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CourseEnergy and Networks Applications open

Performance Ratio Evaluation in Photovoltaics Course

Online 300 h course in performance ratio evaluation in photovoltaics. 6 modules covering IEC 61724-1 (photovoltaic performance monitoring), IEC 61724-2 (capacity evaluation method) and pvlib. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Calculate the performance ratio and normalised performance indicators.

02

Select and verify irradiance and temperature sensors.

03

Apply quality filters and corrections to monitoring data.

04

Break down the energy losses of a photovoltaic plant.

05

Estimate annual degradation from historical data series.

06

Run contractual performance tests and resolve discrepancies.

07

Prepare a performance evaluation report for a real plant.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Photovoltaic performance analyst wishing to specialise in performance ratio evaluation in photovoltaics.
  • Monitoring engineer wishing to specialise in performance ratio evaluation in photovoltaics.
  • Independent technical consultant wishing to specialise in performance ratio evaluation in photovoltaics.
  • Solar asset manager wishing to specialise in performance ratio evaluation in photovoltaics.
  • Plant acceptance engineer wishing to specialise in performance ratio evaluation in photovoltaics.
  • Technical expert in solar energy wishing to specialise in performance ratio evaluation in photovoltaics.
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to enter the photovoltaics sector.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • IEC 61724-1 (photovoltaic performance monitoring)
  • IEC 61724-2 (capacity evaluation method)
  • IEC 61724-3 (energy evaluation method)
  • ISO 9060 (pyranometer classification)
  • IEC 60904-2 (reference devices)
  • IEC 60891 (I-V curve correction for temperature and irradiance)
  • IEC 61853-1 (module performance by irradiance and temperature)
  • IEC 62446-1 (photovoltaic system testing)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Final and reference yields
  2. 1.2Classic performance ratio
  3. 1.3Temperature-corrected PR
  4. 1.4Energy and availability index
  5. 1.5Differences between PR and efficiency
  6. 1.6Typical values by technology
  7. 1.7Contractual use of the indicator
  8. 1.8Common interpretation errors
  9. 1.9Comparison between plants
  10. 1.10Case study: annual PR of a 30 MW plant
  1. 2.1Class A pyranometers
  2. 2.2Reference cells
  3. 2.3Plane-of-array and rear irradiance
  4. 2.4Module temperature
  5. 2.5Calibration and maintenance
  6. 2.6Sensor placement
  7. 2.7Satellite irradiance
  8. 2.8Measurement uncertainty
  9. 2.9Monitoring classes
  10. 2.10Practice: verifying irradiance sensors
  1. 3.1Data quality filters
  2. 3.2Irradiance thresholds
  3. 3.3Exclusion of curtailment
  4. 3.4Handling of unavailability
  5. 3.5Temperature correction
  6. 3.6Bifaciality correction
  7. 3.7Temporal aggregation of results
  8. 3.8Calculation tools
  9. 3.9Traceability of calculations
  10. 3.10Laboratory: PR calculation with pvlib
  1. 4.1Loss breakdown
  2. 4.2Soiling losses
  3. 4.3Annual degradation rate
  4. 4.4Mismatch losses
  5. 4.5Inverter losses
  6. 4.6Cabling losses
  7. 4.7Nearby shading losses
  8. 4.8Trend analysis
  9. 4.9Comparison with simulation
  10. 4.10Workshop: degradation analysis with RdTools
  1. 5.1Acceptance performance test
  2. 5.2Guaranteed PR in EPC contracts
  3. 5.3Capacity tests
  4. 5.4Penalties for non-compliance
  5. 5.5Disputes and expert reports
  6. 5.6O&M guarantees
  7. 5.7Reports to lenders
  8. 5.8Independent technical audits
  9. 5.9Contracting best practice
  10. 5.10Case study: PR dispute at provisional acceptance
  1. 6.1Plant description
  2. 6.2Monitoring review
  3. 6.3Data cleansing
  4. 6.4Calculation of indicators
  5. 6.5Loss analysis
  6. 6.6Comparison with expectations
  7. 6.7Improvement proposals
  8. 6.8Evaluation conclusions
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is pvlib, RdTools, PVsyst, Meteocontrol VCOM, Python (pandas), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real PR calculation procedures with monitoring data, acceptance performance tests of plants and long-term degradation analysis. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrative project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry-mentored:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:safety-by-design approach, OT cybersecurity, DIH and compliance as pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Plant description

Calculate the performance ratio and normalised performance indicators.

Monitoring review

Select and verify irradiance and temperature sensors.

Data cleansing

Apply quality filters and corrections to monitoring data.

Calculation of indicators

Break down the energy losses of a photovoltaic plant.

Loss analysis

Estimate annual degradation from historical data series.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Photovoltaic performance analystMonitoring engineerIndependent technical consultantSolar asset managerPlant acceptance engineerTechnical expert in solar energy
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme is 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.

You work with pvlib, RdTools, PVsyst, Meteocontrol VCOM, Python (pandas). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.

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