Training School on "Simulation tools and models for the analysis of PV system performance"
2021-07-06 09:30 - 2021-07-09 17:30 (Europe/Amsterdam) | Transilvania University of Brașov, str. Institutului no. 10, Brașov, 500484, Romania
PEARL PV’s Training School on Simulation tools and models for the analysis of PV system performance
took place at the Transilvania University of Braşov in Braşov, Romania, from 6 to 9 July 2021. Simulation tools and models can be used to investigate the design of PV systems, predict their output and assess their performance in operation. In 3.5 days of expert lectures, modelling exercises and excursions, trainees have gained an understanding of modelling approaches for PV system analysis, including system optimisation, performance prediction and fault and loss identification. The participants learnt about modelling principles and current software developments from PEARL PV Working Group members and external experts.
Training School Schedule: Please see here for the detailed schedule of this Training School PEARL PV CA16235 Training School Brasov 6 – 9 July 2021
Selection of Training School presentations:
The role of modelling in assessing and monitoring PV system performance by Nicola Pearsall, University of Northumbria (UK)
Pearsall Role of modelling TS Brasov July 2021
Introduction to energy harvesting and simulation of PV systems Joao Serra, University of Lisbon (P)
Serra Energy_harvesting_simulation_basics
Modelling of PV modules and systems Steve Ransome, Consultant (UK)
Ransome 2021_07_PVCOST_Brasov
The PVLIB approach to modelling and analysis, Josh Stein, Sandia National Laboratory (USA)
Stein PVLIB_Modleing_Tutorial_20210630 Brasov
Irradiance modelling using LightTools, a ray-tracing technique, Xitong Zhu, Eindhoven University of Technology (NL)
Zhu Irradiance Modelling Brasov July 2021
Simulation of the bifacial energy gain for photovoltaic plants using the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Jonathan Leloux and
Jesus Robledo Bueno, Lucisun (B)
Leloux_Robledo_2021_07_08_ – Training School Pearl PV Brasov Bifacial PV simulation – LuciSun (1)
Reliability modelling Jeff Kettle, Glasgow University (UK)
Kettle reliability modelling brasov-share
Encoder-decoder image segmentation models for EL images of thin-film modules, Evgenii Sovetkin, FZ-Jülich (DE)
Sovetkin EL images Brasov July 2021
Fault detection for PV systems using machine learning techniques, Mohammedreza Aghei, Eindhoven University of Technology (NL)
Aghei Fault-Detection-for-Photovoltaic-Systems-using-Machine-Learning-Techniques_07072021
Economic aspects of PV system modelling David Moser, EURAC (IT)
Moser 20210709_PEARL PV_TS
Environmental impact assessment for PV modules and systems – using environmental models Nicola Pearsall, University of Northumbria Pearsall Environmental impact assessment TS Brasov July 2021

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PAST INFORMATION FOR TRAINEES
Venue: The training school will take place at the Transilvania University of Braşov. This information package will provide travel directions, information about the venue and recommended hotels, as well as other practicalities: information Romania, Brasov 2021.
In the venue, local covid-19 measures such as 1.5 meters distancing, wearing of face masks in indoor areas and good ventilation in meeting rooms will be adhered to, see also this seating plan: LOSUniversityofBrasovSeating, walking routes03062021
Important note on COVID-19: This event will be held in a hybrid format. Therefore in-person participation will be limited, so we encourage you to make your application as soon as possible (see details below).
The current situation regarding covid-19 in Romania is reported in this document, Current rules in Romania regarding COVID-19_14062021, which will be regularly updated.
Update 24 June 2021, Romania has been labelled with the color code green, see both files below:
https://gov.ro/fisiere/pagini_fisiere/Hotarare_CNSU_nr__40_din_17_iunie_2021.pdf
https://gov.ro/fisiere/pagini_fisiere/Anexa_la_HCNSU_nr_40_din_17_iunie_2021.pdf
As usual, but in particular, in this period with covid-19, this COST event can only be attended by means of an official invitation from the Grant Holder of this Action, please contact Peter Jansen for information by p.jansen@utwente.nl.
Participants: PhD candidates, post-doctoral researchers, R&D personnel. Please note that the Training School will be offered to 40 participants at a maximum. Preference will be given to participants from COST Member Inclusiveness Target Countries (see https://www.cost.eu/who-we-are/members/ for information on ITCs).
Registration procedure of trainees:
Application opens: 1st April 2021
Application closes: 31st May 2021
Application: Each applicant should send an email to David Moser (the Training School Selection Chair) at david.moser@eurac.edu with the following documents:

A cover letter briefly (max 1 page) introducing the applicant name and affiliation, previous PV projects, involvement in activities relevant to the PEARL-PV project, motivation and benefits for Training School participation, possibility to disseminate Training School topics through education or awareness sessions within their own institute or countries.
The applicant’s CV (max 2 pages) including relevant publications.

