Conference Topics

This Topic in general addresses single PV plants, where plant size may range from a few modules up to multi-MW. Consequently, this is the place for contributions on systems design, sizing, modelling, performance and operations.

This topic also deals with particular integration of PV, e.g., PV integrated into buildings, Infrastructure (I2PV) and nature-inclusive PV (eco-PV, floating PV, Agri-PV); vehicle integrated PV (VIPV), concentrating PV and PV for space applications. Advances in power electronics for advanced grid functionality are also covered. The subtopic on solar resources and forecasting is relevant to individual systems, but it covers scales ranging from the local to large geographical areas. The employment of batteries in stand-alone systems or for local use may form part of systems reported in this topic, but storage related to the wider grid is dealt with in subtopic 5.1.

4.1    Solar Resource and Forecasting

Solar resource assessment, measurements and monitoring, meteorological forecasting, now-casting, analysis of ground station and satellite data.

Abstracts which deal with all PV relevant solar radiation science and tools are placed here.

4.2    Engineering Design and Installation of PV Systems

Planning, plant optimization tools, cost analyses, advanced installation criteria, construction and safety issues.

This is the topic for the design, engineering and commercialisation of entire PV systems. Work which focuses on how a system Interacts with the grid is dealt with in subtopics 4.6 (grid interface) and 5.6 (grid integration).

4.3    Operation, Performance and Maintenance of PV Systems

Monitoring, predictive and corrective maintenance, system failure analysis, system reliability, operational safety.

Papers which describe the operational experience of systems in use are placed here. Of particular interest are maintenance related cost analyses as well as methods for predicting technical lifetimes. Work which focuses on how a system Interacts with the grid is dealt with in subtopics 4.6 (grid interface) and 5.6 (grid integration).

4.4    PV and Buildings

Design, and architectural aspects of BIPV and BAPV; zero energy buildings; PV products for buildings; building, environment, safety and other regulatory aspects.

This subtopic will collect all presentations describing how PV systems are placed on or are integrated into buildings, covering both functional and aesthetic aspects.  All types of buildings are considered - residential, office, commercial, and industrial. Related ancillary equipment is also considered and how the whole system is integrated and performs, e.g., electric and thermal performance, heat pumps, integrated mounting structures, multi-functionality.

4.5    Infrastructure-integrated PV (I2PV) and Nature-inclusive PV (eco-PV); Vehicle Integrated PV (VIPV)

Design, implementation and performance of PV in infrastructures, on water, in dual use agriculture (Agri-PV) and in nature; Vehicle integrated PV.

This subtopic will collect all presentations describing how PV systems are placed on or are integrated into infrastructure, but also in nature and the environment which surrounds us.  PV integrated into vehicles (VIPV) is also covered here.

4.6    Power Electronics and Electrical Grid Interface

Power electronics for advanced grid functionality, measurement and control; simulation tools and testing methods; communication protocols, data driven methods; grid optimization at high PV penetration.

This subtopic covers recent developments in power electronics, measurement, modelling and control focusing on the interface between a PV plant and the electrical grid. The subtopic addresses relevant developments, including from digitalisation, for a reliable, secure and optimized grid operation at high PV penetration. This also covers concepts such as advanced inverter functionality, voltage and frequency regulation, power quality and stability, islanded operation, or micro-grids.  ICT integration including (cyber) security is also included. 

4.7    Concentrators, TPV

Design and measurement of concentrator solar cells, assemblies and CPV modules. Optical systems, mounting structures and trackers; Thermal Photovoltaic Conversion (TPV).

Papers focusing on the device (cell) level may be more relevant to topic 1 or topic 2, in particular subtopic 2.4 for III-V based cells.

4.8    PV for Space Applications

Photovoltaic cells and systems for space photovoltaics, and their in-flight performance.

Papers focusing on the device (cell) level may be more relevant to topic 1 or topic 2, in particular subtopic 2.4 for III-V based cells.