The RDI service "In situ testing and performance assessment of photovoltaic plants" provides specialist technical support for the verification, monitoring and diagnosis of photovoltaic systems directly at the operating site. Through measurements carried out under real operating conditions, the service allows the performance of photovoltaic plants to be assessed, the compliance of operating parameters with design requirements to be verified, and any losses, faults or technical non-conformities to be identified.
The activities include measuring energy generation, assessing system efficiency, checking for underperforming components, analysing the environmental and operational factors that influence the efficiency of the installation, and carrying out standardised performance tests. The service contributes to obtaining a clear picture of the technical condition of the photovoltaic plant and of how it responds to real operating conditions.
The results are provided in the form of a performance report, which may include the interpretation of measurements, the identification of critical areas and applicable recommendations for increasing efficiency, reducing losses and maintaining optimum system operation. Through this approach, ICSTM supports operators, investors and developers of photovoltaic projects in taking well-founded technical decisions on the operation, maintenance and optimisation of photovoltaic plants.
The service is aimed at companies, public institutions, energy project developers, operators of photovoltaic plants, investors, organisations in the energy and green technology sectors, and SMEs involved in RDI activities or in implementing sustainable energy solutions.
The tests are carried out using specialised equipment, such as multimeters, the SOLAR I-Ve 1500V multifunction I-V curve tracer, the SOLAR300N power quality analyser, the MPP300 accessory for measuring and recording the efficiency of single-phase and three-phase photovoltaic systems, the PVCHECKs multifunction device, the HT7051 professional instrument for insulation measurement with a programmable test voltage of up to 5 kV, the MACROTEST G1 multifunction tester for measuring earth resistance and the continuity of protective conductors, together with ancillary equipment, materials and software programs.