AND to register in e-COST https://e-services.cost.eu. This registration comprises setting up his/her e-COST profile and adding his/her bank details.
Selection procedure of trainees: The Training School applications will be considered by a committee of PEARL PV Core Group members. The outcome of the evaluation will be notified by the Training School Manager. Thereafter the trainees will be officially invited to participate by a message sent by e-COST.
Announcement of the selected trainees and their reimbursement: Middle of June 2021
Official invitation by e-COST to participate in the Training School: Middle of June 2021
The applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Motivation of the applicant to participate to Training School, Weight 40 %
Plan to disseminate Training School topics, Weight 40 %
Quality of PV projects / experience, involvement in PEARL PV activities, Weight 20 %

Only applicants who have registered in e-COST, including their bank details and who have submitted their CV and cover letter will be permitted to take part in the selection procedure. Regarding eligibility of trainees to receive reimbursement, please carefully read the specific rules and regulations shown below.
Registration costs: Free of charge, the Training School Management will therefore apply a registration and selection procedure of trainees.
Reimbursement: 20 trainees of the total number will be eligible to receive reimbursement. Trainees can be reimbursed for their long-distance travel expenses in line with the eligibility rules specified in section 5 of the COST Vademecum (Section Meetings – Financial Support) and the travel reimbursement regulations. In addition, the reimbursement of the daily allowance rate for the country where the Training School takes place covers the incurred accommodation, meals, and local travel expenses.
Contact persons regarding the content of the Training School:
Training School Managers:
Aleksandra Krstic-Furundzic at akrstic@arh.bg.ac.rs
Cedric Caruana at cedric.caruana@um.edu.mt
Chair of PV Simulation Working Group:
Nicola Pearsall at nicola.pearsall@northumbria.ac.uk
Specific rules and regulations regarding Training Schools of a COST Action:
1) Trainees are entitled to receive a fixed grant as described in the COST Vademecum
2) Trainee Grants do not necessarily cover all expenses related to attending the Training School. The Trainee Grant is a contribution to the overall travel, accommodation and meal expenses of the Grantee. Different Grants amount can be attributed to each trainee.
3) Each trainee must register for an e-COST profile at https://e-services.cost.eu – each trainee must add their bank details to their e-COST profile.
4) Trainees eligible to be reimbursed:
Trainees must be engaged in an official research programme as a PhD Student or postdoctoral fellow or can be employed by, or affiliated to, an institution, organisation or legal entity which has within its remit a clear association with performing research.
Trainees eligible for reimbursement:
1) Trainees from COST Full Members / COST Cooperating Member, see here http://www.cost.eu/about_cost/cost_member_states
2) Trainees from Approved NNC Institutions.
3) Trainees from Approved European RTD Organisations.
Trainees not eligible to be reimbursed:
1) Trainees from COST Partner Members.
2) Trainees from Approved IPC Institutions.
3) Trainees from Approved IO, EU Commission, Bodies, Offices and Agencies.
4) Other Trainees not specifically mentioned as being eligible.

MC5 Meeting
2021-09-22 11:00 - 14:00
This is a placeholder for the MC5 meeting of Cost Action PEARL PV which will be held online in the morning of 22 September 2021 from 9:00h to 12:00h (CEST). Participants will be MC Members and Substitutes, to be officially invited by e-COST by the Grant Holder.
A Zoom link will be supplied on 20 September 2021.
Agenda: CA16235 MC5 22092021 Agenda26082021

Parallel Workshops PEARL PV
2021-09-22 15:00 - 2021-09-24 19:00
This is a placeholder for 3 days of parallel workshops of Cost Action PEARL PV which will be held either fully online or in a hybrid format, so to not disadvantage groups/individuals who cannot travel, from 22 till 24 September 2021. In case of a hybrid event, participants can attend online or in-person on a location, which will be selected – before the end of August – on the basis of the best conditions for event hosting and travel under the rapidly changing Covid-19 situation in Europe.
We cordially invite you to submit an abstract on your latest achievements in photovoltaic (PV) system research, development, and applications, according to the Call for Abstracts: Cost Action PEARL PV CALL FOR ABSTRACTS Workshops 22to24072021
Abstract submission instructions
To have your work considered for presentation at the annual workshop of PEARL PV, please submit the following:

An evaluation abstract (3 pages maximum, for review, including graphs and figures with results, the evaluation abstract is not meant for posting) and
A short abstract of no more than 300 words in length for display on the PEARL PV website.
Please include your name, affiliation, email address and names of all co-authors!
Mention the Working Group(s) of PEARL PV to which your abstract relates.
Please indicate whether you like to present in-person or online.

Please follow the suggested format; evaluation abstracts are expected to be detailed enough to allow a thorough review for programming purposes.
The deadline for submission of the abstracts is 31 August, 2021 at midnight CET. Abstract submission is via email addressed to Ms. Saskia Groenendijk at s.m.groenendijk@utwente.nl
Workshop topics
This year’s call includes several cross cutting themes that span across the 5 Working Groups of PEARL PV, please indicate in the header or footer of your abstract to which WG(s) your work relates.

