Jul 30 2015
Intertek, a leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide, and the Center for the Evaluation of Clean Energy Technology (CECET) have partnered to offer a first in the renewable energy industry in North America—a mobile platform for testing photovoltaic (PV) modules where they are installed.
This mobile testing laboratory, known as the Mobile PV Testcenter complements Intertek’s wide range of quality assurance services for solar products and installations at fixed laboratory locations on the East and West Coasts of North America and around the world. The Mobile PV Testcenter targets a key PV installation challenge—underperforming modules—and brings a solution right to the source of where it is needed.
Supported in part by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to offer services focused on companies who operate and finance solar systems in New York and the Northeastern United States, the Mobile PV Testcenter can quickly verify PV product quality and efficacy in the field. A single damaged or underperforming PV module lowers the energy output of an entire system, and system owners and operators need to regularly assess their systems to identify, evaluate, and replace underperforming modules. Through the Mobile PV Testcenter, PV module installations undergo expertly administered testing with industry-leading technology, allowing site operators to confidently make quick decision to optimize their operations.
“Intertek is proud to launch the first PV mobile testing laboratory in North America, offering site operators immediate feedback on performance without the risks association with shipping modules to test facilities.” said Sunny Rai, Vice President of Intertek’s Renewable Energy business. “Intertek and CECET’s combined industry expertise and new technology provide assurance that installed products are delivering top-notch efficiency.”
Rick Lewandowski, Executive Director of CECET, added "This project is a result of a worldwide search for the best technology to provide accurate field data, allowing clients to make asset management decisions to mitigate risk while cementing confidence in the energy produced over the life of power purchase agreements. Clients will enjoy a quick return on investment and an advantage in the growing field of installers, operations and maintenance firms, and engineering, procurement, and construction firms."
The Mobile PV Testcenter provides in-depth analysis in the field for electroluminescence inspection, IV-curve measurement, and infrared imaging. The accuracy of the testing and measurement is designed and optimized for the requirements of on-site PV module assessment, and Intertek and CECET’s Mobile PV Testcenter offers immediate combined system measurement.
Intertek and CECET’s expertise in measuring and understanding solar product performance not only in the lab but also in the field allows us to offer comprehensive solutions to solar system manufacturers, site owners, operators, and financiers in ensuring products deliver maximum efficiency.