SynopsisHybrid Photovoltaic-thermal-collectors (PV-T) may have a number of advantages compared to stand-alone PV or solar-thermal-collectors. To mention one of them for example the overall efficiency of a PV-T-system is higher than the efficiency of the individual systems [1]. Recently, there have been efforts by the "European Solar Keymark Network" and also in national organizations to standardize PV-T collector measurements and make it possible to assign a "Solar Keymark". That would be a great benefit for PV-T collectors and subsidiary for a successful implementation in the market.Fraunhofer ISE runs an accredited laboratory for solar thermal components (TestLab Solar Thermal Systems) and also an accredited test centre for PV modules (TestLab PV Modules) and is able to combine both strengths to measure uncovered PV-T collectors and covered PV-T collectors properly. Based on the testing facilities for solar air-collectors, PV-T air-collectors can be tested as well. Recently even Concentrated PV-T collectors are in the process of getting characterised. By testing several PV-T collectors Fraunhofer ISE has created special know-how for measuring different PV-T collectors and developed an automated procedure for efficiency tests.In this paper, the interest in the standardization of measurements of a PV-T collector is discussed, and different measurement procedures are shown. It illustrates possible testing methods for different collectors, testing procedures and results from tests already performed.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.