SPF Competencies Photovoltaics

PV System Technology

In addition to the individual components of a PV system, their coordinated interaction and integration into the built environment and energy system are of crucial importance. We focus in particular on the following areas:

• Quality assurance for PV systems, for example with regard to hail or snow load resistance (Achilles,  CoSoG4PV)
• PV integration into the building envelope, in particular the development of innovative PV solutions for roofs and facades as well as for alpine areas with increased requirements for snow and wind loads (Solartanne, Renowave)
• PV on infrastructure and open spaces such as alpine PV or Agri-PV (Alience)
• PV system integration, for example in combination with battery storage, e-mobility or heat pumps (V2Heff,  CCT-Bat, CombiVolt)
• PV systems in the Global South for a secure and CO₂-free power supply, clean drinking water and medical care (SophiA,  RESD)

We are also happy to offer you the following services:

• With our mobile PV laboratory, we offer comprehensive on-site system testing to analyse the performance and safety of PV systems under real conditions
• System simulations for buildings, neighbourhoods and communities
• Shading analyses for complex situations
• Measurement of the reflection behaviour of PV modules (glare)
• Development and testing of PV mounting systems
• Accelerated ageing and stress tests including hail and snow load certification
• Support and implementation of tenders for projects

In doing so, we can draw on extensive laboratory equipment, such as our mobile PV laboratory, load test benches, climate chambers, solar simulator, PV emulators and system test benches, optics laboratory and simulations using PVsyst, TRNSYS and Polysun, among others.

In addition, we offer cooperation opportunities within the scope of education at OST, for example through the supervision of bachelor's theses.