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1 EU GCC CLEAN ENERGY NETWORK II Join us: Contact us: Dra. Ana Rosa Lagunas Director, Photovoltaic Solar Energy department

2 Agenda Solar potential & technologies PV Technology in a simplified way Selection criteria

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4 What is solar photovoltaic energy? Advantages Photovoltaic Solar Energy obtained by direct conversion of solar radiation into electricity Technical Advantages of a technical nature: Direct conversion solar-electricity Safe, inexhaustible and non-polluting source Modularity of facilities Possibility of architectural integration Opportunities for technological development and innovation Economic and social benefits: Proximity citizen-energy distributed Return on Investment Job creation associated with the manufacture of equipment and the maintenance of the facilities Abundant solar resource

5 Solar photovoltaic cell Photovoltaic solar cells are the basic constituents of photovoltaic modules: Devices that convert light directly into electricity Composed of semiconductor materials: silicon or compounds of II-VI, III-V (multi-junctions), as well as organic and hybrid substances Produce direct current

6 Solar photovoltaic cell Absorption capacity depending on the technology and the wavelength of the radiation

7 Solar photovoltaic modules Photovoltaic modules formed by the electrical connection (series and parallel) of the photovoltaic solar cells

8 Solar photovoltaic Systems The PV plant includes the PV Generation part (DC) and the Balance of System (BOS), as the components to convert DC into AC and feed it into the grid (if needed)) Prices of BOS have evolved in last 10 years Source: A Strategic Research Agenda for Photovoltaic Solar Energy. PV Technology Platform 2007,

9 Solar photovoltaic Systems The PV plant includes the PV Generation part (DC) and the Balance of System (BOS), as the components to convert DC into AC and feed it into the grid (if needed)) Prices of BOS have evolved in last 10 years Source: A Strategic Research Agenda for Photovoltaic Solar Energy. PV Technology Platform 2007,

10 Solar photovoltaic Systems: Grid connected Usually, electricity is sold to the utility Self consumption is increasing its market share

11 Types of photovoltaic installations: Grid-connected Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems: Mass production plants Roofing facilities for buildings Architectural integration (facade coverings, parasols, pergolas, slats in windows, tiles...)

12 Types of photovoltaic installations: Stand-alone Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems Isolated homes, resorts Traffic signals Chargers for consumer products

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14 Photovoltaic Technologies Based on silicon: monocrystalline silicon, multicrystalline silicon, hybrid cells Thin film: amorphous or amorphous / microcrystalline silicon, compounds of group II-VI, organic materials Photovoltaic Concentration (CPV) Emerging technologies: perovskites

15 Maximum solar photovoltaic cell efficiencies evolution cy_chart.jpg

16 Monocrystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Modules Si wafer from monocrystalline Si ingot grown by Czocralski and sliced Different technologies, from simple screen printed very mature although until the highest efficiency Rigid module Spectacular cost reduction in the last years Technological variants for high efficiency development (PERT, PERC, bifacials, High laboratory cell efficiency: 25.2% (SunPower) for backcontact technology

17 Heterojunction solar cells Variant of monocrystalline technology based on Si wafer combined with thin film processes Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin Layer, Sanyo HIT) Maximum cell efficiency in laboratory up to September 2016: 25.6% (Panasonic)

18 Heterojunction solar cells A combination of heterojunction technology using high-quality amorphous silicon, low resistance electrode technology, and a back-contact structure developed by Kaneka Corporation. Achievement of the world s highest conversion efficiency, 26.33%, in a crystalline silicon solar cell having a practical size (180 cm 2 ). This achievement breaks the world record of 25.6% by ~0.7%, exceeding 26% for the first time in the world.