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

Publication in a scientific journal
We are also continuing the option of offering authors who submit particularly high quality abstracts an opportunity to directly submit a manuscript to MDPI journal Applied Sciences[1] (Impact Factor 3.0). This path allows authors to bring their high quality research to the PEARL PV community as well as publishing their work in a high impact journal. Please mention on top of your abstract “Review for journal publication” if you are interested in this opportunity.
On behalf of the whole PEARL PV community we look forward to welcoming and meeting with you at our event.
Emilio Muñoz Cerón (Dr.) Co-Organizer of this PEARL PV Event
Jonathan Leloux (Dr.) WG5 Chair and Co-Organizer of this PEARL PV Event
Tareq Abu Hamed (Dr.) Co-Organizer of the PEARL PV Event
David Moser (Dr.) Vice-Chair of COST Action PEARL PV
Angèle Reinders (Prof.dr.) Chair of COST Action PEARL PV
[1] On the basis of the Workshops in Utrecht in 2020, a Special Issue on “Performance Analysis of Photovoltaic Systems” of Applied Sciences got published. It covers 6 interesting, high-level research papers by PEARL PV researchers, see here for full content of this Special Issue: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci/special_issues/performance_analysis_photovoltaic

Workshop "Data monitoring & analytics for better PV performance and grid integration"
2021-09-23 15:00 - 2021-09-24 19:00 | Zoom link, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
On 23 and 24 September 2021, COST Action PEARL PV organized a workshop covering topics related to “Data monitoring & analytics for better PV performance and grid integration”. Dr. Jonathan Leloux, WG5 leader and working for Lucisun in Belgium and Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain, hosted this online workshop. The schedule of presentations is shown below, with topics related to fault detection for large-scale PV plants and small-scale PV systems, PV performance analysis, soiling losses assessment, PV power degradation, solar resource data and PV grid integration. Presentations can be opened by clicking on the black text below the title of the presentation.

THURSDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2021

13:00
Opening of the workshop
Jonathan Leloux (Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain)

13:30
Modelling and Impact of Solar Eclipses on PV Energy Production
Ascencio_2021 – COST Pearl PV Workshop – Modelling And Impact Of Solar Eclipses On PV Energy Production
Julián Ascencio (Envision Digital, US)

14:00
Consolectiv – A free online tool for the simulation of collective self-consumption in Brussels
Sarr_2021 – COST Pearl PV Workshop – Consolectiv – A free online tool for simulation of collective self-consumption in Brussels
Babacar Sarr (LuciSun, Belgium)

14:30
Performance Imputation Techniques for Assessing Costs of Technical Failures in PV Systems
Lindig_2021 – COST Pearl PV Workshop – Performance Imputation Techniques for Assessing Costs of Technical Failures in PV Systems
Sascha Lindig (EURAC, Italy)

15:00
Outdoor performance analysis of five different technologies in Palaiseau, France
Aguilar_2021 – COST Pearl PV Workshop – Outdoor performance analysis of five different technologies in Palaiseau
Moira Torres Aguilar (École Polytechnique Paris, France)

15:30
Context-Sensitive PV Plant Components Benchmarking Based on Monitoring Data
Vanheusden_2021 – COST Pearl PV Workshop – Context-Sensitive PV Plant Components Benchmarking Based on Monitoring Data
Wannes Vanheusden (3E)

16:00
Land-Positive PV Solution: Hybrid PV-Noise Barrier (The CEFRABID Project)
Munoz_2021 – COST Pearl PV Workshop – Land-Positive PV Solution – Hybrid PV-Noise Barrier
Emilio Muñoz (University of Jaén)

FRIDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2021

13:00
Long-term performance and shade detection in building integrated photovoltaic systems
Fairbrother_2021 – COST Pearl PV Workshop – Long-term performance and shade detection in building integrated photovoltaic systems
Andrew Fairbrother (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

13:30
The H2020 project SERENDI-PV (Smooth, REliable aNd Dispatchable Integration of PV in EU Grids)
Aleman_2021 – COST Pearl PV Workshop – EU H2020 SERENDI-PV
Monica Aleman (Becquerel Institute)

14:00
Comparison of PV Fault Detection Algorithms
Paolo Graniero (FU Berlin)

14:30
Energy and Economic Assessment of Floating Photovoltaics in Spanish Reservoirs: Cost Competitiveness and the Role of Temperature
Micheli_2021 – COST Pearl PV Workshop – Energy and Economic Assessment of Floating PV in Spanish Reservoirs
Leonardo Micheli (University of Jaén)

15:00
Dynamic simulation of the shading cast by a wind farm on an adjacent photovoltaic plant
Robledo_2021 – COST Pearl PV Workshop – Dynamic simulation of the shading cast by a wind farm on an adjacent photovoltaic plant
Jesús Robledo (LuciSun)

