The aim of our work is to set up the infrastructure for continuous monitoring of PV systems (together with weather and irradiation data) and to assess their performance under the exact same field conditions through exhaustive data analysis. Furthermore, we aim at developing physical and electrical models in order to enhance our understanding of the underlying processes, especially for new technologies and to optimise the systems for improved performance.

More specifically research activities of the PV Technology group fall into the following categories:

• Continuous monitoring and measuring performance parameters from installed PV array systems.
• Evaluation of precise annual, monthly and daily comparisons of PV systems
• Development of improved models for PV systems.
• Degradation assessments of different PV technologies and investigation of factors that determine their degradation by analysing results obtained from outdoor measurements.
• Establishment of domestic electricity consumption models and its correlation with the output electrical energy provided by different PV technologies.
• Analysis of the integration and installation of PV systems in utility power systems
• PV-related power electronics study including testing of different kinds of inverters and improvement of algorithms associated with PV battery charging techniques and inverter behaviour.
• Dissemination of results and promotion of public awareness about PV technology and its capabilities.