Measure, analyze, optimize – digitization offers numerous new starting points for even better quality control in photovoltaics

The Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP presents innovative contributions to quality control in the solar industry at the Intersolar trade fair from 15.-17. May 2019 in Munich. Visitors will be able to experience a mobile test device for PID susceptibility of solar modules, get to know new approaches for reliable design of lightweight modules and find out how to optimise complex processes, for example, for the evaluation of yield by evaluating measured data.

»Gathering and analyzing performance data in a meaningful way and exploiting this for reliable product development demonstrates the importance of digitization in future developments. We offer the necessary know-how,” says Prof. Ralph Gottschalg, head of the Fraunhofer CSP in Halle (Saale) since April 2018. »With this year’s exhibition, we focus on these topics. We outline how we can support customers in the quality management of their products.«

An example of this is the test device PIDcheck, developed by the Fraunhofer CSP in cooperation with Freiberg Instruments. The device enables a fast, cost-effective and mobile test of solar modules for Potential-induced Degradation (PID), one of the most common causes of power losses of solar modules. The portable PIDcheckenables modules to be inspected when fielded. This means that complex test procedures in the laboratory and lenghty intervals in climate chambers may be omitted. Within four to eight hours, the assessment also takes significantly less time than previous methods. Furthermore, PIDcheck ensures a reliable performance and high yield for owners of solar power plants, module manufacturers, service providers, appraisers and insurance companies. Even if PID has not yet occurred in a plant, it is possible to determine the PID susceptibility of the installed solar modules. If PID has already occurred, a statement about the future performance of the module can be made with the PIDcheck.

The Light and elevated Temperature Induced Degradation (LeTID) of PERC solar cells is taken into consideration by another new process, which will also be presented by the Fraunhofer CSP at booth C1.371. This slow effect, which can occur under the influence of light and at temperatures above 50 ° C, is associated with significant power losses. At the Fraunhofer CSP, a model for degradation trajectories was developed that calculates such yield losses and also takes into account various climatic parameters.

In addition, the Fraunhofer CSP will present innovative approaches for the reliable design of lightweight modules. Current projects include an ultra-light solar module in triangular form as well as work on the next generation of balcony modules, which are even easier to install and operate than previous models. With such mini-PV systems, users can start their own Energiewende on a home level.

Source: IMWS Fraunhofer