The Future of Solar Power: The Critical Role of Accurate and Reliable PV Solar Testing

“As we migrate toward a more sustainable energy future, the importance of accurate and reliable PV solar testing cannot be overstated. It is through such rigorous testing and unwavering commitment to quality that solar power will truly realise its potential, driving the global energy transition and creating a cleaner, greener future for all”. Lawrence Pratt ?

Solar power, with its vast potential, is set to play a pivotal role in the global transition towards cleaner energy. At the heart of this transition lies the importance of accurate and reliable photovoltaic (PV) solar testing. The CSIR's photovoltaic module quality and reliability testing laboratory, the first of its kind in Africa, provides the critical equipment and know-how for robust testing, helping to ensure the efficacy, durability, and sustainability of solar power systems. Independent testing acts as a critical checkpoint in the PV value chain, ensuring that suppliers deliver high-quality, durable modules capable of withstanding the environmental stresses specific to the region.

The CSIR’s PV module quality and reliability lab leverages world-class equipment designed for accelerated reliability stress testing on PV modules. The testing is tailored to the typical climatic conditions of South Africa, ensuring that only the highest quality modules are developed and installed. By simulating extreme environmental conditions, the lab accelerates failures that would naturally occur over several years in poorly constructed modules. The results provide a timely, reliable forecast of a PV module's performance and longevity before construction begins so that potential problems can be mitigated by the module supplier before installation.

The economic implications of accurate PV solar testing are profound. Reliable, high-quality solar modules promise reduced degradation rates, fewer replacements, and less maintenance, leading to significant cost savings over time. Pre-construction testing and contractual requirements help ensure the module manufacturer sends only the best modules for your project. For instance, a high-quality, reliable module will perform for 25 years with minimal degradation, reducing the lifecycle cost of solar installations and enhancing the return on investment for utility, commercial and residential-scale users. Low-quality modules may have electrical safety concerns, pre-mature cracking of back sheets and glass, and much higher degradation rates, which increase the investment risk. Independent quality and reliability testing help to differentiate the good from the bad batches, even from Tier 1 suppliers. ?

From an environmental perspective, the benefits of reliable PV modules are equally compelling. High-quality solar panels contribute directly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by ensuring that solar power plants operate at optimal efficiency. This efficiency translates into greater energy output per unit of installed capacity, thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint. The role of solar energy in combating climate change is critical, and reliable PV modules are essential for achieving the targets set by international climate agreements, such as the goals of COP 28.

The rigorous testing conducted at the CSIR lab not only ensures current reliability but also helps drive technological innovation. The pre-qualification and certification test methods conducted in the ISO 17025 accredited lab provide valuable feedback to local manufacturers regarding design weaknesses and opportunities for improvement. This includes advancements in crystalline, thin film, high capacitance, and bifacial modules. For example, bifacial modules are getting larger while the glass is getting thinner, leading to glass cracking in installations throughout the world. By subjecting the representative modules to the appropriate environmental and mechanical stresses during pre-construction testing, the lab ensures that only the most promising and durable innovations reach the South African market.

Safe, reliable PV solar modules are the bedrock of solar farms, large and small. The PV module is the generator, converting energy from the sun (photons) into electrical energy (electrons) extracted from the solar module to perform work. Large-scale solar installations depend on the reliability and efficiency of tens of thousands of interconnected solar cells, PV modules, and arrays. Testing all the modules in a PV plant is cost-prohibitive and unnecessary. However, a carefully selected representative sample of modules run through the right test sequence can provide critical information at the early stages of a project to help de-risk the long-term financial returns on the PV plant.

By ensuring the reliability and efficiency of solar systems, countries can accelerate their transition to renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to global climate action. Reliable PV modules thus become a cornerstone in achieving the broader objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development.

As the world moves towards a more sustainable energy future, the importance of accurate and reliable PV solar testing cannot be overstated. It is through such meticulous testing and unwavering commitment to quality that solar power will truly realize its potential, driving the global energy transition and creating a cleaner, greener future for all.

?About the CSIR

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa is a premier scientific research organization committed to fostering innovation and development across various sectors. Established in 1945, the CSIR is dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research and providing technological solutions that address national priorities and enhance the quality of life for all South Africans. With a focus on areas such as health, energy, water, and transport, the CSIR leverages its extensive expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to drive economic growth, improve public services, and contribute to a sustainable future. By partnering with government, industry, and academic institutions, the CSIR continues to be at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements, making significant contributions to the country’s socio-economic development.

?Lawrence Pratt, CSIR Principal Researcher

- Experience: 18 years in solar PV, encompassing research, development, and practical implementation of PV technologies.

- Achievements: Led the establishment of two ISO 17025 accredited labs for PV module testing, one in the USA and one in South Africa.

- Academic Background: MSc in Applied Statistics (University of New Mexico in 2020), PhD in Computer Science (University of the Witwatersrand in 2024).

- Expertise: PV module reliability testing, data analytics, machine learning, and engineering management in semiconductors and PV