Reduced Measurement Uncertainty in PV Module Batch Testing

Measurement uncertainty introduces a risk into the evaluation of PV modules. An approach to nearly half the uncertainty in the measurement of larger batches of modules is presented here. This is achieved via measuring a sample of these modules at multiple laboratories with independent traceability chains. A case study using three laboratories is shown here. The laboratories involved in this trial have measurement uncertainties (k=2) in the range of 2.5-3%. The resulting uncertainty is less than 1.5% following an uncertainty assessment meeting all requirements of the GUM. The presented approach is a costeffective method to verify large numbers of modules in field tests with the lowest uncertainty currently being on the market.