19 Multicrystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Modules c-si wafer from ingot usually obtained by casting Crystals are visible in the range of cm Cheaper than the monocrystalline Si because of the technique of obtaining the ingot uses much less energy, but sharing the same starting material Production characteristics (screen printed) similar to monocrystalline Si, but lower efficiency Cost reduction also based on a clear tendency to reduce the thickness of the wafers Maximum cell efficiency in laboratory: 21.25% (Trina Solar)

20 Bifacial solar cells The concept is to use light absorption also from the albedo. it was established that bifacial solar cells can increase the power density of PV modules compared to monofacial cells while reducing area-related costs for PV R. Guerrero-Lemus et al, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 60, July 2016, Pages

21 Multijunction solar cells Photons with energies below the band gap are not absorbed, whereas photons with energies above the band gap are not fully converted to electrical energy because of thermalization of charge A single junction solar cell can not produce above its Shocley-Queisser limit

22 Multijunction solar cells Reduce thermalization and nonabsorption power losses

23 Thin film technologies Very thin layers of semiconductor material, on the order of several microns The most mature technologies are based on silicon (amorphous and microcrystalline), on CdTe and CI (G) S Technologies based on organic materials are not in the same degree of maturity as the previous ones These technologies require a substrate as support. Depending on the type of substrate, the module may have different characteristics such as flexibility and transparency Cell and module are manufactured simultaneously, so lower use of material and in time Low consumption of raw materials The company First Solar (CdTe) Maximum cell efficiency in laboratory: 22.1% (First Solar)

24 Concentrated Photovoltaic It uses optical elements (lenses or mirrors) to focus the sunlight on the photovoltaic cell. High concentration: reaches up to 1000x and low concentration below 10x It uses only direct solar radiation so it needs precise solar trackers and is only profitable in specific geographical areas with high direct radiation It is in an initial state of commercialization

25 Concentrated Photovoltaic It is used with high performance cells (faces) so that costs are reduced by decreasing the amount of semiconductor material Variety of solutions, there is no single concept (high and low concentration, different cells and optical elements) Maximum cell efficiency in laboratory: 46.0% (Fraunhofer ISE / Soitec)

26 New materials: Perovskites Hybrid compound with perovskite structure formed by organic-inorganic material Typical structure CH3NH3PbX3, where X is a halogen atom such as iodine, bromine or chlorine Spectacular increase in efficiency in the last 3 years Simple production process; does not need high temperatures Low cost of production Problems of degradation Transparent, light, flexible and efficient Emerging technology Maximum cell efficiency (not stabilized) in laboratory: 21.0% (EPFL)

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28 VALUE CHAIN OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR ENERGY: CRYSTALLINE SILICON Si purification Slicing Connections Assembly Lamination Polisilicon Ingot Wafer Cell Module System Crystallization Superficial Processes (Chemical, thermal ) Distribution Balance of system (BOS) Instalation

29 Solar Cell Fabrication (majority technology) Texturization P-n junction PSG etching Anti Reflection Coating Contact Definition Contact Formation Edge Isolation Solar Cell Characterization

30 Solar Cell Interconnection (majority technology) Electrical connection between cells Material: Copper Tape Covered with SnPb Alloy The elimination of Pb presents one of the technological and cost challenges

31 Solar Module Glass Encapsulant Cells Encapsulant Backsheet Connections box Frame

32 PV module characterization 140 MAXIMUM POWER VS TEMPERATURE Manufacturer Measured Points High Temperature Points Least Squares Straight line Uncertainty+ Uncertainty POWER (W) TEMPERATURE (ºC)

33 PV module characterization Visual inspection I-V curve Isolation tests Wet leakage current tests Irradiance/Temperature matrix 140 MAXIMUM POWER VS TEMPERATURE Manufacturer Measured Points High Temperature Points Least Squares Straight line Uncertainty+ Uncertainty POWER (W) TEMPERATURE (ºC)

34 PV plant components Among all the considerations for the cash flow analysis of a PV plant it is of great importance to have confident values of performance, cost and durability of PV components Groups of experts worldwide are working together in order to elaborate PV standards that can provide the certitudes for longterm PV components performance (IEC) standards allow testing the PV components in order to be able to certify their capacities of operation That scheme is also extended to the PV plant itself (IECRE)

35 Certification Scheme TO CERTIFY TO DECLARE CONFORMITY TO STANDARDS Why certification tests? They are not just a requirement of power companies. From the point of view of the end user they serve to: Verify that the products are reliable. Ensure reasonable and maintained operation for years. Avoid risks during installation and operation. From the point of view of designers and manufacturers, they serve to: Test your designs against parameters common to other producers. Define the scope of the guarantees.

