International research on quality and reliable PV systems

Over the past four years, researchers in different countries around the world have participated in intensive research on photovoltaic (PV) systems. They have already delivered four reports to date, which have provided insight into European competitiveness and the consistency and predictability of the performance of current PV systems.

Task 13 is a global research group comprising researchers from several countries including the Netherlands. The group was founded in 2010 within the IEA PVPS-programme in order to improve the operation, reliability, and the electrical and economical performance of PV systems. This is currently one of the most respected taks of the programme. Task 13 researcher Wilfried van Sark, Associate Professor of Photovoltaics at Utrecht University, was also one of the editors of Analysis of Long-Term Performance of PV Systems, the fourth report recently published by the group.

Improving competitiveness

Van Sark: “We want to know what we can improve and how we can boost European competitiveness. With the support of RVO.nl, the Dutch contribution has made possible detailed examination of more than six hundred PV systems, in particular those in Germany, Italy and the United States. We undertook a statistical analysis of performance data using internet sources for systems from the Netherlands, Belgium France, Germany and Italy with the aim of gaining insight into the efficiency and the reliability of current PV systems.”

Performance

One of the findings of the report is that, if properly installed, the yield in kWh/kWp of the latest PV systems generally matches what sellers say they can provide. Van Sark: “While there are differences in performance, these can be explained by differences in climate and maximum solar insolation, which is dependent on the positioning of the installation.”

Scientific measurement

The first three reports have already shown that the quality and reliability of PV systems can be measured in a scientific way. Van Sark has devised a new method to analyse the huge amount of data, from which a statistical analysis can be made. “The PV industry and market has shown strong growth in recent years. This is solid progress. I am excited about the performance of the systems. But with the huge increase in the number of individuals with PV systems, in the coming years it will require more scientific and professional monitoring, in particular, to indicate whether a system is operating satisfactorily.”

Download the reports

Download the Task 13 reports here. 

Sustainability at Utrecht University

By combining its expertise in the field of sustainability, Utrecht University develops integrated solutions for sustainability issues contributing to a better future for following generations. This theme connects Utrecht’s excellent sustainability research from the humanities, sciences and social sciences with a focus on water, energy and a healthy environment. Sustainability is one of the four strategic research themes at Utrecht University.

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