Bad Staffelstein, 6 June 2023 – IBC SOLAR, a leading full-service provider of solar energy solutions, will be showcasing how its in-house PV modules and mounting systems are subjected to endurance tests at its trade fair stand at Intersolar 2023. On the load table of the SUNLAB testing laboratory, solar modules in combination with brackets are subjected to a static-mechanical stress test and must prove their quality in this way. The live tests take place on each trade fair day at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the IBC SOLAR trade fair stand in Hall A4, Stand A4.470 and A4.570.
IBC SOLAR focuses on high-quality products. In order to guarantee the highest standards at all times, the IBC SOLAR PV modules and mounting systems are tested in the PV testing laboratory, SUNLAB, in a total of seven endurance tests for performance, stability and wear under various external influences. An important role is played by the load table, which performs a static-mechanical load test of the entire solar module in combination with the mounting system. In accordance with the standard DIN EN IEC 61215-2:2022-02 (MQT16), the module is alternately pressed down and pulled up with 2,400 Pascal. To simulate extra snow load, 5,400 pascal of pressure are even applied. Height sensors are used to measure the deflection of the module and an electronic load is used to measure current and voltage. In order to pass the test, the given specifications must not be exceeded. In addition, the module must not be bent or broken after the test and, according to the standard, must not lose more than 5% of its capacity. IBC SOLAR even goes one step further and only accepts modules that have no more than 3 % power loss after the tests.
The test process on the load table can be followed live at the IBC SOLAR trade fair stand. The live tests take place three times per day at the trade fair day at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and the products have to prove their quality. The exclusive cooperation with SUNLAB at Intersolar 2023 puts IBC SOLAR's high quality standards at the heart of its trade fair appearance.
The SUNLAB testing laboratory – the technical authority for quality tests
The impartial testing laboratory tests photovoltaic modules and components on the basis of professional and standardised test procedures. In doing so, SUNLAB is accessible to a broad customer base and also enables measurements and tests to be carried out for official expert reports for use in court. The company was originally established by IBC SOLAR for quality control purposes and has been independent since 2020.
Photovoltaic components are exposed to a wide range of influences – from weather and manufacturing to wear and tear. At SUNLAB, PV specialists use seven different test procedures over an area of around 250 square metres to check whether the products deliver what they promise. Besides testing on the load table, SUNLAB also conducts performance and electroluminescence measurements in a solar simulator. In climate chambers, the modules are exposed to extreme heat, cold and moisture in order to reveal possible degradation (reduction in performance). Moreover, they are tested in a water basin for any current leakage that could lead to damage and safety hazards.
Thanks to these extensive tests, customers benefit from maximum security in terms of warranty, guarantee and recourse. This is because quality defects and damage to PV modules or mountings are often not recognisable from the outside. Standardised test procedures in selected machines and a laboratory environment guarantee reliable, objective results.
"Quality testing of PV modules and components is a crucial factor when it comes to the safety and performance of solar installations. So, we are looking forward to presenting our work to an international trade fair audience," explains Florian Spinler, Managing Director of SUNLAB. "With our unique selling point, the testing of solar modules and mounting systems in combination, we are ideally positioned to put the components through their paces in accordance with international standards."
IBC SOLAR experts are looking forward to active discussions at Intersolar Europe from 14 to 16 June 2023 in Hall A4, Stand A4.470 and A4.670.