IEECAS, as the only participant from China, obtained the international accreditation for primary photovoltaic reference cell calibration, which indicated that a photovoltaic scale traceability system has been established in China.
From October 2012 to April 2014, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology of Japan (AIST) organized the world first inter-laboratory proficiency testing for photovoltaic reference cell calibration, which also conformed to ISO/IEC 17043. The purpose of this proficiency testing is to confirm the applicants’ competence required to conduct primary calibration of reference PV cells. And the result evaluations of mono-Si and poly-Si reference cell of IEECAS are judged as “Satisfactory”. It is also the first time for China to participate in inter-laboratory proficiency testing in PV field.
The ability of PV Test Center (PVTC) of IEECAS has won a general recognition in the industry since it has participated in many photovoltaic cell and module performance laboratory inter-comparison testing around the world from 2006. Compared to laboratory inter-comparison, proficiency testing brings higher and stricter requirements and the results reflect the technical level and capacity of a laboratory.
In 2009, PVCT built the first outdoor calibration facilities of China for photovoltaic cell primary calibration in Lhasa using direct sunlight method. The calibration method, accuracy and reliability of calibration facility are highly appraised by the international PV research institutions and laboratories. On the other hand, the proficiency testing results also indicated that PVTC can provide more forceful technical support of metrology calibration of reference solar devices and PV testing equipment for PV research institutions and manufacturers.
PVCT, established in 1999, is the only CAS research laboratory which obtained the certificate of China Metrology Accreditation (CMA) and the certificate of China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) based on ISO/IEC17025. Since 2006, PVTC has undertaken national research programs and calibrated primary and secondary reference cell and reference module for many institutions and PV industries in China. PVTC established research cooperation with many national PV research institutions and laboratories, including National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of United States, AIST of Japan in recent years. In 2010, PVTC participated in the International Energy Agency PV Power Systems Program (IEA PVPS), focusing on measuring and analyzing the operational performance and failures of PV modules under different climate conditions, and developing new techniques and standards for PV systems, as needed.
