Centre for RenewableEnergy SystemsTechnology

CPVMCL is UKAS accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for the calibration of photovoltaic cells and modules as well as pyranometers. Our services can be used to validate and increase the credibility of your research or protect your investment in commercial photovoltaic systems.

Our accredited services support system analysis: measuring the performance characteristics of cells and modules, including power and efficiency, as well as spectral responsivity and temperaturecoefficients measurements.

To find out more about the services we offer, please get in touch.

Photovoltaic Measurement and Calibration LaboratoryCRESTLoughborough University Science and Enterprise ParkLeicestershire LE11 3TU

Dr Kevin Bass E: K.Bass@lboro.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1509 635 315

www.lboro.ac.uk/crest/cpvmcl

Photovoltaic Measurement and Calibration LaboratoryUnique to the UK and founded on more than 25 years of pioneering research and development, the CREST Photovoltaic Measurement and Calibration Laboratory (CPVMCL) provides a comprehensive range of services to commercial and research organisations, including power and efficiency measurements of modules, fault analysis and due diligence of photovoltaic systems.

Our comprehensive facilities for reliability testing of photovoltaic cells and modules, in combination with electroluminescence measurements, enable a wide range of investigations on a case-by-case basis.

By working with us, you can be confident that your devices are tested to the highest level of excellence and in accordance with the latest international standards.

Accredited services Our accredited services include:

Maximum power and efficiency (I-V curve measurements)We conduct current-voltage measurements at Standard Test Conditions (STC) according to IEC60904-1 for a wide range of devices, spanning 10mm x 10mm to 2.5m x 2.5m.

Spectral responsivity (SR) measurementsUsing an over-illumination system, we can measure the response of PV devices to quasi-monochromatic light, spanning 340nm to 1200nm. This method replicates the conditions during I-V curve measurements and results in a better mismatch factor correction.

Irradiance sensor calibrationOur dual-source steady-state solar simulator has excellent long- and short-term irradiance stability, enabling the accurate calibration of both pyranometers and reference cells. Mismatch factor correction is applied to PV devices to reduce calibration uncertainty.

Temperature coefficient (TC) measurementsAn additional step of measuring the effective temperature of the device-under-test allows for TC measurements of modules in accordance with IEC 60891 with a world-leading uncertainty.

The CPVMCL gratefully acknowledges the traceability to the SI unit of irradiance via the ESTI laboratory within Directorate C – Energy, Transport and

Climate at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre.

CPVMCL would also like to acknowledge funding support through the RCUK Supergen project ‘Supersolar’ (contract no: EP/J017361/1).

Further servicesWe are also able to offer a variety of other services:

Assistance in warranty claimsWe can advise in disputes around the relevance of observed failures, the approach of proving warranty cases and the potential outcomes of a claim. We can also support the interpretation of previous measurement reports.

Root cause analysis of failuresWe specialise in failure analysis and the ageing of photovoltaic modules, and can advise on the relevance and potential impact on long-term durability.

Energy rating characterisation We offer indoor I-V measurements performed at the irradiance and temperature conditions defined in IEC 61853-1. These performance measurements for non-standard conditions enable precise yield simulations for PV power plants.

Energy yield characterisationOur outdoor test facility supports continuous high temporal resolution monitoring of operational performance data including irradiance; wind vector; humidity; module and ambient temperature; and solar spectrum. These accurate, real-world measurements support improved module performance modelling.

Spatial characterisation We have two bespoke electroluminescence systems, one each for cells and modules, enabling spatial characterisation of a wide range of devices.

Precertification, reliability and durability studies of PV modulesOur research into PV module and component life-span enables us to accelerate product development. We can perform trial runs of most certification tests and advise on routes to certification.

70866/CPS/DEC17