CENER launches a new mechanical load test bench for photovoltaic modules and structural elements.

Along the life of photovoltaic plants, events affecting the mechanical integrity of the photovoltaic components may occur. Specifically, stress by wind loads can cause damage or even complete fault in PV modules, in their supports or in the anchoring elements, causing significant losses in production and consequent economic losses to promoters, owners and operators of the plants.

In response to this and to ensure high quality and durability of photovoltaic installations, CENER has acquired and started up a new test bench for mechanical load tests on both photovoltaic modules and the different elements needed to fasten them to either fixed structures or solar trackers.

With this new test bench, the modules and anchoring elements can be subjected to different types of stresses, including static load tests (applying a steady positive or negative load), increasing static load tests (applying gradually increasing steady load), dynamic load tests (applying a variable programmed load) or other ad-hoc tests that can be designed upon specific requests.

These tests are completed with initial and final characterization of the modules based on CENER’s procedures allowing for the analysis of any possible damage caused by mechanical stresses. This characterization typically includes visual inspections, characterization of the module performance (I-V curve), electroluminescence analysis, insulation tests and others. CENER is accredited by ENAC for the testing of photovoltaic modules according to IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 standards, which describe different mechanical tests, both static and dynamic, as well as a large number of performance and durability tests required to obtain the certification of any PV module.

The new test bench consists of 24 programmable hydraulic actuators (with 96 suction cups) and can apply different loads between +27720 N and -20500 N over a surface of 2500 mm by 1500 mm,  sufficient for testing the new XXL module models that the sector is tending towards. In addition, the available space and flexibility in the assembly of the test samples allows for a large number of fastening configurations, making it possible to test not only the ones described by the module manufacturers, but also any other possible configuration and the necessary auxiliary elements (clamps, screws, beams, etc.).

With this new test bench, CENER continues to update and improve its PV Modules Testing Laboratory, providing the industry (EPCs, developers, manufacturers, suppliers, etc.) with new testing capabilities and supporting the promotion of quality and safety in the implementation of photovoltaic generation and self-consumption plants towards an efficient and effective ecological transition with the highest quality standards.