36 Module Design and Security Certification Regulations related to the product qualification-certification IEC ed2.0 IEC ed2.0 IEC ed1.2 IEC ed1.1 IEC TS Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval Thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification - Part 1: Requirements for construction Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification - Part 2: Requirements for testing Guideline for increased confidence in PV module design qualification and type approval UL 1703 ed.3 Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels U.S. Valid Pending for approval

37 Module Design and Security Certification IEC standards in the process of approval applicable to the qualification-certification process IEC Ed.1 Design qualification and type approval - Part 1: Requirements for testing IEC Ed. 1 IEC Ed.1 IEC Ed.1 IEC Ed.1 IEC Ed.1 Design qualification and type approval - Part 1-1: Special requirements for testing of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1-2: Special requirements for testing of cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) modules Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1-3: Special requirements for testing of amorphous silicon (a-si) and microcrystalline silicon (c-si) photovoltaic (PV) modules Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) and copper indium selenide (CIS) photovoltaic (PV) modules Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 2: Test procedures IEC ed2 Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification - Part 1: Requirements for construction IEC ed2 Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification - Part 2: Requirements for testing IEC TS Photovoltaic (PV) modules - Retesting for type approval, design and safety qualification.

38 Module Operation and Degradation Another standard to evaluate operation EN Datasheet and nameplate information for photovoltaic modules Europe IEC ed1.0 IEC ed.1.0 IEC ed.1.0 Photovoltaic (PV) module performance testing and energy rating - Part 1: Irradiance and temperature performance measurements and power rating Photovoltaic (PV) modules performance testing and energy rating - Part 2: Spectral response, incidence angle and module operating temperature measurements Photovoltaic (PV) module performance testing and energy rating Part 4: Standard reference climatic profiles (proposed IEC ) Degradation standards IEC Ed. 1.0 System voltage durability qualification test for crystalline silicon modules IEC ed2.0 Salt mist corrosion testing of photovoltaic (PV) modules IEC Ed.1 Photovoltaic (PV) modules - Ammonia corrosion testing ASTM E1597 Standard Test Method for Saltwater Pressure Immersion and Temperature Testing of Photovoltaic Modules for Marine Environments U.S. IEC Environmental testing - Part 2: Tests - Test L: Dust and sand IEC ed1.0 UV test for photovoltaic (PV) modules IEC Ed. 1.0 Dynamic mechanical load testing for photovoltaic (PV) modules IEC Ed.1 Non-uniform snow load testing for photovoltaic (PV) modules. IEC Ed. 1.0 Transportation testing of photovoltaic (PV) modules - Part 1: Transportation and shipping of PV module stacks IEC TS: Bypass diode electrostatic discharge susceptibility testing for photovoltaic modules

39 Solar Photovoltaic Devices Characterization Characterization of solar photovoltaic devices (cells and modules) IEC ed2.0 Photovoltaic devices - Procedures for temperature and irradiance corrections to measured I-V characteristics IEC ed2.0 Photovoltaic devices - Part 1: Measurement of photovoltaic current-voltage characteristics IEC ed2.0 Photovoltaic devices - Part 2: Requirements for reference solar devices IEC ed2.0 Photovoltaic devices - Part 3: Measurement principles for terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) solar devices with reference spectral irradiance data IEC ed1.0 IEC ed2.0 IEC ed3.0 Photovoltaic devices - Part 4: Reference solar devices - Procedures for establishing calibration traceability Photovoltaic devices - Part 5: Determination of the equivalent cell temperature (ECT) of photovoltaic (PV) devices by the open-circuit voltage method Photovoltaic devices - Part 7: Computation of the spectral mismatch correction for measurements of photovoltaic devices IEC ed3.0 Photovoltaic devices - Part 8: Measurement of spectral response of a photovoltaic (PV) device IEC ed2.0 Photovoltaic devices - Part 9: Solar simulator performance requirements IEC ed2.0 Photovoltaic devices - Part 10: Methods of linearity measurement

