Photovoltaic inverter efficiency test report

How do you test a PV inverter?

To test a PV inverter according to IEC 62093, identify a suite of accelerated tests to identify potential reliability weaknesses. Develop recommendations for how the tests are to be performed, including sample size, environmental test conditions, duration, power and monitor, etc. Provide a baseline for comparison of reliability performance between PV inverter manufacturers.

Where can I find a photovoltaic inverter reliability assessment?

Photovoltaic Inverter Reliability Assessment NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at

Can a PV inverter predict reliability?

With this in mind, this report showcases and describes an approach to help assess and predict the reliability of PV inverters. To predict reliability, thermal cycling is considered as a prominent stressor in the inverter system.

How accurate is the inverter performance model?

An empirically based inverter performance model has been developed and validated, using both field and laboratory measurements, for a variety of inverter sizes, designs, and manufacturers. The accuracy of the model, for inverters with stable and repeatable performance, has proven to be more than adequate for PV system performance modeling purposes.

Why is a PV inverter model important?

The inverter model, particularly when coupled with an accurate array performance model, provides significant improvements in the ability to analyze PV system performance, monitor inverter and array performance, and diagnose causes of system performance degradation.

How do you test a photovoltaic system?

The power generation of a photovoltaic (PV) system may be documented by a capacity test [1, 2] that quantifies the power output of the system at set conditions, such as an irradiance of 1000 W/m2, an ambient temperature of 20°C, and a wind speed of 1 m/s. A longer test must be used to verify the system performance under a range of conditions.