02 | 03

SEAMLESS QUALITY ASSURANCE GUARANTEES OPTIMUM YIELD

Photovoltaic projects entail considerable investment and require substantial expertise when it comes to planning, construction and operation. The aim of everyone involved in a project is to ensure that the PV system will finish on time, operate smoothly and achieve an optimum yield. An analysis of more than 32,000 PV systems revealed that only 20 percent of them achieve optimum yields.* The reasons for this include inadequate quality assurance during the planning and construction phase as well as the absence of a remote monitoring and service concept. Seamless quality assurance, as offered by meteocontrol, safeguards yields from the very beginning and offers services for all project phases and project members. We support you in your role as general contractor, investor or creditor for a PV project – from the contractual negotiations and planning phase all the way to the operating stage.

Martin Schneider, Managing Director meteocontrol GmbH

Robert Pfatischer, Managing Director meteocontrol GmbH

As a general contractor you benefit from our comprehensive service package throughout the course of your project. With the help of Yield Reports and Technical Due Diligence, you can win over banks and investors even before execution of your project and consolidate your position against competitors. Construction Supervision and Technical Acceptance ensure start-up according to schedule and, therefore, timely payment. You ensure long-term high yields through professional Technical Operation Management and can maximize your return during sales of the project.

*“Failure rates of photovoltaic systems”, Dr. Henrik te Heesen and Volker Herbort, meteocontrol GmbH, published in etagreen Installateur, 02 / 2012, p.  3 – 5

As an investor, bank or insurance company, you can only base the right decision using independent expert reports. Risk protection takes top priority. A comprehensive quality assurance combined with a sound yield forecast and actual efficiency rating provides the basis for objective risk assessment and fair contractual negotiations. Our accredited System Rating recognized on the financial markets allows for objective and easy comparison of PV projects as well as determining quality and contingency risk at a glance. It is a tool for project developers and general contractors for better positioning in the market, for investors, banks and insurance companies to respond with corresponding terms and conditions. We also offer the Manufacturer Audit for quality assurance in module manufacturing as well as a multitude of highly-developed testing procedures for module inspection.

04 | 05

ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE

14,500

A continuous quality assurance concept affects every project step, leading to a high level of transparency. Defects can be identified and rectified in a timely manner.

Quality and contingency risk are easily distinguishable for everyone involved in the project without timeconsuming research. This creates trust and provides a firm footing for the investment.

a PV power plant in Germany with an installed power of one megawatt, this can lead to a decrease in profits of around 15,000 Euro. This can be counteracted through a specific risk minimization concept.

According to yield analyses, systems without an appropriate quality assurance concept suffer, on average, a five percent reduction in yield.* For

We offer a customized quality assurance package for systems of all sizes.

EUR / MWp

950 kWh / kWp

912 kWh / kWp

4,500 EUR / MWp

A specific example:

SPECIFIC YIELD WITH QA

LOSSES WITHOUT QA WITHOUT QA

System in 2007 37.95  c / kWh Remuneration

System in 2012 11.78  c / kWh Remuneration

A PV system with a specific annual yield of 950 kWh / kWp has, without technical supervision, only an output of 912 kWh / kWp. With a remuneration of 11.78 c / kWh, losses for each year already amount to 4,500 EUR / MWp. For the same system set up in 2007 with the higher remuneration of 37.95 c / kWh the annual losses even amount to 14,500 EUR / MWp. Therefore, quality assurance is sensible for all sizes, and the higher the specific yield and remuneration of the system the more attractive it becomes.

*“O ptimizing PV system yields through quality assurance”, Dr. Henrik te Heesen, meteocontrol GmbH, published in eta green, 30.01.2013

OVERVIEW OF SERVICES PLANNING

CONSTRUCTION

COMPLETION

OPERATION

01

Weather data Precise irradiance data since 1995

•

02

Yield report An essential factor in obtaining financing

•

•

03

Technical due diligence Technical planning assessments and consultancy services to ensure optimum project execution

•

•

04

Construction supervision Independent quality assurance at specific milestones

05

Technical acceptance A complete system check before the burden of proof shifts

06

Technical operation management Smooth system operation due to the best possible service

07

System Rating Meaningful project evaluation based on International standards

•

•

08

Technical Inspection Basis for unscheduled repair work

•

•

09

Module tests Identification of defective solar modules and determination of the installed module power

