ISC Konstanz Moves One Step Closer To New Research Lab

ISC Konstanz, a Germany-based non-profit solar research organization, has reported on the latest addition of a PV module flasher, donated by halm electronik GmbH, into its new solar research laboratory. 

Without disclosing the type (LED or Xenon) or model, the research institute says the tool features an active illumination area of 2,600 × 1,600 mm, which is larger than existing tools. This design fits well with standard industrial PV module dimensions of up to 2,465 × 1,303 mm, as well as sample modules of customized sizes for research & development (R&D). In terms of the operational capability, it characterizes a PV module in both low-light (typically below 600 W/m²) and very high irradiance conditions (between 1,000 and 1,300 W/m²) by adjusting the illuminance of the underlying light sources between 200 and 1,300 W/m². This characterization flexibility assesses the test module’s behaviour in different real-time scenarios, such as cloudy or overcast weather with diffused sunlight and desert or hilly regions with very high irradiance. According to the institute, these insights are important for continuous improvement in developing high-efficiency PV modules.  

ISC Konstanz also acknowledges long-standing collaboration with halm, a PV cell and module characterization tool maker. The latter also donated €50,000 to the former’s ongoing new solar laboratory installations in December 2023. Apart from using halm’s numerous measurement systems in the laboratory, the 2 entities have been working on joint research projects for many years, states ISC Konstanz. 

Andreas Halm, head of the module department at ISC Konstanz, said, “It is crucial for our research and for our collaboration with industry partners that our new laboratory is state-of-the-art.” He thanked the donor by quoting, “halm's renewed commitment shows how important long-term partnerships between industry and research are – we are very grateful for this.”