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