•

•

10

Performance Check Feedback regarding the efficiency of the entire system

•

•

11

Inverter efficiency measurement A reliable test of inverter efficiency during operating phase

•

•

12

Monitoring acceptance The ideal configuration of your system in the safer’Sun Professional Portal

•

•

13

Solar Power Forecast Intra-day and day-ahead forecasts for PV portfolios or individual systems

•

14

Direct marketing portal A transparent online platform for optimizing your yields

•

15

Technical consulting Assistance during contract negotiations and in the event of project-specific queries

•

16

Manufacturer Audit Verification of high-quality in-production processes

•

• • •

•

•

•

•

01 08 | 09

WEATHER DATA

meteocontrol provides irradiance data for precise coordinates in various demand intervals. All we need are precise geographical coordinates or the exact address of your chosen site. The associated temperature data are available as well.

Do you need precise weather data for selected periods?

State-of-the-art scientific methods result in highly accurate, project-specific data:   Historical data is available from 1995 on.

Do you need irradiance data for planning and for verification of the performance of your PV system?

  15-minute satellite images obtained from the Meteosat weather satellites provide the basis. Through this, all irradiance values are generated without the aid of random statistical processes.   Time intervals: 15-minute, hourly, daily, monthly and annual values   Conversion of horizontal values into module plane

  Continuous data distribution of irradiance values for the previous week or month available upon request.   The values for global, diffuse and direct irradiance are available in any interval.   Temperature data in the form of hourly, daily, monthly or annual values can be obtained in combination with irradiance data.   Long-term averages   Global irradiance maps with long-term averages for Europe as well as individual European countries.

02 10 | 11

YIELD REPORT

Our Yield Reports provide a detailed indication of the profit potential of your PV project at the earliest possible time and are recognized by all banks.

Do you want to know the yield of a specific PV project?

On the basis of highly precise weather data and local conditions, we determine the long-term energy yield with the following:

Is your bank demanding an independent Yield Report before financing the project?

  Specific system configuration is considered   Detailed time-step simulations for each subsystem

  Procurement of weather data from at least two independent sources (long-term monthly means of irradiance and temperature)

  Regular validation of simulation results on the basis of historical data from over 32,000 monitored systems

  Conversion of average monthly values into hourly values using synthesis processes

  Summary report containing all relevant information and results  Definition of safety margins  Details of the annual fluctuation range  Diagram of yields and percentile at selected p-quantiles

  Taking into account local conditions such as the number of days of snow, objects causing shading and the specific irradiance profile for the site with regard to low light characteristics

OptimiZe YOUR benefits with the following additional services: + On-site inspection to collect information on the shading situation (    p. 16 / 17) + Measurement of actual low light characteristics in the laboratory (    p. 26) + Calculation of losses from power limitation (   on request)

03 12 | 13

TECHNICAL DUE DILIGENCE

Collecting and analyzing all planned system data allows a comprehensive assessment of the entire project, taking into account relevant factors during the planning, construction and operational phase.

Do you want to assess the risks of your PV project as early as during the planning phase in order to proactively take action?

 Technical assessment of the entire project line-up  Inspection of technical plant layout with regard to completeness, concept, scheduling and feasibility  Assessment of technical components such as modules, substructure, inverters, cabling and transformers  Determination of site suitability  Constructive remarks and comments about the site and components as well as the general contractor and other project partners

Do you need a document that provides a summarized picture of your PV project and is recognized by all banks and investors?

  Cross check of the Yield Report regarding final planning

  Assessment of “quality assurance measures“ (components, implementation, system start-up, operation)   Evaluation of technical project risks   Advice during contractual negotiations, in particular regarding technical points in the EPC and O & M contracts   Summary report with comments and recommendations as well as a statement with suggested improvements for the EPC and O & M contracts

  Examination of the feed-in approval, permits, contracts and expert reports submitted

OptimiZe YOUR benefits with the following additional services: + Presence during on-site meetings (    p. 40 / 41) +Y  ield Reports taking into account the final planning (    p. 10 / 11)

04 14 | 15

CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION

Do you want to reach the specified milestones on schedule? Defects should timely be identified and eliminated?

Do you set store by an independent review of construction progress and schedule?

