Project: Towards an energy-based parameter for photovoltaic classification
Photovoltaics (PV), a method of generating electricity from solar radiation, has been rapidly growing as a viable energy source over the past decade and the PV world market volume is now approximately €50 billion per year. PV devices are currently sold according to their energy output as measured under standard test conditions. These standard test conditions represent climate conditions specific to the USA, which can lead to inaccurate estimates of the energy generated when measured under real operating conditions. Every one per cent uncertainty in energy yield estimation leads to a financial uncertainty of €500 million. This is particularly relevant in Europe where PV systems are operated in a wide range of climatic conditions. This project will develop a new classification system of PV devices based on their energy production under different operational conditions. This will provide reliable data, enabling governments and industry to make informed decisions over which PV technologies are most suitable.
| Acronym | ENG55 PhotoClass (Reference Number: ENG55) |
| Duration | 01/05/2014 - 30/04/2017 |
| Project Topic | Metrology |
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Project Results (after finalisation) |
See Website |
| Website | visit project website |
| Network | EMRP |
| Call | EMRP Call 2013 - Energy and Environment |
Project partner
| Number | Name | Role | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt | Coordinator | Germany |
| 2 | Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial Esteban Terradas | Partner | Spain |
| 3 | JRC - Joint Research Centre - European Commission | Partner | Belgium |
| 4 | Laboratoire national de métrologie et d'essais | Partner | France |
| 5 | Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy | Partner | Finland |
| 6 | NPL Management Limited | Partner | United Kingdom |
| 7 | VSL B.V. | Partner | Netherlands |
| 8 | Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera Italiana (SUPSI) | Observer | Switzerland |
| 9 | TÜV Rheinland Energie und Umwelt GmbH | Observer | Germany |
| 10 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. | Germany | |
| 11 | Loughborough University | United Kingdom |