This project will provide a comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) module and systems performance database to assess site-specific PV system performance and thus maximise consumer uptake and benefit future research.

There is a large range of PV modules and systems across Australia and the world operating under an extremely wide variety of climate conditions. These variations in system specifications and climate can significantly impact overall performance.

This project will provide a publically available, high quality PV performance database containing location-specific technical, operational and performance data.

Data will be collated from a variety of representative locations across Australia, the US and other International Energy Agency Photovoltaics Power Systems Programme (IEA PVPS) member countries, including the existing Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre. These data will be used to develop and disseminate rating schemes that will enable PV owners and installers to identify the best-suited system for their needs. The databases will also highlight technical aspects of PV systems that need improvement, inform standards development and enable comparisons to be made of performance, reliability and economics in different climate zones.

Project outcomes will be publically available via the PVPS database, and APVA, NREL and Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre websites.

This project will increase overall investment confidence in PV markets, establishing an internationally agreed method of communicating information on the relative performance of modules in different climate conditions. It will also foster credible testing environments for PV products whilst encouraging further technological research and development.

Fact Sheet: Data collection and analysis for development of a climate based module rating system (PDF 341KB)