Results from the Second International Module Inter-Comparison

Most photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers trace their peak- watt rating through calibrations/measurements performed at recognized terrestrial calibration facilities. This paper summarizes the results of one such measurement performed by many different calibration facilities. The participants were selected from around the world based on their designation as a national PV calibration facility, prior participation in inter-comparisons, or as an ISO 17025-accredited PV module qualification or certification facility. Each facility was sent the same devices and was requested to treat them as a regular measurement. The modules were selected from newer thin-film manufacturers-ones that might stretch or exceed the current scope of capabilities of the different participants. A concentrator module was even included as part of the set. Short-circuit current (l
_sc
) open-circuit voltage (V
_oc
) fill factor (FF), and peak power (P
_max
) results are reported