Power rating of photovoltaic modules per IEC 61853-1 standard using a new outdoor test method

Photovoltaic modules are typically rated at three test conditions: STC, NOCT and Low irradiance. This paper discusses the power rating of modules at twenty-three test conditions as per the IEC 61853-1 standard using a new outdoor test method. Polycrystalline silicon modules from four different manufacturers were installed on the two-axis tracker and monitored for up to 12 continuous days. In order to obtain the I-V data at wide range of temperatures and irradiance levels, four identical modules were simultaneously installed on the tracker with and without thermal insulators on the back of the modules and with and without mesh screens on the front of the modules. This work investigates the minimum number of days required to perform power rating of modules at twenty-three test conditions.