ABSTRACT
The National Photovoltaic (PV) Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, and includes a PV Manufacturing Research and Development (R&D) project conducted with industry. This project includes advancements in PV components to improve reliability, reduce costs, and develop integrated PV systems. Participants submit prototypes, pre-production hardware products, and examples of the resulting final products for a range of tests conducted at several national laboratories, independent testing laboratories, and recognized listing agencies. The purpose of this testing is to use the results to assist industry in determining a product's performance and reliability, and to identify areas for potential improvement. This paper briefly describes the PV Manufacturing R&D project; participants in the area of PV systems, balance of systems, and components; and several examples of the different types of product and performance testing used to support and confirm product performance.
