The importance of PV module reliability research in South Africa

Abstract

This paper will introduce the new C450 international standard for PV module quality assurance programs. Quality assurance testing has been on the rise in the PV industry following the rise in development of large scale PV plants, sometimes under the name of “reliability” test programs or “bankability” studies. The test programs are largely based on published International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards for PV module design certification and safety testing. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s Energy Centre (CSIR-EC) in support from its Technology Localization and Implementation Unit (TLIU) is constructing a solar PV module reliability research and testing laboratory at its Pretoria campus to support the growing South African renewable energy market, mainly focussing PV module reliability and quality assurance testing. PV module reliability issues impact degradation rates, future energy production of PV plants, and ultimately the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) paid over the lifetime of a PV system. The LCOE from the CSIR’s 558kW DC single-axis tracker plant would increase from 0.83 Rand/kWh to 0.90 Rand/kWh if the PV module degradation increases to 1.6% per year from the predicted 0.8% per year. The CSIR reliability laboratory supports the decisions made by project developers, installers, contractors, owners and investors that will ultimately lead to more reliable, lower PV generation costs for South African consumers by reducing the risk associated with PV module quality and reliability.