IEA PVPS Workshop and Webinar at ISFH: Characterisation of Photovoltaic Systems

On October 23rd, 2025, the combined IEA PVPS Task 13 Workshop and online Webinar “Characterisation of Photovoltaic Systems” took place at the Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH). A total of 34 experts attended the event on site at ISFH, and 71 participants joined online from Germany and abroad.

The IEA PVPS workshop aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of cost structures, available inspection methods, and their relevance for testing large PV systems. Key challenges in inspecting modern PV modules were discussed, including glass breakage in thin-glass modules and lost (non-electrically connected) bypass diodes, as reported in the latest IEA PVPS Report “Degradation and Failure Modes in New Photovoltaic Cell and Module Technologies”.

The workshop also highlighted innovations and needs in PV characterisation. Detailed presentations covered automated electroluminescence inspection, identification of lost bypass diodes, framework conditions for thermographic imaging, and a new approach to detect thin-glass breakage.

The feedback from online participants was consistently positive. It confirms the strong interest in the presented methods and results and highlights the need for applied research and international exchange.