Independent energy advisory and certification body DNV GL has launched its first mobile laboratory service for the on-site testing of PV modules across India.
The Solar Lab offers on-site Flash test/I-V curve measurement and electroluminescence (EL) testing for client' PV modules. Such tests usually have to be conducted in a stationary laboratory, which can include transportation risks, so the mobile lab aims to save both time and cost. It will also provide post-delivery-pre-installation and post-installation quality assurance of modules.
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The on-site testing also allows investors to detect transport-related damage when the modules arrive on site which otherwise would not be possible, while for operating projects, on-site measurements can assist in determining the sources of module performance issues.
DNV GL has claimed in a release that this will also be India’s first mobile PV testing lab to use an advanced A+/A+/A rated LED flasher that can conduct tests with lab-grade accuracy.
Indian firm Mahindra Susten was the first company to introduce a mobile solar lab to the Indian market in September 2017, after reporting significant performance drops in many third-party PV projects.
Ever since India introduced new standards for module testing, the country has been lacking in test labs, so the news will be welcomed by the government.
Nicolas Renon, EVP, APAC at DNV GL – Energy said: “We predict in our 2018 Energy Transition Outlook that primary energy consumption of solar PV in India will increase from 0% in 2016 to 24% by 2050. The on-site Solar Lab will support the demands of the rapidly growing solar market, further empowering developers and financiers to identify secure solar investments and accelerate India’s energy transition.”
Major certification body the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recently recognised TUV Rheinland's PV testing laboratory located in Bangalore, India, meaning the lab is now authorised to conduct testing of solar modules.
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