40 Characterization standard drafts Solar Photovoltaic Devices Characterization IEC ed3.0 Photovoltaic devices - Part 1: Measurement of photovoltaic current-voltage characteristics IEC ed1.0 IEC ed3.0 IEC ed4.0 IEC : Photovoltaic devices - Part 1-1: Measurement of current-voltage characteristics of multi-junction photovoltaic devices Photovoltaic devices - Part 3: Measurement principles for terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) solar devices with reference spectral irradiance data Photovoltaic devices - Part 7: Computation of the spectral mismatch correction for measurements of photovoltaic devices Photovoltaic devices - Part 8-1: Measurement of spectral responsivity of multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) devices IEC ed3.0 Photovoltaic devices - Part 9: Solar simulator performance requirements IEC ed1.0 IEC ed1.0 Photovoltaic devices - Part 9-1: Collimated beam solar simulator performance requirements (proposed IEC ) Photovoltaic devices - Part 11: Measurement of initial light-induced degradation of crystalline silicon solar cells and photovoltaic modules IEC/TS Ed1.0 Photovoltaic devices - Part 12: Infrared thermography of photovoltaic modules IEC/TS Ed1.0 Photovoltaic devices - Part 13: Electroluminescence of photovoltaic modules (82/901/NP) IEC ed1.0 IEC ed.1 Photovoltaic devices Part 14: Outdoor infrared thermography of photovoltaic modules and plants (proposed IEC or alternatively IEC ) Photovoltaic devices - Part 1-2: Measurement of current-voltage characteristics of bifacial photovoltaic (PV) devices

41 Concentration Photovoltaics (CPV) IEC ed1.0 Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies - Design qualification and type approval IEC ed2.0 Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies - Design qualification and type approval IEC ed1.0 Photovoltaic concentrators (CPV) - Performance testing - Part 1: Standard conditions IEC Ed. 1.0 Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) performance testing - Part 2: Energy measurement IEC Ed. 1.0 Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) performance testing - Part 3: Performance Measurements and Power Rating IEC ed1.0 Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) module and assembly safety qualification UL 8703 Outline of Investigation for Concentrator Photovoltaic Modules and Assemblies U.S. IEC ed1.0 Photovoltaic systems-design qualification of solar trackers

42 Module Design and Security Certification Components IEC ed2.2 Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code) IEC Ed. 1.0 Junction boxes for photovoltaic modules - Safety requirements and tests IEC Ed. 1.0 Connectors for DC-application in photovoltaic systems - Safety requirements and tests EN Connectors for photovoltaic systems - Safety requirements and tests Europe UL 4703 Outline of Investigation for Photovoltaic Wire U.S. UL 3730 Outline of Investigation for Photovoltaic Junction Boxes U.S. UL 6703 Outline of Investigation for Connectors for Use in Photovoltaic Systems U.S. UL 2703 Rack mounting systems and clamping devices for flat-plate PV modules and panels U.S.

43 Materials IEC Ed.1 Measurement procedures for materials used in photovoltaic modules - Part 1-2: Encapsulants - Measurement of volume resistivity of photovoltaic encapsulation and backsheet materials Measurement procedures for materials used in photovoltaic modules; Part 1-4:Encapsulants - IEC Ed.1 Measurement of optical transmittance and calculation of the solar-weighted photon transmittance, yellowness index, and UV cut-off frequency Measurement procedures for materials used in photovoltaic modules - Part 1-5: Encapsulants - IEC Ed.1 Measurement of change in linear dimensions of sheet encapsulation material resulting from applied thermal conditions IEC Ed.1 Encapsulants - Test methods for determining the degree of cure in Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate encapsulation for photovoltaic module IEC Ed.1 Measurement procedures for materials used in photovoltaic modules - Part 2: Polymeric materials used for frontsheets and backsheets IEC Ed.1 Measurement procedures for materials used in photovoltaic modules Part 5-1 Suggested test methods for use with edge seal materials (proposed future IEC ) IEC Ed.1. Measurement procedures for materials used in photovoltaic modules Part 6-2: Moisture permeation testing with polymeric films IEC Ed.1 Measurement procedures for materials used in photovoltaic modules - Part 5-2: Edge-Seal durability evaluation guideline IEC TS Ed.1 IEC Ed.1 IEC Ed.1 PNW/TS Ed.1, Measurement procedures for materials used in photovoltaic modules - Part 7-2: Environmental exposures - Accelerated weathering tests of polymeric materials IEC Ed.1: Method for measuring photovoltaic (PV) glass - Part 1: Measurement of total haze and spectral distribution of haze IEC Ed.1: Method for measuring photovoltaic (PV) glass - Part 2: Measurement of transmittance and reflectance ANSI Z97.1 Safety Glazing Materials Used in Buildings - Safety Performance Specifications and Methods of Test U.S.

