PV Module Performance Analysis (PVPA)

Unit Director: Kenneth GOH        

PV modules need to be certified for sale in established markets. The PV module performance analysis unit (SERIS' off-campus facility) offers the full suite of module testing and analysis according to the standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Silicon wafer based modules and thin-film modules can be tested according to the IEC standards 61215 and 61646 and 61730.

The unit operates more than 900m2 of laboratory space and 300m2 outdoor test facilities. The laboratories are equipped with the latest technology and proven methodologies to perform conclusive and quantifiable tests and durability and performance. The rooftop test facilities are well-fenced to protect our customers' modules under testing. The entire 300 m2 area is equipped with the latest weather monitoring and measurement sensors to study the temperature characteristics of modules under test.

Mounting of a PV module in SERIS' high quality sun simulator

Rooftop testing facilities at PVPA unit

Test Services to Industry

The following module tests are available at SERIS:

  • Max power dertermination

  • Reference module measurements

  • Performance measurements at low irradiance

  • Outdoor tests and pre-conditioning

  • Determination of the Nominal Operating Cell Temperature

  • Defect inspection

  • Insulation resistance measurement, wet leakage test

  • Damp heat test, temperature cycling, humidity freeze cycling

  • Hotspot analysis

  • UV Preconditioning and light soaking

  • Diode bypass thermal test

  • Mechanical load test and hail test

  • Salt Mist test

Services to Industry and Research Organisations

We also perform customised R&D services:

  • Calibration measurements of modules
  • Customised tests such as hotspot test for defective cell identification; electroluminescence (EL) and photoluminescence (PL) testing of cells and modules
  • Extended tests (e.g. with higher/lower temperature and longer duration, etc.)
  • Test to Fail (TTF) of PV modules and/or module-making compoents to stress the product until performance failure
  • Materials or component tests, material research (e.g. moisture study of encapsulation)
  • Specialised durability tests for module components
  • Salt spray tests to determine module resistance to salty environment
  • Power, mechanical and electrical characterisation of modules
  • Non certification tests when there is a change in cell technology, contact paste, encapsulation barrier etc
  • Accelerated aging
  • Evaluation of thin-film PV technologies
  • Other customised test activities as per customer's requirements

Staff preparing for module Hotspot testing

Salt spray test at PVPA test laboratory

Certification of photovoltaic modules

Together with our in-house certifying partner VDE-ISE Pte Ltd, the PVPA unit offers a one-stop testing and certification laboratory for silicon wafer based modules and thin film modules according to IEC standards 61215 and 61646 and 61730. Our in-house certifying pertner, VDE-ISE Pte Ltd aslo facilitates for CSA (UL) testing as a single stop, multi-certification service provider for all module customers.

For further information, please contact:

Kenneth GOH

Head of PVPA test laboratory

SERIS, Photovoltaic Module Performance Analysis Unit

Email: kenneth.goh@nus.edu.sg