FOCUS The future of
FOCUS The future of solar power: the critical role of accurate and reliable PV solar testing “As we migrate towards a more sustainable energy future, the importance of accurate and reliable PV solar testing cannot be overstated. It is through such rigorous testing and unwavering commitment to quality that solar power will truly realise its potential, driving the global energy transition and creating a cleaner, greener future for all.” – Lawrence Pratt HALM Solar power, with its vast potential, is set to play a pivotal role in the global transition towards cleaner energy. At the heart of this transition lies the importance of accurate and reliable photovoltaic (PV) solar testing. The CSIR’s photovoltaic module quality and reliability testing laboratory, the first of its kind in Africa, provides the critical equipment and know-how for robust testing, helping to ensure the efficacy, durability and sustainability of solar power systems. Independent testing acts as a critical checkpoint in the PV value chain, ensuring that suppliers NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2024/25 48
FOCUS deliver high-quality, durable modules capable of withstanding the environmental stresses specific to the region. Lawrence Pratt, CSIR Principal Researcher. Contact details MLT with module. Quality and reliability The CSIR’s PV module quality and reliability lab leverages world-class equipment designed for accelerated reliability stress-testing on PV modules. The testing is tailored to the typical climatic conditions of South Africa, ensuring that only the highest quality modules are developed and installed. By simulating extreme environmental conditions, the lab accelerates failures that would naturally occur over several years in poorly constructed modules. The results provide a timely, reliable forecast of a PV module’s performance and longevity before construction begins so that potential problems can be mitigated by the module supplier before installation. The economic implications of accurate PV solar testing are profound. Reliable, high-quality solar modules promise reduced degradation rates, fewer replacements and less maintenance, leading to significant cost savings over time. Preconstruction testing and contractual requirements help ensure the module manufacturer sends only the best modules for your project. For instance, a high-quality, reliable module will perform for 25 years with minimal degradation, reducing the lifecycle cost of solar installations and enhancing the return on investment for utility, commercial and residential-scale users. Low-quality modules may have electrical safety concerns, premature cracking of back sheets and glass and much higher degradation rates, which increase the investment risk. Independent quality and reliability testing helps to differentiate the good from the bad batches, even from Tier 1 suppliers. 49 NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2024/25
