Mahindra Susten has launched what it claims to be India’s first mobile PV lab as quality standards are set to be brought in and some third-party solar projects see significant module performance drops across the country.
The new test lab has three main applications:
- Flash test – or Sun Simulator – to record the module power in similar conditions to that of the module manufacturer
- Elector luminescence (EL) testing to find micro-cracks and cell cracks
- Thermal inspection to test the module for hotspots or diode defects
The company has just one lab to date, but depending on market response, will consider developing more to cover the whole of India.
he Lab has applied for accreditation from NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories – an autonomous body under the aegis of Department of Science & Technology), and has also approached the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for the empanelment of the laboratory, which would allow Indian solar industry asset owners to make the most of the lab results.
MNRE also recently confirmed that new quality standards would be brought in in 12 months’ time, which will make it mandatory for every EPC player to do onsite testing. The mobile lab, which is compatible for all technologies, allows for onsite testing and removes damage from transportation risks as well as giving transparency to the owner who can witness the tests.