15:30
High PV penetration in urban areas: a pilot from the e-shape H2020 project
Amaro_e_Silva_2021 – COST Pearl PV Workshop – High PV penetration in urban areas – A pilot from the e-shape H2020 project
Rodrigo Amaro e Silva (Centre O.I.E. – MINES ParisTech)

16:00
Wrap up and closure

Jonathan Leloux (Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain)

Online PEARL PV Workshop WG1: PV Data Management and the PEARL Data Challenge
2021-12-02 11:00 - 14:00 | Zoom link, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
This is the webpage of the first online PEARL PV workshop in a series of 5, to were held in the winter of 2021-2022, which brought together researchers to discuss the next challenges in data management of PV monitoring data and PV performance assessments.
This workshop has been organized in the framework of WG1 of COST Action PEARL PV by dr. Atse Louwen (EURAC, Italy), dr. Carolin Ulbrich (Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Germany), dr. Eli Shirazi (University of Twente, the Netherlands) and other colleagues, on the topic of “PV Data Management and the PEARL Data Challenge” on Thursday 2 December 2021 from 10:00h till 13:00h CET.
The full program of this online workshop is available here: PearlPV_CKAN_workshop_02.12.2021 Final
Presentations can be downloaded below:
Data analysis of big data of PV systems using the CKAN database of PEARL PV
by Prof. Dr. Ralph Gottschalg
PearlPV_Gottschalg_PVDigital_final
The importance of shared and synthetic datasets
by Prof. Dr. Angèle Reinders (University of Twente / Eindhoven University of Technology)
PresentationReindersWG1Workshop02122021The importance of shared and synthetic datasets_30112021
Use of PEARL PV platform to Share Spectral data
by Basant Raj Paudyal (University of Agder)
PEARL PV Workshop_2 December_Basant_PDF
Performance Analysis and Degradation of a Large Fleet of PV Systems
by Dr. Sascha Lindig (Eurac Research)
PearlDB_Performance_Lindig
How to use the Pearl PV CKAN database
Dr. Atse Louwen (Eurac Research)
PearlPV_02.12.2021_Atse_PDF
Announcement of data challenges using the Pearl PV CKAN database + session wrap-up
Dr. Eli Shirazi (University of Twente)
Dr. Atse Louwen (Eurac Research
PearlPV_02.12.2021_Atse_PDF
The PEARL Data Challenge Descriptions
Challenge 1: Artificially Faulty Solar PV Datasets for Development and Benchmarking of Fault Detection Algorithms, contact person: Dr. Atse Louwen (atse.louwen@eurac.edu)
PearlPV_CKAN_challenge_FaultDetection_PDF
Challenge 2: Comparison of PV performance across Europe, contact person: Dr. Eli Shirazi (e.shirazi@utwente.nl)
PearlPV CKAN challenge_ PV Performance_PDF
Timeline for both challenges:
• Participants express their interest to the contact person of the challenge (deadline: 23 Dec 2021)
• Participants submit/upload their datasets in the CKAN data server (deadline: 15 Jan 2022)
• Participants develop, train, test and validate their algorithms
• Participants submit results to the contact person of the challenge (deadline: 28 Feb 2022)
CKAN Data Server
For questions about the use of this data server please contact the admins: (1) Dr. Eli Shirazi (e.shirazi@utwente.nl) and (2) Dr. Atse Louwen (atse.louwen@eurac.edu)
CKAN data server access by Welcome – Pearl PV CKAN Repository (pearlpv-cost.eu)
NDA for this CKAN data server: Non-Disclosure and Data Sharing Declaration PEARL PV (hardcopy version) (13-02-19)

Chair of this online workshop:
Dr. Atse Louwen, Eurac Research, Institute for Renewable Energy, Italy, e-mail: Atse.Louwen@eurac.edu
Co-Chairs:
Dr. Carolin Ulbrich, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Germany, e-mail: carolin.ulbrich@helmholtz-berlin.de
Dr. Eli Shirazi, University of Twente, the Netherlands, e-mail: e.shirazi@utwente.nl
Prof. Angèle Reinders, University of Twente/ Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands, e-mail: a.h.m.e.reinders@utwente.nl

Online PEARL PV Workshop WG2: Early Career Forum on Photovoltaic Module and System Reliability
2021-12-15 10:30 - 13:30 | Zoom link by James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK, Glasgow, United Kingdom
This will be a PEARL PV workshop in a series of 5, to be held in the winter of 2021-2022. This workshop will be organized in the framework of WG2 on Reliability and Durability of PV of COST Action PEARL PV by Dr. Jeff Kettle of James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and other colleagues, on the topic of “Early Career Forum on Photovoltaic Module and System Reliability” on Wednesday 15 December 2021 from 9:30h till 12:30h CET.
Short description of the program:
This online workshop is focused on PV system and module durability and brings together leading early career researchers from round Europe. In this online event, we will hear speakers involved in failure analysis, reliability testing, non-destructive testing and reliability challenges in new applications of PV.
The final program of this online workshop is available here: COSTActionPearlPV_WG2-OnlineWorkshop 15122021
Registration will take place by e-COST after which a meeting link will be supplied to registered participants shortly before the event will take place.