Through periodic visits, we monitor the construction phase on-site to ensure the construction progress.



  Supervision of construction progress on basis of project schedules

  Identification of inconsistencies between planning and implementation

  Visual inspection of the project status  Modules  Substructure  Cabling  Inverters  Transformer stations

  On-site consultation with the responsible construction managers

  Review of project specifications  Execution of substructure, cabling and transformers according to plan  Consistency of module and inverter types with planning

  Confirmation of specific partialpayment arrangements   Generation of a protocol summarizing construction progress   Recommended procedures

05 16 | 17

TECHNICAL ACCEPTANCE

Inspection, measurements and assessment of the main system components on-site allows for a reliable statement regarding the quality of the PV system.

Do you want to “put your system through its paces” by an independent specialist?

  Examination of the system documentation and planning documents (plans, data sheets, certificates, expert reports) as well as the start-up protocols   Services during the on-site visit:  Visual inspection of all system components such as modules, substructure, inverters, cabling, transformers, transfer stations, medium voltage lines, monitoring / safety systems, drainage systems etc.  Random tests of the junction boxes including thermal checks of the clamping units  Random measurements of the DC parameters on string level (insulation resistance, short circuit current, off-load voltage)  Module performance check based on a significant random sample of individual module measurements (refer to module performance check, p. 25 for further details)

You need a basis for decisions regarding formal acceptance of your project?





 Thermographic analysis of the solar modules and electrical components (string combiner boxes, inverters) based on a significant random sample (refer to thermographic check, p. 26 / 27 for further details)  Verification of compliance with licensing requirements  Recording of tilt and shading angles  Review of general operational safety as well as implemented security model  Feed-in confirmation   Inspection of the installed monitoring system   Detailed acceptance report including a detailed description of the project as well as a list of defects and recommendations

OptimiZe YOUR benefits with the following additional services: + Defect Check: Checking of defects identified during the Technical Acceptance procedure, confirmation that defects have been rectified or production of an updated defect report (   on request) + 100  % check for thermal irregularities, can also be carried out from a helicopter depending on the size of the project (    p. 26 / 27) + Measurement of inverter efficiency (    p. 32 / 33) + Short-term performance check using a mobile measuring station on-site (    p. 31) + Determination of zinc layer thickness on the substructure (   on request) + Check of the torque of bolted connections and clamping units (   on request) + Test of network stability on the basis of long-term measurements (   on request)

06 18 | 19

TECHNICAL OPERATION MANAGEMENT

Technical Operation Management by meteocontrol is based on its proven remote monitoring system and helps to safeguard yields over the entire run-time of the system.

Do you want a professional operation management team to oversee your system and ensure long-term optimum yields?

System malfunctions are identified quickly, errors analyzed and repair work is instigated without delay. Our comprehensive service package includes technical alarm management, defect management, reporting,

repairs and maintenance. You determine the scope of the individual services yourself. We offer the following products: Basic, Pro and Premium operation management.

Basic

Pro

Premium

For companies from the PV sector without their own operation management department

For small and large rooftop and free field systems

For PV power plants

Optional: Visual inspection

Visual inspection

Technical check

On workdays Optional: Daily

On workdays Optional: Daily

Daily

PV system configuration in the safer’Sun remote monitoring portal Checking the system prior to the handover Continuous data collection 365 days / year Availability of Technical Operation Management Error analysis by meteocontrol technician Repairs and service

– incl. flat-rate service charge

Yearly maintenance and inspection

Optional incl. technical check

Reporting Availability guarantee

–

–

Annual performance check

Optional

Optional

Module cleaning

Optional

Optional

Optional

Vegetation maintenance

Optional

Optional

Optional

07 20 | 21

System Rating

Our procedure, recognized by the German Accreditation Body, is based on comprehensive quality programs provided by meteocontrol or similar, universally recognized experts.

Do you want an assessment of the quality of your PV system through a recognized rating procedure based on easily understandable key performance indicators?

The rating is based on Yield Reports, Technical Due Diligence, regular Construction Supervision, a Performance Check, and the Technical Acceptance for the system. Systems are rated using the standard AAA to C assessment used in the financial markets. This allows an objective comparison of PV systems to be made. The rating procedure includes the following services:

Do you want a standardized assessment of various systems for objective comparison of contingency risk?

