a. Laboratory Testing of SHS Components:
The SHS components mainly the solar PV module, charge regulator, lamp and battery are tested in the laboratory for their compliance with Nepal Interim Photovoltaic Quality Assurance (NIPQA). Random samples collected from the Solar PV Companies or any sample received directly in the laboratory are tested following the standard test procedures and the measurements of various parameters are compared with NIPQA standards. After testing, reports are prepared and delivered to all concern parties. The test parameters for various components are given below.
1. PV Module Test At STC and ambient conditions
Nominal power (Wp)
Open circuit voltage (Voc)
Short circuit current (Vmp)
Rated voltage (Vmp)
Rated current (Imp)
Fill factor (FF)
I-V curve
2, Charge Regulator Test
Self consumption
LVD, LVR & HVD, HVR
Voltage drop
Full load
Reverse leakage
RF interference
Reverse polarity
3. Lamp Test (CFL, TL, WLED)
Lumen and luminous efficiency (lpw)
Ignition time
Pre-heat function
Lamp/Ballast efficiency
Wave shape symmetry
Voltage and current crest factor
Power factor
Active power
ON /OFF cycle test
RF interference
Standby consumption
Reverse polarity
4. Battery Test
Ah capacity
Ah efficiency
Plate thickness
Self discharge
Electrolyte density
Life cycle test
b. Laboratory Testing of SSHS Components:
PV Module Test
Charge Regulator Test
WLED Lamp
Battery Test
c. Field testing of SS: Performance of SHS individual components or system as a whole is measured in the user’s house by using Solar Home System Tester (SHS Tester) and other necessary measuring equipment. At present, the job is being conducted in cooperation and collaboration with SSP/ESAP which identifies the house of end-users to be tested by RETS. RETS technical team visits the site and does the measurement of the various parameters of all individual components as well as the performance of the whole system .The test report is submitted to SSP and the concern solar PV companies as feed back. A presentation of the test report including observations and findings of the team is also made for discussion and clarification of the issues raised in the report.
d. Testing of Solar Thermal components and system:
Laboratory setting-up is in progress.
e. Testing of Biomass / Biogas components - under discussion
f. Testing of Micro-Hydro components - under discussion
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Performance of SHS individual components or system as a whole is measured in the user’s house by using Solar Home System Tester (SHS Tester) and other necessary measuring equipment. At present, the job is being conducted in cooperation and collaboration with SSP/ESAP which identifies the house of end-users to be tested by RETS. RETS technical team visits the site and does the measurement of the various parameters of all individual components as well as the performance of the whole system .The test report is submitted to SSP and the concern solar PV companies as feed back. A presentation of the test report including observations and findings of the team is also made for discussion and clarification of the issues raised in the report.