If you are not a member yet of COST Action PEARL PV, then please contact the chair or co-chairs of this event to indicate your interest in participation. Subsequently you will be registered in e-COST.
Chair of this online workshop:
Dr. Jeff Kettle of James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK , e-mail: jeff.kettle@glasgow.ac.uk
Co-Chairs:
Dr. Mohammadreza Aghaei, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway

Online PEARL PV Workshop WG4: Photovoltaic Systems in the Built Environment
2022-01-19 13:00 - 17:00 | Transilvania University of Brașov, str. Institutului no. 10, Brașov, 500484, Romania
This will be a PEARL PV workshop in a series of 5, to be held in the winter of 2021-2022. This workshop will be organized in the framework of WG4 on PV in the Built Environment of COST Action PEARL PV by dr. Bogdan-Gabriel Burduhos (Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania) and other colleagues, on Wednesday 19 January 2022 from 12:00h till 16:00h CET.
The final program of this online workshop is available here: COST Action PEARL PV WG4 Workshop – 19012022 – Photovoltaic systems in the built environment – finalprogram
Some of the presentations are available below, please click on the blue titles to download them.

Time
Item/Title
Presenter

12:00
Introduction of WG4 and opening of the workshop
Bogdan-Gabriel Burduhos
(Transilvania Univ. of Brașov, RO)

12:10
Urban solar potential assessment for onboard solar in electric vehicles
David Pera
(University of Lisbon, PT)

12:30
Innovative microgrid control based on 1s-resolution PV information
Radu Plămânescu
(Politehnica University of Bucharest, RO)

12:50
Outdoor performance analysis of five photovoltaic modules of different technologies in Palaiseau, France
Moira I. Torres Aguilar
(École Polytechnique, FR)

13:10
Solar tracking systems for strings of photovoltaic modules
Macedon-Dumitru Moldovan
(Transilvania Univ. of Brașov, RO)

13:30
Solar energy in Nordic built environments: Opportunities, challenges and barriers
Gabriele Lobacarro
(Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO)

—————————-Break—————————–

14:10
Application of thin-film Cu(In,Ga)Se2 modules in PV roads. Feasibility testing and pilot production within Rolling Solar
Aldo Kingma
(TNO Innovation for Life, NL)

14:30
Estimating clear-sky PV electricity production without exogenous data
Stefani Peratikou
(Cyprus University of Technology, CY)

14:50
Electricity-powered charging stations with renewable energy
Filip Cârlea
(Center for the Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, RO)

15:10
Effect of the environment on the PV performance
João-Gabriel Bessa
(University of Jaén, ES)

15:30
TBC
Robert Blaga
(West University of Timisoara, RO)

15:50
Summary and closing
Bogdan-Gabriel Burduhos
(Transilvania Univ. of Brașov, RO)

Registration will take place by e-COST after which the event will take place the BBB platform.
If you are not a member yet of COST Action PEARL PV, then please contact the chair of this event to indicate your interest in participation. Subsequently you will be registered in e-COST.
Chair of this online workshop:
Dr. Bogdan Gabriel Burduhos, Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania, e-mail: bogdan.burduhos@unitbv.ro

Online PEARL PV Workshop WG3: Modelling of PV Potential and Performance
2022-02-22 11:00 - 14:30 | Zoom link, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
This will be a PEARL PV workshop in a series of 5, to be held in the winter of 2021-2022. This workshop will be organized in the framework of WG3 on PV Simulation of COST Action PEARL PV by Prof.dr. Nicola Pearsall (Northumbria University, UK), Prof. dr. João Serra (University of Lisbon, Portugal), and other colleagues, on the topic of “Modelling of PV Potential and Performance” on 22 February 2022 from 10:00h till 13:30h CET.
This on-line meeting will focus on the work of early career researchers over a range of modelling approaches and applications – from assessment of PV potential to understanding PV performance in field.
The final program of this online workshop is available here: WG3 online workshop programme Feb 2022
Registration will take place by e-COST after which a Zoom link will be supplied to registered participants shortly before the event will take place: <Zoom link will soon be shown here>.
If you are not a member yet of COST Action PEARL PV, then please contact the chair or co-chairs of this event to indicate your interest in participation. Subsequently you will be registered in e-COST.
Chair of this online workshop:
Prof.dr. Nicola Pearsall (Northumbria University, UK), e-mail: nicola.pearsall@northumbria.ac.uk
Co-Chairs:
Prof. dr. João Serra (University of Lisbon, Portugal), e-mail: jmserra@fc.ul.pt

