Reliability Evaluation Through Analytics and Data for Emerging Technology in Photovoltaics

UCY Outdoor Facility

Outdoor Testing

Testing Capabilities
  • Cell and mini-module level testing: up to 10A, 25V, 25W (MPPT mode); up to 1–3A (Voc mode)
  • Measurement modes: MPPT (Perturb & Observe, Adaptive P&O, Divide & Conquer), OC, SC, fixed voltage, periodic I-V tracing
  • Also supports fixed current/power/resistance measurements, STC and NOCT testing
  • Devices mounted on fixed-plane arrays or two-axis solar trackers
Environmental Monitoring
  • Meteorological sensors: temperature, rainfall, air pressure, humidity, aerosol optical depth, wind speed/direction
  • Irradiance sensors (incl. UV): DNI, GNI, GHI, GPOA, solar spectrum
  • Module temperature monitoring
Quality Standards
  • Both indoor and outdoor labs follow ISO 17025 practices, with regular external audits

Cyprus’s subtropical climate (hot, dry summers, mild winters, high UV, many clear-sky days) combined with UCY’s state-of-the-art facilities has attracted strong international interest for testing conventional (c-Si, a-Si, CIGS) and prototype PV technologies, including growing demand from perovskite manufacturers seeking warm-climate validation. Services include short/long-term outdoor performance testing, NOCT (IEC 61215/61646), energy yield, combined tests, and grid-connected system inspection (IEC 62446).

Through this project, access is offered for short/long-term performance and field reliability evaluation, inter-comparison of measurement protocols, failure development studies, and research on long-term stability vs. recyclability.