Uncertainties on the outdoor characterization of PV modules and the calibration of reference modules

This paper presents the IES-UPM experience in the outdoor characterization of PV modules. On days with clear sky conditions, a rather simple device consisting of a thermally-insulated wooden box allows the STC characteristics and the thermal coefficients of PV modules to be measured with low expanded uncertainty (±1.87% in power (k = 2)). Particular attention has been paid to the calibration of the reference cell used for measuring the irradiance and making our measurements traceable to the International System of Units (S.I.). Furthermore, the uncertainty on the irradiance and module temperature measured by the reference PV modules calibrated with the help of this box has also been analyzed in relation to the angle of incidence of the direct irradiance. We think this experience is particularly interesting for local measurements in many countries currently incorporating PV plants in their electric grid, but lacking in specialized PV laboratories equipped with expensive solar simulators.