Training School on "Potential of monitoring tools and advanced operation and maintenance practice for security and predictability of PV performance"
2022-03-08 09:00 - 2022-03-11 23:59 | University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands, Enschede, Netherlands
PEARL PV’s Training School on the Potential of monitoring tools and advanced operation and maintenance practice for security and predictability of PV performance
took place at the University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands, from 08 to 11 March 2022. The intention was to discuss how the analysis of data on actual long-term monitored performance, defects and failures in photovoltaic (PV) systems allows to quantitatively determine the absolute effects of nominal component characteristics, key system design, installation, operation, maintenance practices on efficiency, reliability and durability of solar PV energy systems as well as their forecasting. The discussion also included the use of various (including future) products which will enable PV system owners (residential and utility-scale) to control the quality of their PV systems. In 3.5 days of expert lectures, exercises and excursions, trainees gained an understanding of the potential of monitoring tools and advanced operation and maintenance practice for security and predictability of PV performance. The participants learnt about monitoring tools, defects and failures in PV systems and maintenance practice from PEARL PV Working Group members and external experts.
Training School Schedule: Please see here for the final schedule of this Training School: PEARL Training School4_Twente 2022_Schedule of Events 07032022
All presentations of the Training School can be downloaded here: AllPresentationsPEARLPVTrainingSchoolMarch2022
Participants: PhD candidates, post-doctoral researchers, R&D personnel. Please note that the Training School will be offered to 40 participants at a maximum. Preference will be given to participants from COST Member Inclusiveness Target Countries (see https://www.cost.eu/who-we-are/members/ for information on ITCs).
Venue: The training school will take place at the University of Twente in Enschede, the Netherlands. Travel information and maps can be accessed here: Contact | Route & campus map | Home (EN) (utwente.nl) Information about public transport in the Netherlands, such as bus and train schedules, can be accessed by this website: https://9292.nl/. While the dates of the Training School will be approaching, details about the specific meeting space at University of Twente as well as routing on campus will be provided here: Training School – Route17022022.
Important note on COVID-19: At present, the Training School has been categorized as an educational activity, for which reason it will be held as a physical gathering with online access, that is to say as a so-called hybrid-physical event. According to the recent announcement by the Government of the Netherlands about the covid-19 regulations, on Friday 25 February many requirements will be lifted. For the full message, which covers many topics please visit this website: 3 steps to reopen the Netherlands | News item | Government.nl Coronavirus measures in brief are all available in English: Coronavirus measures in brief | Coronavirus COVID-19 | Government.nl
Furthermore the situation regarding COVID-19 in the Netherlands is reported on a daily basis on this website: Coronavirus Dashboard | COVID-19 | Government.nl
Official invitation required: As usual, but in particular, in this period with COVID-19, this COST event can only be attended by means of an official invitation from the Grant Holder of this Action. Trainees appointed by a Dutch organization who register after 31 January 2022, should contact Ms. Bianca Dibbelink at b.j.dibbelink@utwente.nl for late registration. Due to limited seats during the Training School, your participation should be officially confirmed by her by email.
Important notice: Due to a recent change of the COST Regulations for Local Organizers of meetings and events, the Local Organizer must offer lunches and dinners on the basis of the Daily Allowance which registered participants will receive, meaning that participants will be kindly asked to purchase their own lunches and dinners.
Accommodation information
Recommended hotels on or near UT’s campus are U ParkHotel, or De Broeierd. For UParkHotel it is recommended to mention that you attend this Training School in order to get access to a limited block of rooms. If you prefer to stay in the City of Enschede, then InterCityHotel Enschede or The Residence are great options in the vicinity of public transport. There’s also plenty other accommodations in Enschede and/or Hengelo (OV). You can easily find and book your hotel through Booking.com
Contact persons regarding the content of the Training School:
Training School Manager: Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Krstic-Furundzic at akrstic@arh.bg.ac.rs
Training School Manager: Dr. Cedric Caruana at cedric.caruana@um.edu.mt

Local organizers:
Ms. Saskia Groenendijk / University of Twente at s.m.groenendijk@utwente.nl
Dr. Eli Shirazi / University of Twente at e.shirazi@utwente.nl
Prof. Dr. Wilfried Van Sark/ University of Utrecht, Copernicus Institute at w.g.j.h.m.vansark@uu.nl
Prof. Dr. Jeffrey Kettle / University of Glasgow, at jeff.kettle@glasgow.ac.uk
Prof. Dr. Angele Reinders / University of Twente at a.h.m.e.reinders@utwente.nl
Grant Holder of this Action:
Peter Jansen / University of Twente at p.jansen@utwente.nl.

The application procedure for external Trainees closed on 31 January 2022, see below for more information.
Registration procedure for external Trainees:
Application opens: 20.12.2021
Application closes: 31.01.2022
Application: Each applicant should send an email to David Moser (the Training School Selection Chair) at david.moser@eurac.edu with the following documents:

A cover letter briefly (max 1 page) introducing the applicant name and affiliation, previous PV projects, involvement in activities relevant to the PEARL-PV project, motivation and benefits for Training School participation, possibility to disseminate Training School topics through education or awareness sessions within their own institute or countries.
The applicant’s CV (max 2 pages) including relevant publications.

