Outdoor ESTER test facility for advanced technologies PV modules

In the paper the new outdoor test facility ESTER (Solar Energy TEst and Research) for PV modules of various technologies is presented. The facility has been partially funded by the Regione Lazio, Italy, in the framework of the Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy (CHOSE). This structure is intended to give support to the improvement of reliable and durable organic photovoltaic cells and modules and could offer, in the near future, quality assurance and possible calibration services for PV modules of other technologies. The facility has been designed and built in order to fulfil some of the requirements of the European standards IEC 61215, IEC 61646 and of IEC 60904-1and IEC 61829. Characterization of the climatic conditions of the Tor Vergata site on a three years data basis is also presented, proving Tor Vergata to be a suitable site for PV monitoring and test.