The Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy and Energy System Technology (Fraunhofer IWES), based in Kassel, Germany, and the association DERlab e.V. have introduced what the organizations say is the first set of Europe-wide standardized outdoor tests for PV modules. The announcement was made at the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference.
‘We have harmonized our long-term measurements for solar modules all over Europe,’ explains Dr. Philipp Strauss, division director of systems engineering and grid integration at the Fraunhofer IWES and spokesman for the board of DERlab e.V. ‘For our measurements, we examine not only the location-specific yield, but also the influence that ambient conditions have on the module output.’
In field tests, running in parallel, researchers measure the solar modules under real conditions at the most diverse European locations. An additional module, which is stored in darkness, serves as a reference model.
For further information on the new testing methods and standards, visit www.iset.uni-kassel.de.
SOURCE: Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy and Energy System Technology
