Tested: SolarWorld Sunmodule Plus SW 245 poly ... - PV Magazine

News
SolarWorld in PV+Test 2.0
Two other modules underwent the module
test by TÜV Rheinland in Germany–
one of the world leading companies for
safety, standardisation and certification
– and Solarpraxis AG, the publisher of
pv magazine. The SolarWorld module
“Sunmodule Plus SW 245 poly” was evaluated
in the test as “very good.” Meanwhile,
another module that got tested received
only a “satisfactory” judgment.
The two modules were the first to undergo
the new test procedure PV+Test 2.0.
Compared to the valid test conditions
from February 2011, the new procedure
included more stringent criteria when
it came to testing resistance to aging as
well as, among other things, a test for potential
induced degradation (PID), and
more precise determination of low light
and temperature behavior. Since the test
has a “best of” list, the manufacturers are
able to decide against having their names
published in the case of poor test results.
The manufacturer with the module that
Tested: SolarWorld Sunmodule Plus SW 245 poly
The Sunmodule Plus SW 245 poly, according
to manufacturer SolarWorld AG,
is suitable for all applications. It is available
in performance classes of 240 to 255
watts. The tested module type with a 245
watt nominal capacity has been in production
since 2010. Until now, around 860,000
modules in this power class with a total
capacity of about 211 MW have been sold
largely in Europe, but also in the U.S., Asia,
Australia, South America and other parts
of the world, according to SolarWorld. For
the U.S., the module is fitted with the appropriate
frame.
The Sunmodule Plus SW poly is the most
sold product type from SolarWorld: this
being the reason why the company sent
this module for the PV+Test. Additionally
a standard module without further specifications
was selected to allow the best possible
comparison of results. The front of
the module is fitted with a 4 mm thick, unstructured,
highly transparent, tempered
solar glass. According to SolarWorld, it has
been proved
time and
again to be
PID-free,
ammonia
and salt-mist
resistant and
also suited for deserts. It has also been ensured,
via the “Power Controlled” program
by TÜV Rheinland, that the measured
power of the module is correct and
the quality remains steady over time.
Photo: SolarWorld AG
Made in
Size
Weight
Cell type
Module type
Solarworld
Sunmodule Plus SW 245
Germany
1675 x 1001 x 31 mm
21.2 kg
Polycrystalline
Specified performance 245 watts
Output tolerance (negative, positive, in percent)
Glass/EVA/cell/EVA/foil
- Type plate: +/- 3%
- Datasheet: -0 Wp, +5 Wp (with +/- 2% tolerance)
Individual evaluation
Performance 20% ++
Aging behavior 25% ++
Documentation 15% +++
Electrical safety 25% +++
Workmanship 10% +++
Warranty and ease of installation 5% +++
Results within the requirements of IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 Yes
Overall evaluation (maximum 100 points) 92.294
Score Very good
The overall evaluation is based on numerous measurements by TÜV Rheinland – a German safety standards authority – that are not all included in the table.
Each measurement is evaluated with a score between zero and ten and is weighted differently in the overall result. Test procedure and weighting were
decided by the industry advisory committee. More information is available at: www.pv-magazine.com/pv-test
Scoring system
Tested modules: very good very good (-) good (+) good good (-) satisfactory (+) satisfactory sufficient unsatisfactory
21 2 3 6 5 1 0 3 1 0
8
05 / 2013 | www.pv-magazine.com

was deemed “satisfactory” chose this option. The SolarWorld
module was judged as “good” when it came to performance
parameters. The deviation of the measured performance from
that indicated was totally acceptable, as were the temperature
and low light behaviors. The valuation for these were no longer
determined only by an irradiation of 200 watts/m 2 , but rather
a matrix of various irradiation conditions and temperatures
based on the International Electrotechnical Commission standard
IEC 61853. The data is weighted in a way that corresponds
to typical irradiation conditions in Germany, so that the evaluation
allows for conclusions with regards to yield behavior.
The SolarWorld module results in this partial evaluation were
“good.” Those of the other module were only “sufficient.” The
SolarWorld module also finished with “good” in the PID test.
Particularly worthy of mention is the workmanship of the module,
which is completely without defect. S
Michael Fuhs
In the June edition of pv magazine we will report extensively on
the two modules and the new test conditions which the test subjects
have to endure under PV+Test 2.0.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Advertisement
For module purchasers
The complete summary table with all of the test results and
explanations can be found here
www.pv-magazine.com/pv-test
Homepage of the module test
www.pvtest.de/index_en.html
Your module in PV+Test
Contact for manufacturers:
Michaela Fischbach: michaela.fischbach@solarpraxis.de
Andreas Cox: cox@de.tuv.com
05 / 2013 | www.pv-magazine.com