Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

Additional Testing Equipment

Chamber for the UV exposure of PV modules under humidity and heat influence.
© Fraunhofer ISE
Chamber for the UV exposure of PV modules under humidity and heat influence.
  • Combined UV damp heat chamber
     Within the scope of module certification UV tests are performed as preconditioning with a UV dose of 15 kWh/m². Since certain failure mechanisms are demonstrably caused by UV irradiance, a UV test with higher UV dose can help to detect if a module is sensitive to UV degradation.
Mechanical load test stand
© Fraunhofer ISE
Mechanical load test stand
  • Extended mechanical load test
    In mechanical load tests according to standard IEC 61215, PV modules are tested with three cycles of pressure and suction, respectively ± 2400 Pa. If heavy accumulations of snow and ice are to be simulated, the last pressure load is performed with 5400 Pa. The surrounding temperature for this test is 25 °C.
    In regions with corresponding climatic conditions even heavier snow loads can occur due to extreme installation situations. In addition, the surrounding temperature influences the module’s mechanical properties.

    To simulate these extreme conditions we offer mechanical load tests at the following conditions:
    • Pressure load up to 10 kPa
    • Temperature range -40 °C to 60 °C
    • Maximum frequency for dynamic mechanical load tests of 0.2 Hz
Hail test stand
© Fraunhofer ISE
Hail test stand
  • Extended hail tester
    If PV modules or components are to be used in regions with high probability for extreme hail storms, we recommend testing them in an extended hail test. Usually, modules are shot with hail stones of 25 mm in diameter. Beyond this, we can also perform the test with hail stones of 35 mm and 45 mm in diameter.
Salt-mist chamber
© Fraunhofer ISE
Salt-mist chamber
  • Salt mist test chamber
    For coastal areas a salt mist test can examine the corrosion resistance of a module and/or its substructure. This test follows, inter alia, the guidelines of the following testing standards: DIN EN 60068-2-52 (1-6); DIN EN 61701; ISO 9227 / DIN 50021; VDA 621-415.