44 Other standards: inverters EN Overall efficiency of grid connected photovoltaic inverters. Test methods for measuring static and dynamic efficiency of PV inverters EU EN Data sheet and name plate for photovoltaic inverters EU IEC ed1.0 Safety of power converters for use in photovoltaic power systems - Part 1: General requirements IEC ed1.0 Safety of power converters for use in photovoltaic power systems - Part 2: Particular requirements for inverters IEC Utility-interconnected photovoltaic inverters - Test procedure of islanding prevention measures IEC Photovoltaic systems - Power conditioners - Procedure for measuring efficiency UL 1741 ed.2 Standard for Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use With Distributed Energy Resources U.S. IEC TS Ed1 Test procedure of LVRT for utility-interconnected PV inverter IEC Overall efficiency of grid-connected photovoltaic inverters UNE Requirements for connecting to the power system. Part 1: Grid-connected inverters Spain UNE Requirements for connecting to the power system. Part 2: Requirements concerning system security for installations containing inverters Spain

45 Other standards: systems IEC Grid connected PV systems - Minimum system documentation, commissioning tests and inspection requirements IEC/TS Ed.1 Design guidelines and recommendations for photovoltaic power plants IEC/TS Ed.1 Photovoltaic system energy performance Part 1: Monitoring IEC/TS Ed.1 Photovoltaic system energy performance Part 2: Capacity evaluation method IEC/TS Ed.1 Photovoltaic system energy performance Part 3: Energy evaluation method IEC/TS Ed.1 Photovoltaic system energy performance Part 4: Degradation rate evaluation method IEC Grid connected photovoltaic (PV) systems Part 2: Maintenance of PV systems IEC 629xx TS Ed.1 Information model for availability of photovoltaic (PV) power systems IEC XXXX Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) systems - Guideline for increased confidence in PV system installation IEC DC arc detection and interruption in photovoltaic power systems

46 Durability - Severity IEC Increased IEC standards for module qualification do not guarantee long-term operation (reliability) or predict life-time (durability). The current trend is to increase the severities specified in IEC as follows: Increase the number of cycles and duration of the test, typically by a factor of approximately 2 X Increasing the upper temperature limits (eg 90 C instead of 85 C in thermal cycles) To submit to the same modules to several climatic tests that in the original norm would go in different sequences. Apply current in tests to represent the actual operating conditions (wet heat with current) Add dynamic and static loads to simulate the action of wind and snow Increase the number and type of intermediate evaluations and diagnoses (EL, isolates, dark curves.....etc.)

47 Durability - Severity IEC Increased Very useful for establishing comparisons between different module designs Reliably reproduces some degradation mechanisms (PID) The extended thermal cycles are effective to reproduce thermomechanical wear But They do not contemplate the possibility of simultaneously applying degradation actions that can cause specific failure modes if they occur under real operating conditions. Only degradations are simulated in a limited time They do not provide a model to simulate power loss and do not establish correlation factor between accelerated test and actual operating conditions. These tests beyond the qualification are not particularized according to the climates The effects of radiation (especially UV) may be underestimated. Most of the tests are performed in dark conditions or by applying polarization currents that do not have to reproduce the operating conditions of the PV modules under real solar conditions

48 Durability - Severity IEC Increased: New project of standard IEC IEC Comparative testing of PV modules to differentiate performance in multiple climates and applications Standardization initiative that aims to provide the end user with the selection of the PV modules of their installation depending on the climate where they will operate and the type of installation (above ground or roof) Climate zones are described in IEC Ed.1 Classification of environmental conditions - Part 2-1: Environmental conditions that appear in nature - Temperature and humidity Warm climate: (warm temperate and dry) Extremely warm and dry: temperature mean values range from + 8 C to +43 C and the maximum absolute humidity is 24 g / m 3. Warm and humid: temperature mean values range from + 17 C to +33 C the maximum absolute humidity of 30 g / m 3.