  Check for completeness of customer documentation. Providing feedback regarding the documents including coordination of the subsequent procedures





 O & M contract: Defining responsibilities and activities, checking to ensure that the information is clear and complete  Operation: Remote monitoring concept, reporting and operation management concept   Providing a rating of the individual project phases and an overall rating for the PV system (AAA – C, assessment carried out by two independent auditors)   Presenting and checking the results during a meeting of the Rating Committee   Report referring to weaknesses and giving appropriate suggestions for improvements

  On-site meeting attended by both auditors   Assessment of individual project phases on the basis of a list of criteria of 486 points, including the following:  Planning: Overall technical concept, components selected, documentation, quality assurance concept, legal concept  EPC contract: Providing full and precise details of the services to be provided as well as acceptance and measuring procedures  Implementation: Concept, components, documentation, quality assurance concept, operation management for the completed project

  Issuing the rating in form of a seal of approval as well as a rating certificate For already existing systems, a rating of the planning phase is not applicable. In this case, the overall rating is based on the implementation phase, the EPC contract, the O & M contract and the operational phase.

08 22 | 23

TECHNICAL INSPECTION

The Technical Inspection of a PV system includes random checks on all system components and gives recommendations to remedy defects.

Do you want our experts to carry out a visual inspection of your system?

  Carrying out a random visual inspection of all system components  Modules  Substructure  Cabling  Inverters  Transformer stations   Check of grounding and surge protection concepts to ensure that they are complete and functioning properly   Analyzing general system safety   Inspection of the monitoring system   Protocol including a list of defects and recommendations

OptimiZe YOUR benefits with the following additional service: + Defect Check: Analyzing the defects identified as well as work to rectify them, producing an updated defect report (   on request)

09 24 | 25

ModulE tests

Do you want to know whether the modules installed are achieving the expected output?

On -site module performance check

Module performance check under STC conditions in the laboratory

  Determination of the characteristic curve and power of the modules or strings on-site on basis of a representative random sample

  Assisting in selecting a random module sample

  Use of high-quality measuring equipment (h.a.l.m cetis PVCT)

Do the tolerances of your modules correspond to the figures in the data sheet?

  Extrapolation of the measured performances to standard test conditions (STC: 1,000 W / m2, 25 °C, air mass 1.5) in accordance with IEC60891 Ed. 2, Procedure 1   Comparison of the measurement results with the rated power or power measured by the manufacturer, taking into consideration possible impacting factors (soiling, cable losses, etc.)   Final report

  Measuring using a flasher from Pasan, which as a solar simulator, meets AA-AA-AA requirements in accordance with IEC 60904-9. This ensures accurate spectral adjustment, a homogeneous radiation profile and a time-stable light source.   Measuring module performance under standard test conditions (STC) in the laboratory (STC: 1,000 W / m2, 25 °C, air mass 1.5)  Recording of a current-voltage characteristic curve under STC conditions  Determination of the maximum power point (MPP) as well as all other relevant operating points   Assessment of the curve progression of the current-voltage characteristic curve   Final report

NOTE: The IEC60891 Ed. 2, procedure 1 allows meaningful results to be achieved even with field measurements. However, knowledge about specific module parameters (series resistance Rs, curve correction factor) in addition to the temperature co-efficient is necessary. If these data are not available, a separate request to determine them can be made. Meaningful characteristic curve measurements for free-field systems are possible only if appropriate irradiance values ( > 700 W / m2) are available.

09 26 | 27

Low light characteristics

Thermal analysis

Thermal Analysis by helicopter

Electroluminescence measurement

Measuring low light characteristics determines the actual performance characteristics of a module at low irradiance intensities. By integrating the measured values into the Yield Reports, the expected yields can be calculated more accurately, taking into account these factors which have a long-term effect.

During thermal analysis, solar modules and electrical contacts are tested for local heating either on-site or in the laboratory. Those “hot-spots” can be the result of production or installation errors and a hazard source.

Thermal imaging checks of large-scale systems by helicopter allows for an exceedingly quick and projectable way of inspecting all modules for thermal irregularities. Identifying large-scale phenomena such as string and inverter failures can also be done in this fashion.

During electroluminescence measurements, modules can be checked for defects and damage having a long-term effect either in the laboratory before a project begins or on-site later on. The images reveal defects such as cell breaks.

