Standardization of PVT – Certification of PVT Collectors

Photovoltaic-thermal hybrid collectors (PVT collectors) are currently the subject of numerous projects. By contrast, the market share is still small. As the number of manufacturers who offer PVT collectors is growing, a demand for standardized methods to characterize such products has arisen. Legal questions about introducing this type of product to the European market were also raised. The goal of the certification project was to increase transparency concerning technical properties, to support fair competition and to overcome barriers to market penetration. A market survey was prepared, five different products were investigated empirically and a system simulation model was set up.

When PVT collectors are introduced to the European market, it is important that electrical properties be declared in accordance with the Low-Voltage Directive (on the basis of IEC 61730 / 61215) as well as the Construction Products Directive, in the near future. In addition, many manufacturers also aim to have their products labelled with the Solar Keymark Label. This in turn requires complete testing according to the relevant standard, EN ISO 9806. In the context of applying these standards, considerable leeway for interpretation and unresolved questions were found which endangered the transparency and fairness of the evaluation methods. Together with our project partners (TÜV Rheinland Energie und Umwelt GmbH, FH Düsseldorf, Solarzentrum Allgäu GmbH & Co. KG), TestLab Solar Thermal Systems at Fraunhofer ISE initiated a project in consultation with TestLab PV Modules to work on the basic principles to resolve the questions. Within the project, a market survey was conducted on the products which are currently actually on the market (23 manufacturers). A total of five products were selected and subjected to a test matrix of empirical investigations, so that in combination with the tests carried out at TÜV, an optimal set of knowledge was gained for applying the tests. In addition, system simulation models were set up, and limiting situations were simulated on the basis of parameters which had been identified in the tests. An important result of the project is a pre-normative document which clarifies the most important questions concerning the application of existing tests to PVT collectors. The information contained in this document and the final report of the project make a significant contribution to ensuring fair competition and clearly regulated access to the market.