49 Durability - Severity IEC Increased: Standard IEC IEC Comparative testing of PV modules to differentiate performance in multiple climates and applications The purpose of the IEC standard is to define a classification system based on specific tests to establish an indicator of the long-term reliability of the flat PV modules depending on the different types of climate and the conditions of use. Part 1 General test requirements Part 2 Mechanical and thermal cycling tests (welding and breaking of cells) Part 3 Defines the UV aging test. The purpose of the standard is to identify the effects that can be caused by exposure to sunlight for a prolonged period. Part 4 Specific conditions to demonstrate greater durability in hot climates or rooftop installations involving high operating temperatures Part 5 Specific conditions to demonstrate greater durability in hot and humid climates

50 Durability - Severity IEC Increased: Standard IEC 62892

51 Durability - Severity IEC Increased: Standard IEC 62892

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53 Grid connected photovoltaic Systems Solar Resource and Electrical Production. Design and prior dimensioning of IFVs (pre-projects). Analysis of solutions and study of alternatives. Optimization of PV projects. Technical-Economic Evaluation of PV Projects: Contracts EPCs, O & M and Due-Diligence. Field Measurement / Inspection; Commissioning tests. Analysis of monitored data

54 Grid connected photovoltaic Systems Evaluation of the solar resource at the location 250 PVGIS Meteonorm 200 SoDa 150 kwh/m Energía horizontal Energía inclinada Radiación horizontal Radiación inclinada Enero Febrero Marzo Abril Mayo Junio Julio Agosto Septiembre Octubre Noviembre Energía (kwh) Diciembre Radiación (kwh/m2) Mean solar irradiance values in the horizontal plane for the considered location Enero Febrero Marzo Abril Mayo Junio Julio Agosto Septiembre Octubre Noviembre Diciembre 50 0

55 Grid connected photovoltaic Systems Design of the photovoltaic system (I) Evaluation of various configurations: Planning of the installation: power to install, technical characteristics of the possible components, modularity of the different sub-installations, distribution on the ground, among others Calculation of the installation: studies of solar tracking, possibilities of grouping module / inverter and simulation of the complete configuration chosen for each of the sub-installations. Technical design, which will include the electrical design, lay-out of the plant monitoring systems and civil works in every case. Economic report of the project Calculation of PR Calculation of LCOE decision among the various alternatives

56 Grid connected photovoltaic Systems Design of the photovoltaic system (II) Project design of the PV plant: Site identification Solar resource evaluation PV plant components Technical design of the PV plant Modularity Selection of components Simulation of the PV plant Energy production after simulation Economic analysis of the design Costs (CAPEX, OPEX) Considerations for economic analysis LCOE calculations

57 Grid connected photovoltaic Systems

58 Grid connected photovoltaic Systems Trackers 2-axes Azimut

59 Grid connected photovoltaic Systems Trackers Polar Horizontal

60 Grid connected photovoltaic Systems Construction of the PV plant Civil works General construction and installation of components Main points to consider: Quality of components Plant commissioning Maintenance and Operation activities.

61 Basic concepts for Quality of components All equipment certified and manufacturer with regular factory audits by certification entity Selected samples for tracking and control of potential lost of efficiency associated to shipment On arrival, in plant inspection sampling (mostly if access route is complex): Electroluminescence, I-V curve Similar tests when installation finished (analysis of induced stresses) mostly if mobile parts exist

62 Grid connected photovoltaic Systems: Commissioning activities Initial acceptance tests: Monitoring of energy production of subplants Performance ratio evaluation (PR) Follow-up of trends in main indicators of plant performance Specifics of sandy environment Control of components guarantees M&O general activities (including monitoring system M&O) Reference level established Final acceptance tests Establish control strategies Continue with control of components guarantees Optimize M&O operations

63 Basic concepts for M&O operations Optimum monitoring system with detection of trends towards failure For PV modules regular guarantee controls (power and construction) Very well trained people in all activities

64 Grid connected photovoltaic Systems: Commissioning activities Initial acceptance tests: Monitoring of energy production of subplants Performance ratio evaluation (PR) Follow-up of trends in main indicators of plant performance Specifics of sandy environment Control of components guarantees M&O general activities (including monitoring system M&O) Reference level established Final acceptance tests Establish control strategies Continue with control of components guarantees Optimize M&O operations

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