Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP
Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP

PV Module and Component Characterization

We offer comprehensive services for the evaluation of PV modules and their components. We support you in independent incoming goods inspection and evaluation of new module concepts using established standard tests and individual test sequences. We assist in the assessment of failure patterns and estimation of future development in use.

Services

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© Fraunhofer CSP
Visual conspicuities are often the reason for more in-depth investigations. Some, such as cracks in the back foil, can have far-reaching consequences for the safe operation of equipment.
© Fraunhofer CSP
The electrical power under standard test conditions (STC) is an essential characteristic value of PV modules.
  • Visual inspection (e.g. delamination and cracking)
  • Power measurement of solar modules
  • Electroluminescence
  • Magnetic field measurement
  • Thermography
  • Safety relevant insulation tests according to IEC and VDE-SPEC
  • Peel test

Equipment

Magnetic field measurement for fault detection
© Fraunhofer CSP/Michael Deutsch
With the innovative method of magnetic field measurement, electronic components can be examined non-destructively for faults such as cable breakage or incorrect current direction.
© Fraunhofer CSP
The adhesion of the individual film layers is an important parameter for evaluating the processing quality and the resistance of the individual layers to delamination.
  • Power measurement
    • Berger Lichttechnik, solar simulator, class AAA, max. 2.6 x 2.2 m² | 10 ms flash
    • WaveLabs LED solar simulator 2100, max. 2 x 1 m² | 500 ms flash
    • HALM, solar simulator, class A+A+A+, max. 2.6 x 1.4 m² | 120 ms flash (in procurement)

     

  • Electroluminescence measuring station
    • greateyes, LumiSolarProfessional | max. module size: 2.5 x 1.4 m², CCD camera 2,048 x 512 px, stripwise recording of the module

     

  • Magnetic field module measuring station
    • DenkWeit, B-Lab, max. 2.5 x 1.4 m² | integrated in EL measuring station, measurement of magnetic flux density in the module with current from 1 to 25 A (measurement from the front), adaptations for small samples and specimens

     

  • Thermography
    • FLIR SC620, 640x480 px @25 Hz
    • InfraTec ImageIR 9400, lock-in thermography, 1.280 x 1.024 pixel² @ 180 Hz

PID testing with customized dark curve measurement.
© Fraunhofer CSP
Hot-Spot-Test.
  • Potential-induced degradation tests (PID) according to IEC TS 62804-series and IEC 61215-2 MQT 21
     
  • LID / LETID test - stabilization and light treatment according to IEC 61215-2 MQT 19
     
  • UV irradiation test according to IEC 61215-2 MQT 10
     
  • Thermal cycling test (-40°C / 85°C) according to IEC 61215-2 MQT 11
     
  • Humidity frost test according to IEC 61215-2 MQT 12
     
  • Humidity-heat test (85°C/85%r.h.) according to IEC 61215-2 MQT 13
© Fraunhofer CSP
Mechanical load test for test specimens with a size of up to 2.3 x 1.5 m².
Test field for solar cell modules
© Fraunhofer CSP
Test field for solar cell modules on the roof of the Fraunhofer CSP.
  • Static and cyclic mechanical load test according to IEC 61215-2 MQT 16 / MQT 20
     
  • Partial shading and hot-spot tests, among others, according to IEC 61215-2 MQT 09
     
  • Combined UV-humidity-heat test
     
  • Diode tests a. o. IEC 61215-2 MQT 18
     
  • Customized test scenarios according to customer requirements
     
  • Outdoor weathering and yield analysis

Equipment

Climatic test chamber
© Fraunhofer CSP
Climatic test chamber (46 m³, -60…+100°C, 10…90% relative humidity) with sun simulator radiation unit AM1.5 with 1000 W/m² for an exposure area of up to 6 square meters.
Climate test cabinet.
© Fraunhofer CSP
Climate test cabinet.
  • Climate test chambers
    • CTS climatic test chamber C -65/100 | 2 units, 100 l, -65°C to 180°C
    • CTS climatic test chamber C -70/200 | 2 units, 200 l, -70°C to 180°C
    • CTS climatic test chamber C -70/1500 | 1500 l, -70°C to 180°C, 220 W/m² UVA/UVB irradiation
    • Damp-Heat chambers, CW+40/8/8 | 3 chambers, 8 m³, 40°C to 90°C, 10 to 90 % relative humidity
    • Walk-in climatic chamber, CWL -60/46 | 46 m³, -60°C to 100°C, 10 to 90 % relative humidity
    • Walk-in climatic chamber, CW -60/23 | 23 m³, -60°C to 120°C, 10 to 90 % relative humidity, power supplies for current and continuity testing
  • Irradiation chambers
    • Atonometrics, LightSoaker | 2x 1.7 x 2.2 m² test area, sun-like spectrum
    • Atonometrics, High Intensity UV | 2x 1.7 x 2.2 m² test area, excessive UV up to 200 W/m² UVA/UVB, metal halide lamps
    • PSE UV chamber |  2x 2.6 x 1.4 m² test area, excessive UV up to 250 W/m² UVA/UVB, mercury vapor lamps
  • High voltage power supplies up to 6 kV and test benches in combination with climatic chambers for testing potential-induced degradation of modules and samples
  • Pneumatic load test station, Harrexco, modules up to 2.2 x 1.5 m² with area load up to 8 kN/m² and multilocal deformation measurement
  • Electrical safety
    • Chauvin Arnoux C.A. 5550
    • Wet leakage test (IEC 61215-2 MQT 15)
    • Insulation test (IEC 61215-2 MQT 3)
    • Ground continuity test (MST 13, IEC 61730)
    • Reverse current overload test (MST 26, IEC 61730)

© Fraunhofer CSP
Tensile test for characterization of frame material.
fatigue behavior solar cell connectors
© Fraunhofer CSP
On the basis of specific experiments, the fatigue behavior of solar cell connectors can be simulated under varying mechanical and thermomechanical loads.
  • Determination of material parameters (e.g. Young's modulus, transverse contraction, yield stress)
  • Strength assessment of solar glass according to DIN 1288
  • Testing the strength of wafers and solar cells in accordance with DIN SPEC 91351:2017-04
  • Strength assessment and crack investigation of encapsulated solar cells
  • Fatigue strength evaluation of solar cell connectors
  • Evaluation of substructures and mounting systems
  • Testing of micro inverters
  • Determination of degree of crosslinking using Soxleth and Xlink
  • Polymer analytics

Equipment

electroluminescence 4-point bending test
© Fraunhofer CSP
Test site for the mechanical loading of PV laminates with simultaneous electroluminescence (EL + 4PB).
Precision universal testing machine
© Fraunhofer CSP
Precision universal testing machine for determining quasistatic load-deformation characteristics of materials.
  • Precision Universal Testing Machines
    • Zwick Roell GmbH, Z050 | static loads up to 50 kN, load cells 1kN, 10kN, 50kN tensile/compression test, flexure test, pull-off test
    • Zwick Roell GmbH, Z400 | double ring and four-point bending test
    • MTS Landmark 370.02, servo-hydraulic testing machine | static and dynamic loads up to 25 kN in a temperature range from -40°C to 350°C
    • Instron 5848 Microtester | dynamic and static loads up to 2kN (10N, 100N, 2 kN loadcell), -40°C to 250°C
  • 3D image correlation system for spatially resolved measurement of local displacements
    • Dantec Dynamic Q400, various calibration targets for measurements from µm to cm scale