Key takeaways:
Sinovoltaics has introduced the PV Lab Test Advisor tool to define testing strategies based on project-specific inputs
The tool generates testing plans using parameters such as climate, module design, and environmental conditions
Sampling plans aligned with ISO and IEC standards help structure both destructive and non-destructive testing
For any photovoltaic (PV) project, plant performance is crucial. Often, a PV plant underperforms due to a module defect, which can be traced to process or quality-inspection issues or to extended reliability-testing conditions. These issues can impact the internal rate of return (IRR) for stakeholders such as engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies, independent power producers (IPPs), and developers.
Sinovoltaics, a company based in the Netherlands, offers a range of services and products for quality assurance and testing in the PV and BESS industries. The company recently launched its PV Lab Test Advisor tool based on its Zero Risk Solar platform. It is a web-based tool that helps PV project stakeholders gain insights into PV testing strategies required for their projects. According to the company, the tool also provides access to a list of testing laboratories worldwide for evaluation and comparison, enabling risk-free decision-making.
The tool requires inputs such as project size, module power, module configuration, the installation's climate zone, environmental conditions, cell design (PERC, TOPCon, etc.), and encapsulant type. Based on these inputs, the tool generates a testing strategy by sampling the entire project production lot into multiple batches. The sampling method follows ISO 2859-1, distributing the modules across various destructive and non-destructive tests to be carried out in accordance with IEC standards and test specifications. The tests are also recommended in order of priority, based on the input provided.
As an example, we provided input to the tool for a 100 MW project using 620 W n-type TOPCon modules (bifacial dual-glass) in a tropical climate under sand-and-dust environmental conditions. The generated test strategy report recommended a total of 15 test types: 10 required, 4 strongly recommended, and 1 optional. The report also suggests dividing modules into 5 batches, each with a batch size of 20 MW, and allocating a specific number of modules per batch for each test type. According to ISO 2859-1, 5 modules per batch are allocated for destructive tests and 8 for non-destructive tests. The reasons for each test are also listed, along with the methodology, conditions, duration, and pass/fail criteria. The PV Lab Test Advisor is available for free on the company’s website.
