Fraunhofer ISE finds PV module performance below manufacturer claims

Updated analysis by Fraunhofer ISE’s CalLab PV Modules found PV module power ratings deviating since 2017, with a 1.3% shortfall in 2023 and 1.2% in 2024.

By Prudhvi Rani 13 Mar 2025 in Tech Bytes EMEA Bytes

New Update

Fraunhofer ISE’s CalLab PV Modules tested over 70,000 solar modules since 2012, revealing persistent power rating discrepancies from top manufacturers. Image Source: Fraunhofer ISE

A research team from Fraunhofer ISE analyzed over 70,000 power measurements from PV modules tested in its CalLab PV Modules since 2012. Until 2016, measured power often exceeded manufacturers’ specifications. Since 2017, a negative trend emerged, with power deviations increasing, reaching a 1.3% shortfall in 2023. In 2024, a slight improvement was observed, but underperformance remained at 1.2%. The study included 1,034 monocrystalline silicon PV modules. If representative of the German market, the 2024 shortfall equated to 195 MW. Researchers applied strict filtering to ensure data reliability, considering only the top 10 manufacturers per year. The results highlighted the importance of independent quality control amid Europe’s high reliance on imported PV components.

#FraunhoferISE #Germany #SolarQualityManagement #CalLabPVModules #PVModuleTesting

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Fraunhofer ISE finds PV module performance below manufacturer claims

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