AND to register in e-COST https://e-services.cost.eu. This registration comprises setting up his/her e-COST profile and adding his/her bank details.
Selection procedure of trainees: The Training School applications will be considered by a committee of PEARL PV Core Group members. The outcome of the evaluation will be notified by the Training School Manager. Thereafter the trainees will be officially invited to participate by a message sent by e-COST.
Announcement of the selected trainees and their reimbursement: 20.01.2022
Official invitations by e-COST to participate in the Training School can be expected in the first two weeks of February 2022
The applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Motivation of the applicant to participate to Training School, Weight 40 %
Plan to disseminate Training School topics, Weight 40 %
Quality of PV projects / experience, involvement in PEARL PV activities, Weight 20 %

Only applicants who have registered in e-COST, including their bank details and who have submitted their CV and cover letter will be permitted to take part in the selection procedure. Regarding eligibility of trainees to receive reimbursement, please carefully read the specific rules and regulations shown below.
Registration costs: Free of charge; the Training School Management will therefore apply a selection procedure of trainees.
Other costs: Travel, accommodation and insurances. Other costs apart from registration costs have to be paid by the trainee him/herself.
Reimbursement: 20 trainees from the total number of accepted applicants will be eligible to receive a reimbursement of 500 Euro per trainee. Note that trainees are only eligible for reimbursement if they have received (and accepted) the official invitation through e-COST (to be expected in February 2022).
Specific rules and regulations regarding Training Schools of a COST Action:
1) Trainees are entitled to receive a fixed grant as described in the COST Vademecum
2) Trainee Grants do not necessarily cover all expenses related to attending the Training School. The Trainee Grant is a contribution to the overall travel, accommodation and meal expenses of the Grantee. Different Grants amount can be attributed to each trainee.
3) Each trainee must register for an e-COST profile at https://e-services.cost.eu – each trainee must add their bank details to their e-COST profile.
4) Trainees eligible to be reimbursed:
Trainees must be engaged in an official research programme as a PhD Student or postdoctoral fellow or can be employed by, or affiliated to, an institution, organisation or legal entity which has within its remit a clear association with performing research.
Trainees eligible for reimbursement:
1) Trainees from COST Full Members / COST Cooperating Member, see here http://www.cost.eu/about_cost/cost_member_states
2) Trainees from Approved NNC Institutions.
3) Trainees from Approved European RTD Organisations.
Trainees not eligible to be reimbursed:
1) Trainees from COST Partner Members.
2) Trainees from Approved IPC Institutions.
3) Trainees from Approved IO, EU Commission, Bodies, Offices and Agencies.
4) Other Trainees not specifically mentioned as being eligible.

COST Action PEARL PV's Conference - Enabling the PV Terawatt Transition
2022-03-14 09:00 - 2022-03-16 23:59 | University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands, Enschede, Netherlands
COST Action PEARL PV organized an international conference from 14 to 16 March 2022 at University of Twente
in Enschede, the Netherlands. The program of this conference is related to the mean aims of this COST Action:
to improve the energy performance and reliability of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems in order to enable
the PV terawatt transition. This aim is embedded in research that is conducted in five Working Groups which will
organize five sessions at the PEARL PV Conference on resp. (1) PV Monitoring, (2) Reliability and Durability of PV,
(3) PV Simulation, (4) PV in the Built Environment and (5) PV in Grids.
The final program of the conference is available here:
FinalProgramPEARLPVConference14_15March2022-Final
All presentations that are available by 27 April 2022 can be downloaded here:
AllPresentationsCOSTActionPEARLPVConferenceMarch2022
Venue of this event: U ParkHotel (and Waaier building of University of Twente)

Plenary speakers
Dr. Gordana Kregar, COST Association, Brussels, Belgium
Title: COST PROGRAMME & CA 16235 – Overview

Dr. Gordana Kregar is working as a Science Officer in the COST Association for the last two years. She is responsible for 22 COST Actions covering multiple Science and Technology fields, providing them constant support, ensuring quality control and taking responsibility for the management of the relevant budget. As well, one of the main responsibilities include implementation of proposal submission, evaluation, selection and approval procedure. Before joining COST, she was employed at EUREKA Association. As the Call Coordinator of Eurostars Programme and the Coordinator of the Evaluation team, she was leading all the activities related to two-step evaluation process and supervising human resources assigned to the call. She has a scientific background acquired in the field of the experimental atomic physics. Her experience as a researcher in physics comes from 7+ years working at the Institute of Physics, Zagreb in two laboratories, for laser spectroscopy and for laser cooling, which has led to several internationally recognized articles and her Ph.D. thesis.
Dr. Teresa Barnes, Materials Reliability and Durability Group, NREL, Denver, USA
Title: Predicting and Extending PV Module Lifetime

