The Institute of Electrical Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IEECAS) has obtained international accreditation for primary photovoltaic (PV) reference cell calibration through a Japan-sponsored program. 

The program, which was organized by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology of Japan (AIST) and extended from October 2012 to April of this year, conducted the world’s first inter-laboratory proficiency testing for photovoltaic reference cell calibration and also conformed to ISO/IEC 17043 standards. The purpose of the testing was to confirm participants’ competence in conducting primary calibration of reference PV cells. 

IEECAS, the only Chinese participant, received a “Satisfactory” rating for its mono-Si and poly-Si reference cells. The test represents the first time China participated in inter-laboratory proficiency testing in the PV field. 

Since 2006, the PV Test Center (PVTC) of IEECAS has participated in many photovoltaic cell and module performance inter-laboratory comparison tests around the world, earning industry-wide recognition. In comparison to inter-laboratory comparison, proficiency testing has higher and stricter requirements and the results reflect the technical level and capacity of a laboratory.   

In 2009, PVCT built China’s first outdoor calibration facilities in Lhasa for PV cell primary calibration using the direct sunlight method. The calibration method, accuracy and reliability of the facility have received praise from international PV research institutions and laboratories. In addition, the proficiency testing results also indicate that PVTC can provide PV research institutions and manufacturers more powerful technical support for metrology calibration of reference solar devices and PV testing equipment.  

PVCT, established in 1999, is the only CAS research laboratory with China Metrology Accreditation as well as accreditation by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment based on ISO/IEC17025. Since 2006, PVTC has undertaken national research programs and calibrated primary and secondary reference cells and reference modules for many institutions and PV enterprises in China. In recent years, PVTC has cooperated with many national PV research institutions and laboratories, including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the United States and AIST in Japan. In 2010, PVTC participated in the International Energy Agency PV Power Systems Program. The program focused on measuring and analyzing the operational performance and failures of PV modules under different climate conditions and developed new techniques and standards for PV systems.