PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) has launched a crowdsourcing test program that will work with solar investors, developers, and asset owners to test inverters without the need for manufacturers to participate.

The Inverter Crowd Power Product Qualification Program (PQP) will be tested on commercial inverters and will match the test used in the traditional inverter PQP launched by PVEL in 2014.

PVEL said that by providing buyers with transparent and reliable data, the crowdsourcing system will quantify product performance and reduce the risk of buyers purchasing inverters with limited on-site deployment.

Both test systems include field representative safety, reliability and performance tests under different environments and interconnection conditions.

Various test methods will be used to support data sheet verification to obtain more accurate performance and revenue models; reliability assessment to improve the accuracy of operation and maintenance (O&M) cost and replacement rate prediction; reliable arc and ground fault detection in field systems Safety assessment.

"PVEL's crowdsourcing test gives inverter buyers an opportunity to use empirical data instead of product marketing material statements. PVEL Chief Commercial Officer Tara Doyle said that the initial feedback from our downstream partners has been very positive.

"Regardless of whether the manufacturer is involved, we will ensure that PVEL's technical insights in deploying high-quality equipment can be used in the solar market."

PVEL stated that although Ginlong Solis and Chint Power Systems recently submitted their 250+ kW/h inverters for testing, most inverter suppliers usually do not conduct independent tests that exceed certification standards.

The independent testing laboratory regularly generates the "best performer" rankings for modules and inverters through its reliability scorecard. Earlier this year, PV Tech talked with Tristan Erion-Lorico, PVEL's PV module business leader, about junction box failures, component testing, and issues developers must consider when using scorecards.

PVEL started in California in 2010 and operated under DNV from 2014 to 2019. This year, it became part of the KIWA group of companies headquartered in the Netherlands.