  Recording current-voltage characteristic curves below various irradiance intensities (200, 400, 700, 800, 900, 1,000 W / m²)   Determination of the maximum power points as well as all other relevant operating points (short-circuit current, idle voltage)   Assessment of current-voltage characteristic curve profiles   Test report including with the curve profile for efficiency characteristics

  Measurement of individual or all modules for thermal irregularities using a thermal imaging camera   Identification of thermal irregularities such as  Defective cell strings  Hot junction boxes  Hot Spots   Summary report including a list of affected modules with serial numbers and recommendations as to how to proceed further

  Measurement of all modules for thermal irregularities from a helicopter using a thermal imaging camera   Summary report including:  A list of affected modules (details of area if a large number of modules are affected) and recommendations as to how to proceed further  Plan with details of the position of abnormal modules

 Producing an electroluminescence image on-site or in the in-house laboratory   Identification of defects, e. g. micro-cracks, inactive cell sections, screen printing errors, cell contamination and crystallization defects   Assessment of measurement results   Test report

10 28 | 29

Performance Check

Do you want a detailed statement regarding the performance of your overall system?

The Performance Check assesses the yield of your PV system on basis of actual solar irradiance and reveals hidden factors decreasing yield.

 Classification and adjustment of measurements   Calculation of actual performance   Detailed time-step simulation to determine specified performance, including longtime experiences from validation of Yield Reports

Do you need independent verification of the performance guarantees set out in the project contracts?

  Comparison of actual and calculated performance   Summary report containing all relevant information and subsequent results:  Definition of the individual steps when carrying out the time-step simulation  Data analysis under specification of component failures and data losses

The 3 types of Performance Checks: 1) Short-term Performance Check – Monitoring (    p. 30) 2) Short-term Performance Check – Mobile Measuring Station (    p. 31) 3) Long-term Performance Check – Monitoring (    p. 31)

10 30 | 31

Short-term performance check – monitoring

Short-term performance check – mobile measuring station

Long -term performance check – monitoring

The Short-term Performance Check provides information on the performance of the PV system at short notice. Based on the existing monitoring information, it offers an additional basis for making decisions regarding acceptance.

If no suitable sensor system is installed on-site, our mobile measuring station can be used instead. Precision sensors ensure that inaccuracies when taking measurements are reduced to a minimum.

The Long-term Performance Check provides information on the performance of the PV system over a period of at least a year. The actual solar irradiance and any system malfunctions that have occurred are taken into account in the process.

Performance is calculated on the basis of an existing monitoring system for an evaluation period of up to a year.

Performance is calculated using a mobile measuring station for an evaluation period of between two weeks and a year.

Performance is calculated on the basis of satellite data or data from an existing monitoring system including a pyranometer on the tilted plane for an evaluation period of one calendar year.

A pyranometer on a tilted plane, ambient and / or module temperatures and meter values are needed for this purpose. In order for the evaluation to take place, measurements covering at least 10 days with an irradiance level above 800 W / m² on the module plane and at least 65% of the radiation energy, which is to be expected when the sky is cloudless, are required.

In order for the evaluation to take place, measurements covering at least 10 days with an irradiance level above 800 W / m² on the module plane and at least 65% of the radiation energy, which is to be expected when the sky is cloudless, are required.

To calculate actual performance, the values measured on-site are verified on basis of the corresponding satellite data (meteosat).

To calculate actual performance, the values measured on-site are verified on the basis of the corresponding satellite data (meteosat).

  Installation of a measuring station with calibrated measuring equipment on site  A CMP 11 pyranometer on both the tilted and the horizontal plane as well as an SPN 1 diffuse radiation pyranometer on the horizontal plane  Monocrystalline irradiance sensor on the tilted plane   PT 1000 ambient temperature sensor   WEB’log data logger   Report including measured data

OptimiZe YOUR benefits with the following additional services:

OptimiZe YOUR benefits with the following additional services:

+ Module Performance Check (    p. 25) + Low Light Measurement (    p. 26) + Technical Inspection (    p. 22 / 23)

+ Pro / Premium Technical Operation Management (    p. 18 / 19) + Yield Reports (    p. 10 / 11) + Technical Inspection (    p. 22 / 23)

11 32 | 33

INVERTER EFFICIENCY MEASUREMENT Do you want to know the efficiency of your inverters?

