with the ISO 17025 standard guarantees the quality of the results obtained, ensuring precision and independence of judgement. SAS (Swiss Accreditation Service) inspectors visit the laboratory every 18 months, certifying the procedures and fostering a process of continuous improvement.

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