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PV System and Module Test and Evaluation Capabilities
Sandia’s
PV System Optimization Lab (PVSOL)
is a fully instrumented facility for evaluating all factors
influencing system energy production, long-term reliability,
and safety. Capabilities are applied both in-house and for system
field testing. Supports component manufacturers and system integrators.
Data provides validation of system performance models.
| The
specific tests / measurements / characterizations available
include: |
• Twelve configurable residential-scale systems
• All instrumentation calibrations traceable to
primary standards, NIST, or world PV standards
• Fully characterized arrays using periodic testing
and Sandia performance model.
• Continuous analysis of all system variables;
array (V,I,P,T), inverter (dc,ac,T,Eff,PF,MPPT), solar
resource, weather conditions. 20-yr archive of solar
resource and weather data.
• Investigation of long-term PV array and inverter
performance degradation mechanisms and rates
• Develop system design strategies to optimize
energy output
• PV system annual energy modeling and analyses
supporting integrators
• Develop protocols and test equipment for field
evaluations, stress tests
• Evaluation and development of improved system
ratings and performance metrics
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Two 3-kW arrays with variable orientation
used for system optimization, inverter characterization,
and validation of performance models.
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Fully instrumented, easily configured,
inverter characterization. |
Sandia’s
PV Module Evaluation Lab (PVMEL)
performs comprehensive electrical, thermal, optical characterization
supporting PV system design models. Diagnostic evaluation
of field failures and production anomalies in support of
manufacturers and integrators.
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| The specific tests / measurements
/ characterizations available include: |
•
Outdoor performance using ASTM standards, Sandia protocol/model,
all operating conditions; also being implemented at
ASU/PTL and FSEC.
• Traceability for commercial lab accreditation
(FSEC, ASU/PTL)
• Baseline and periodic retesting, long-term field
aging, degradation rates
• Dark IV analysis of module and bypass diode
electrical characteristics
• UV, thermal (IR), and ultrasonic imaging and
diagnostic analysis
• Encapsulant adhesion, interface chemistry, and
solder-bond metallurgical analyses
• Module sampling from field aged systems
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Module
performance and reliability diagnostics using dark current-voltage
measurements and IR imaging. |
 |
| Comprehensive
electrical, thermal, and optical characterization of modules
using 2-axis solar tracker.
Top of page
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Top
of page |
"System
thermal analysis using infrared (IR) imaging."
Contact
David L. King
(dlking@sandia.gov)
(505)844-8220
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