PV Systems Validation - The Regional Test Center Concept

Regional Test Centers (RTCs) have been established by the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) at three different locations to independently validate the performance and reliability of photovoltaic (PV) systems, particularly for emerging US manufacturers, and to develop standardized processes for PV systems validation procedures. These locations (Albuquerque, NM; Denver, CO; and Orlando, FL) were chosen in part due to their different climate conditions, which can have a significant effect on system performance, degradation, and durability. The RTCs will provide the land and electrical infrastructure required to install up to 300-kW system blocks for validation. More importantly, the RTCs will provide the expertise of DOE's national laboratories to assess and validate the performance and initial reliability in such detail that manufacturers, integrators and the financial community will develop greater confidence in the bankability of these systems.