An Initiative Towards Quality Control of Photovoltaic Panels: Local Innovation Under Constraints

Francisco Pascal Elias Tambasafidy; Jean Baptiste Ratongasoandrazana; Rivo Herivola Manjakamanana Ravelonjato; Naivo Rabesiranana; Joel Rajaobelison

doi:10.25159/3005-2602/21943

Authors

Francisco Pascal Elias Tambasafidy National Institute of Nuclear Sciences and Techniques
Jean Baptiste Ratongasoandrazana National Institute of Nuclear Sciences and Techniques https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9416-4409
Rivo Herivola Manjakamanana Ravelonjato National Institute of Nuclear Sciences and Techniques https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5658-6153
Naivo Rabesiranana University of Antananarivo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0131-9016
Joel Rajaobelison University of Antananarivo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/3005-2602/21943

Keywords:

quality control, photovoltaic panels, batteries, electronic load, frugal innovation

Abstract

Quality control of photovoltaic panels and batteries is a key requirement for the success of the energy transition. In practice, standardised testing relies on advanced equipment that is costly and difficult to access in many low-resource settings. This work presents a locally designed electronic load system that is able to trace current–voltage (I–V) curves, to estimate maximum power output up to 300 W under natural sunlight, and to measure battery discharge capacity. The proposed approach does not replace industrial certification methods, but it allows direct comparison of different products tested under identical conditions and supports performance evaluation in real operating environments. Developed following a training workshop led by experts from MINATEC in France, this initiative shows that local technical capacity for photovoltaic quality assessment can be built using affordable and innovative tools.

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