PV modules characterization in rural electrification actions

A characterization procedure for crystalline silicon PV modules has been developed, which can be used for quality control purposes by local laboratories of countries where PV rural electrification actions are being implemented. The method is simple both in the measurement and processing phases. It relies on the performance of outdoor measurements using basic equipment and reference PV modules as sensors for the operation conditions. Results are referenced to the standard test conditions and have uncertainty smaller than /spl plusmn/5% for a PV module maximum power determination, which is good enough to be considered within the frame of contractual procedures.