Wind Energy and Power System Section takes part in the COST Action PEARL-PV.  PEARL PV is focused on “Performance and Reliability of Photovoltaic Systems: Evaluations of Large-Scale Monitoring Data”. The aim of PEARL PV is to improve the energy performance and reliability of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems in Europe leading to lower costs of electricity produced by PV systems by a higher energy yield, a longer life timeeventually beyond the guaranteed 20 years as specified by manufacturers, and a reduction in the perceived risk in investments in PV projects.

This  will be achieved by analyzing data of the actual monitored long-term performance, defects and failures in PV systems installed all over Europe to quantitatively determine the absolute influences of components rated performance, key design of systems, installation, operation, maintenance... For this purpose 5 Working Groups have been set up that will conduct research using a shared data bank and shared simulation tools and models to analyze and compare these data that are collected in this data bank. The 5 Working Groups are focused on:

• WG1: PV monitoring,
• WG2: PV simulation,
• WG3: Reliability and durability of PV,
• WG4: PV in the built environment and
• WG5: PV in grids.

For further information, please consult the PEARL-PV webpage.