Results of the SOPHIA module intercomparison part-1: STC, low irradiance conditions and temperature coefficients measurements of c-Si technologies

Abstract

The results of a measurement intercomparison between eleven European laboratories measuring PV energy relevant parameters are reported. The purpose of the round-robin was to assess the uncertainty analyses of the participating laboratories on c-Si modules and to establish a baseline for the following thin-film round-robin. Alongside the STC measurements, low irradiance conditions (200W/m2) and temperature coefficients measurements were performed. The largest measurement deviation from the median at STC was for HIT modules from -3.6% to +2.7% in PMAX, but in agreement with the stated uncertainties of the participants. This was not the case for low irradiance conditions and temperature coefficients measurements with some partners underestimating their uncertainties. Larger deviations from the median from -5% to +3% in PMAX at low irradiance conditions and -6.6% to +18.3% for the PMAX temperature coefficient were observed. The main sources of uncertainties contributing to the spread in measurements were the RC calibration, mismatch factor and capacitive effects at STC and low irradiance conditions as well as the additional light inhomogeneity for the latter. The uncertainty in the junction temperature and the temperature deviation across the module were the major contributors for temperature coefficients measurements.