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The module performance registration program at FSEC involves determining the average peak power output at standard test conditions (STC) of a particular PV module. For each particular model, a sample size of six modules is randomly selected and performance tests are conducted. The average power of the six modules is determined from the test results. This average power becomes the power rating for the PV module.

The purpose of the Module Registration Program is to provide testing services to PV module manufacturers. These are impartial third-party PV module tests that certify PV module power ratings that are valid nationwide. The PV module performance is the primary measure of the overall PV system.

The module performance registration program also provides the following benefits to consumers, governmental agencies, system designers, electric utilities and module manufacturers:

• Consumers: consumers can use module power ratings to compare the modules from different manufacturers and of different types to get the most benefit for the cost.
• Government agencies: state and government agencies are spending a large amount of money on providing rebates for purchase, installation and use of PV technology. They need independently verified performance ratings of modules to allocate the rebates equitably and get the performance paid for by their funding.
• PV system designers: system designers can use more accurate module power ratings to design more cost-effective and reliable PV systems.
• Electric utilities: more accurate module power ratings will help electric utilities in making the right decisions on the installation of PV systems, and also help them in accurately predicting PV system power generation for their management and dispatch of electric power.
• Module manufacturers: registration of PV modules leads to increases in consumer confidence and higher growth in PV module sales. Also, independent third party testing and certification of module ratings puts all module manufacturers on a level playing field.

FSEC's PV module performance registration program has been developed over many years. The results are that FSEC has acquired equipment for indoor and outdoor testing of PV modules including a SPI-SUN 660 flash simulator. FSEC has also upgraded its laboratory facilities and instituted ISO/IEC 17025:2005 quality system. (See Module Test Lab)

If you are interested in having PV modules tested and registered by FSEC, please contact:

Florida Solar Energy Center pvmodule@fsec.ucf.edu

Test results cover all of the test requirements. Initially, the report is be made available only to the manufacturer. When the manufacturer is satisfied with the results, they shall instruct the testing laboratory to send the report to the certification body. The test report on module performance will include the following:

• Module identification and description for each of the six test modules
• Reference cell identification and description
• Irradiance source identification
• Stabilized performance parameters Pmp, Voc, Isc, Vmp, and Isc at STC and SOC for each of the six test modules and averaged for all six modules
• I-V curve of a module with Pmp closest to the average Pmp

FSEC Fees

By Florida Statute, FSEC is required to set fees that recover the costs of the testing, certification and rating services required for solar equipment and systems in Florida.

Registration Standards

For a detailed look at the FSEC test methods for PV modules please read Test Method for Photovoltaic Modules Power Rating (FSEC Standard 202-10) [56KB, Adobe Acrobat PDF] and for the operation of the module registration process see Operation of Photovoltaic Module Performance Certification Program (FSEC Standard 201-10) [55KB, Adobe Acrobat PDF]