Title:	Review of On-Site Inspection Techniques for the Qualification of PV Power Plants
Author(s):	W. Herrmann, G.C. Eder, B. Farnung, G. Friesen, M. Köntges, B. Kubicek, O. Kunz, H. Liu, D. Parlevliet, I. Tsanakas, J. Vedde
Keywords:	PV System, System Performance, Experimental Methods
Topic:	PV Systems Engineering, Integrated/Applied PV
Subtopic:	Operation, Performance and Maintenance of PV Systems
Event:	8th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion
Session:	4DO.4.1
ISBN:	3-936338-86-8
Price:	0,00 EUR
Document(s):	presentation

Abstract/Summary:

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The energy production of a PV power plant plays a significant role in the financial models of the profitability of a solar project. The technical characteristics of the PV arrays and the PV modules have a great impact on the system performance and the value of asset. To give plant operators, asset managers or insurers confidence that PV power provide the promised return of investment, on-site inspection methods with portable test equipment are commonly used. These tools document the condition of PV modules and systems and identify the drivers for underperforming PV power plants. The tests are carried without dismantling and shipping the PV modules to a laboratory thus, avoiding long transport routes, transport risks and a long down time of the PV strings. The state-of-the art in PV field inspection with mobile test equipment has been analyzed by an international group of experts under the scope of IEA-PVPS Task 13. This paper presents the results of our work.