Teresa Barnes manages the Materials Reliability and Durability Group at NREL. She is also the Principal Investigator and Director of the DuraMAT Consortium for module materials research. Dr. Barnes’ group focuses on PV module and system reliability, including accelerated test development, materials and interface modeling, degradation mechanisms, field failure modes, sustainability, and materials science. Our group has worked with stakeholders throughout the PV value chain on the development of industry standards for reliability testing and energy yield. We conduct application driven research on adhesion, cell and module degradation, mechanical damage, material weathering, and other topics. Teresa has worked in PV at NREL for 16 years on thin-film PV, flexible devices, and transparent contacts and started focusing on reliability in 2016. She is a Chemical Engineer with a PhD from the Colorado School of Mines and a BS from the University of Maryland.
Prof. dr. Monica Lira-Cantu, Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology ICN2, Barcelona, Spain
Title: Perovskite Solar Cell Stability

Monica Lira-Cantu is the director of the Nanostructured Materials for Photovoltaic Energy Group (NMPE) at ICN2 (Barcelona, Spain). Her research interests are the synthesis and application of nanostructured materials for next-generation solar cells: Dye sensitized, Hybrid, Organic and Perovskite Solar Cells. The NMPE group is focused on the synthesis of novel nanomaterials and the control of their optoelectronic properties through their manipulation at molecular level, with the aim of developing highly stable and highly efficient perovskite solar cells. NMPE aims at the development of highly stable solar cells for industrial applications (e.g. building integration PV) and novel self-powered photovoltaic-based devices for Internet of things (IoT) applications (e.g. sensors, wearables, printed electronics). The group is internationally recognized for its implication in the enhancement of the operational stability of emerging photovoltaics.
Monica Lira-Cantu has a Bachelor in Chemistry Science (Mexico) and obtained a Master and PhD in Materials Science (University of Barcelona). She worked at ExxonMobil Research & Engineering in New Jersey (USA) initiating a laboratory on energy related applications, University of Oslo (Norway), Riso National Laboratory (Denmark), the Center for Advanced Science and Innovation (Japan) (2006) and she was also a visiting professor of EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland). She has more than 125 publications and a h = 48 (July 2021).
Prof. dr. Christophe Ballif, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and CSEM, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Title: Photovoltaics go fast: improved technologies and carbon footprint for a wider range of applications

Christophe Ballif is the director of the Phototovoltaics and Thin Film Electronics Laboratory (PV-Lab) at the institute of microengineering (IMT) in Neuchâtel (part of the EPFL since 2009). The lab focus is on the science and technology of high efficiency heterojunction crystalline cells, so-called passivating contacts for solar cells, multi-junction solar cells include novel generation Perovskite on innovative optical high speed detector and on various macroelectronics application. It also deals with energy management with a focus on integration of solar electricity into the energy system. Since 2013, Ballif is also the director of the CSEM PV-Center, also located in Neuchâtel. The CSEM PV-Center is focusing more on industrialization and technology transfer in the field of solar energy, including solar electricity management and storage. At the core of the CSEM PV-center activities lies several “pilot lines” for various kinds of solar cells manufacturing and a platform for developing “ideal packaging solutions and polymers” for PV modules. In addition, joined facilities between CSEM and EPFL of over 800 m2 are available for modules manufacturing, measuring and accelerated aging. In 2016, Christophe Ballif received the Becquerel prize for his contributions to the field of high efficiency photovoltaics.
Prof. dr. Jan Kleissl, University of California, San Diego, USA.
Title: Solar Forecasting

Jan Kleissl is the Director of the UC San Diego Center for Energy Research and Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UC San Diego. He researches the interaction of weather with engineering systems in buildings, solar power systems, and the electric power grid. Kleissl’s solar variability models, sky imager solar forecasting tools, and numerical weather prediction solar forecasts have been commercialized or used operationally to advance solar power integration. Kleissl received an undergraduate degree from the University of Stuttgart and a PhD from the Johns Hopkins University, both in environmental engineering with a focus in environmental fluid mechanics. Jan Kleissl has published over 100 papers in the top journals of solar power resources, forecasting, and integration.

Full organizing committee
Dr. David Moser, EURAC, Italy, Vice Chair of this Action
Dr. Jeff Kettle, University of Glasgow, UK, WG2 Leader on Reliability and Durability of PV
Prof.dr. Nicola Pearsall, Northumbria University, UK, WG3 Leader on PV Simulation
Dr. Bogdan Burduhos, Transylvania University of Brasov, Romania, WG4 Leader on PV in the Built Environment
Dr. Jonathan Leloux, Lucisun, Belgium and Spain, WG5 Leader on PV in Grids.
Prof.dr. Angèle Reinders, University of Twente and Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands, Chair of this Action
Prof.dr. Wilfried van Sark, Utrecht University, the Netherlands, WG1 Leader on PV Monitoring

Travel information to University of Twente (UT) in Enschede, the Netherlands, can be accessed here: Contact | Route & campus map | Home (EN) (utwente.nl)
