PVEL launches crowdsourced inverter testing programme

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
PVEL will crowdsource data from inverter suppliers to help inform buyers’ decision making. Image: SMA Solar Technology.

PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) has launched a crowdsourced testing programme that will work with solar investors, developers and asset owners to test inverters and does not require manufacturer participation.

The Inverter Crowd Power Product Qualification Program (PQP) will see testing conducted on commercially purchased inverters and will match the tests PVEL uses in its traditional Inverter PQP, introduced in 2014.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

By providing transparent and reliable data to buyers, the crowdsourced system will quantify product performance and reduce buyers’ risk of procuring inverters with limited field deployment, according to PVEL.

Both testing regimes include field-representative safety, reliability, and performance testing under varying environmental and interconnection conditions.

The various testing methods will be used to support datasheet validation for more accurate performance and revenue models; reliability evaluations for improved operation and maintenance (O&M) cost and replacement rate forecast accuracy; and safety assessments for reliable arc and ground fault detection in fielded systems.

“PVEL’s crowdsourced testing gives inverter buyers the opportunity to leverage empirical data over the claims of product marketing materials. Initial feedback from our downstream partners has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Tara Doyle, chief commercial officer of PVEL.

“With or without manufacturer involvement, we will ensure PVEL’s technical insights for deployment of high-quality equipment are available to the solar market.”

PVEL said that while Ginlong Solis and Chint Power Systems have recently submitted their 250+ kW/h inverters for testing, the vast majority of inverter suppliers do not usually engage in independent testing that exceeds certification standards.

The independent testing lab regularly produces module and inverter ‘Top Performer’ rankings via its reliability scorecard. Earlier this year, PV Tech spoke with PVEL’s head of PV module business Tristan Erion-Lorico about junction box failure, testing for the elements and what developers must consider when using the scorecard.

Started in 2010 in California, PVEL operated under DNV from 2014-2019. It became part of the Netherlands-based KIWA group of companies this year.  

Read Next

June 16, 2025
Yaskawa America has unveiled plans to move its headquarters to Wisconsin, and invest US$180 million in expanding its operations in the state.
Sponsored
June 12, 2025
At this year’s Intersolar Europe event, held in Munich, Germany, Solavita launched a new hybrid inverter for the C&I sectors.
June 11, 2025
Lab-tested solar module performance has improved over the last year, according to data from US-based technical advisory firm RETC.
June 10, 2025
Buyers in the European solar sector remain positive about the future of the industry, despite fluctuations in solar module prices.
June 6, 2025
Eternal Sun has acquired German solar simulator provider Wavelabs, which has resulted in the formation of a new subsidy, Wavelabs Eternal Sun.
June 4, 2025
Independent power producer (IPP) Grenergy has acquired 1GW (298 units) of inverters from Spanish manufacturer Ingeteam for its 2GW/11GWh Oasis de Atacama solar-plus-storage project in Chile. 

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
June 30, 2025
10am PST / 6pm BST
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
July 2, 2025
Bangkok, Thailand
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico