Contact
QR code for the current URL

Story Box-ID: 682018

TÜV Rheinland Am Grauen Stein 51105 Köln, Germany http://www.tuv.com
Contact Mr Jörg Meyer zu Altenschildesche +49 221 8062255
Company logo of TÜV Rheinland

Photovoltaics: Major Impact of Climate on Energy Yield

Yield differences of more than 10% expected for individual module types / Energy yield of solar modules in different climate zones – TÜV Rheinland conducts comparable measurements to determine the relationship between technology and the climate

(PresseBox) (Köln, )
TÜV Rheinland is looking into the energy yield of solar modules for electricity generation in different climatic regions around the world. These measurements should answer the fundamental question regarding the extent to which climatic factors have an impact on the energy yield of photovoltaic modules. Besides temperature and sunlight, climatic factors also include humidity and precipitation as well as the potential detrimental effects of sand and salty air. Based on experience and analyses performed to date, the experts at TÜV Rheinland believe that the yields of different modules and module technologies may differ by more than 10% depending on the respective climate.

TÜV Rheinland constructed five test facilities in order to take comparable measurements of the energy yield. Field investigations are already being performed on 17 module types – including thin-film modules and crystalline modules – from 13 manufacturers. They are subjected to a laboratory examination and performance measurement first before they undergo testing under real conditions for 24 months. All modules are then examined in the laboratory again.

The choice of project locations in the different climate zones was also based on TÜV Rheinland’s global network of photovoltaic test laboratories, which already cover the majority of global climate classifications: Cologne in Germany with a moderate Central European climate, Ancona in Italy with a Mediterranean climate and salty atmosphere, the US city of Tempe in the state of Arizona with a dry, tropical climate, Chennai in India with a subtropical climate, and a test facility in the Arabian desert where sandstorms also occur. The special features of the various photovoltaic modules based on different designs and materials are being analyzed with regard to their performance and climate effects, seasonal effects, low-light behavior, temperature behavior and spectral behavior.

In the comparative yield analyses which TÜV Rheinland has performed so far at the outdoor test facility in Cologne, yield differences of up to 5% have already been identified for different crystalline modules when compared with the measurements taken as reference in the laboratory, which also results in corresponding differences in returns. The differences are even greater when the measured thin-film modules are included.

This provides manufacturers participating in the current field tests with reliable indications of how their modules perform in different climatic conditions and what effect the respective climate has on yield. This is also very relevant to investor decisions. With the results of the measurements comparing their modules, manufacturers of modules will also receive information about ways to improve the technology of their products. In addition to energy yield comparisons, investigations are also being performed into the effect of dust and sand contamination in desert locations in particular. For example, different cleaning intervals will provide an indication of the best procedures and methods to be used when cleaning solar systems.

Website Promotion

Website Promotion
Homepage

TÜV Rheinland

TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, founded more than 140 years ago. The group maintains a presence in 66 countries with 18,000 employees; annual turnover is more than EUR 1.6 billion. The independent experts stand for quality, efficiency and safety for people, technology and the environment in nearly all aspects of life. TÜV Rheinland inspects technical equipment, products and services, oversees projects and helps to shape processes for companies. Its experts train people in a wide range of careers and industries. To this end, TÜV Rheinland employs a global network of approved labs, testing and education centres. Since 2006, TÜV Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption. Website: www.tuv.com

The publisher indicated in each case (see company info by clicking on image/title or company info in the right-hand column) is solely responsible for the stories above, the event or job offer shown and for the image and audio material displayed. As a rule, the publisher is also the author of the texts and the attached image, audio and information material. The use of information published here is generally free of charge for personal information and editorial processing. Please clarify any copyright issues with the stated publisher before further use. In case of publication, please send a specimen copy to service@pressebox.de.
Important note:

Systematic data storage as well as the use of even parts of this database are only permitted with the written consent of unn | UNITED NEWS NETWORK GmbH.

unn | UNITED NEWS NETWORK GmbH 2002–2024, All rights reserved

The publisher indicated in each case (see company info by clicking on image/title or company info in the right-hand column) is solely responsible for the stories above, the event or job offer shown and for the image and audio material displayed. As a rule, the publisher is also the author of the texts and the attached image, audio and information material. The use of information published here is generally free of charge for personal information and editorial processing. Please clarify any copyright issues with the stated publisher before further use. In case of publication, please send a specimen copy to service@pressebox.de.