TNO uses its expertise and experience to work with partners to minimise the safety risks of current systems and future products. To this end, TNO recently expanded its research facilities to include additional equipment and test setups in the laboratory, as well as mobile equipment for measurements in the field. Parties such as manufacturers and suppliers, construction companies, installation firms, project developers, owners of buildings, insurers, municipalities and national governmental bodies are potential partners in this research.
Risk factors
All these parties need knowledge about the safe use of solar energy and about factors that play a role in occasional fires in PV systems. Manufacturers want to know the requirements for maximising the safety of their solar modules. For solar on water and solar in infrastructure, there are still no clear guidelines for safe installations. TNO builds up knowledge in these areas quickly so that safety does not become an obstacle to achieving our climate objectives.
Expanding the research infrastructure
TNO recently invested in expanding its research infrastructure for electrical and fire safety of solar panels and systems. We are conducting research with various parties on existing systems as well as developing new products with them. These include solutions to minimise the risk of electric arcs, a major cause of fires from PV systems, or new technology that prevents hotspots caused by shade.
We work with manufacturers to eliminate design risks. In our lab, we do extensive electrotechnical tests, temperature measurements and electric arcs detection system tests, among other things. This involves testing the product itself, but also the interaction with other materials, such as in their integration in building elements. In this way, we develop knowledge that the government can also use, for example for regulatory purpose.
Combining expertise
For various parties, TNO provides expertise on PV modules and systems in relation to power electronics. We have advanced test facilities for measuring, analysing and characterising these modules. For the integration of solar PV in the built environment and infrastructure, we work in multidisciplinary teams that combine knowledge of energy, electronics and construction.
More info about safety of solar panel systems?
Contact Josco Kester
Growing potential for solar energy on buildings and infrastructure
The area that can be used to generate solar energy in the Netherlands is large and growing. TNO is developing solar energy concepts for optimal integration into the built environment: from roofs, facades... Read moreBuilding façades will also generate solar energy
For a long time, solar energy in the built environment was mainly generated via solar panels on the roofs of homes and offices. But the roof surface alone, especially in high-rise buildings, is insufficient... Read morePV windows: windows that generate solar energy
A lot of surface area in the built environment is suitable for the generation of solar energy. Optimal use of the facades and roofs for energy generation on buildings is paramount to reach our climate... Read moreMaking better use of potential solar heat and PV-T
Solar panels are mainly found on roofs, where they convert sunlight into electricity. But the photovoltaic cells in PV panels can also be combined with solar collectors to produce heat and electricity.... Read moreMany more roofs to be used for solar energy
Our country has many hundreds of square kilometres of suitable roofs for the generation of solar energy. Utilising this surface area is essential for the energy transition. With the increase in electric... Read moreSolarBEAT outdoor test facility for BIPV(T)
SolarBEAT facilitates the development, testing and monitoring of innovative solar energy products in a real life environment. Both solar thermal and solar electricity are within the scope of this test... Read moreNew technologies make PV more versatile
With a global market share of 95%, crystalline silicon still forms the basis for most photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. But the potential for further improvements in performance and cost is huge. With a... Read moreMass customization: affordable, tailor-made solar energy on a large scale
Affordable manufacturing of tailor-made products on a large scale. It may seem contradictory, but this is the future of solar energy. TNO has developed a production method for manufacturing solar modules... Read moreFully recyclable solar panels on the horizon
In the near future it will be possible to produce solar modules that can be completely recycled, which will improve our CO2 footprint tremendously. TNO collaborated with three innovative Dutch companies... Read more
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