To determine the Euro efficiency level of the inverters in operation, random inverter measurements are taken on site.

  Measurement of load-dependent DC and AC current and voltage of the inverters   Evaluating the measurements   Determining the load-dependent efficiency characteristic curve   Determination of the Euro efficiency of the inverters during actual operation on the basis of the efficiency characteristic curve obtained   Report including with an assessment of the results

12 34 | 35

MONITORING ACCEPTANCE

Do you want to ensure the remote monitoring system by meteocontrol is optimally configured and system malfunctions can be identified straight away?

You want to ensure high yield by checking your PV system for defects using the installed remote monitoring system by meteocontrol?

On your behalf as system operator, the monitoring acceptance system checks the configuration of the installed remote monitoring system and ensures that system malfunctions can be identified quickly by the operating manager responsible.

  Inspection of system documentation with regard to completeness and accuracy (in accordance with DIN EN 62446)   Matching of installed components against conformity to IEC 61724 (PV system performance monitoring), particularly with regard to ensuring the sensor system meets the standard and contractual requirements   Review of the system configuration in the remote monitoring portal by meteocontrol:   Subsystem configuration  Correct terms, site data, yield forecast values  Checking bi-directional data communication with the data loggers   Access rights for third parties

  Set up of an alarm system geared to the needs of the system for quick defect detection   Comparison of the technical configuration with the planning documents   Analysis of inverter measurements and string monitoring components to detect reduced yields and other system malfunctions   Examination of sensor measurements (irradiance, temperature etc.)   Report regarding identified defects with suggestions to remedy the defects

OptimiZe YOUR benefits with the following additional services: + Long-term Performance Check (    p. 31) + Technical Inspection (    p. 22 / 23)

13 36 | 37

SOLAR POWER FORECAST

Accurate Solar Power Forecasts allow electricity producers, operators and electricity traders optimal action adjusted to current market conditions.

As a direct marketer, would you like to make a profit by marketing the yields from your systems pool on the electricity exchange?

Working with German transmission system operators and our partners the University of Oldenburg and Meteomedia, we have developed a high-performance forecasting system based on safer’Sun monitoring data. Permanently comparing simulated and actual measurements from over 32,000 systems allows yield forecasts to be calculated more precisely and validated on an ongoing basis.

As an energy supplier, do you want to make your use of network capacity more predictable or balance your PV grid feed-in in respect of the grid operator?

With time intervals of 15 minutes, we offer you our Solar Power Forecast for the following time frames: Day-ahead forecast   Forecast for a period of up to 96 hours (4 days)

Intra-day forecast   Forecast for a period of 5 hours   Hourly delivery deadline   Starting basis: Individual systems, system pools or control zones   Calculating a more precise forecast by  Combining numerical weather models with an analysis of cloud movement vectors developed for this purpose  Incorporating online power measurements from the meteocontrol portal

  Delivery deadline: 6:00 CET (optional: three further updates per day)   Starting basis: Individual systems, system pools or control zones   Simulation basis: Numerical weather models

OptimiZe YOUR benefits with the following additional service: + A BNetzA-compliant reference measurement method for distribution network operators allowing balancing with respect to the grid operator (   on request)

14 38 | 39

DIRECT MARKETING PORTAL

The Direct Marketing Portal www.eeg-direktvermarktung.com enables system operators and direct marketers to achieve a stable long-term position in the rapidly changing renewable energy market.

Are you a system operator looking to earn more than the EEG (German Renewable Energy Law) fixed remuneration?

The online platform provides an interface for buying and selling electricity generated by renewable energy facilities of any size. Solar energy becomes a trading commodity and the Direct Marketing Portal a hightech marketplace – fast, flexible and economical.

As a direct marketer, do you want to reach as many PV system operators as possible?

Functions for system operators   Search for and selecting of a suitable direct marketer via a transparent search mask   Online contracting for taking part in direct marketing   Simple procedure for switching to and starting direct marketing   Assistance when expanding your solar park with the necessary components for direct marketing in accordance with the EEG (German Renewable Energy Law)

Functions for direct marketers   Presenting your company on a popular platform   Independently managing quotations via a protected system of access   Submitting quotations: flexible, straightforward, online   Standardized communication interface to potential customers. The system data required for direct marketing purposes are therefore available from a single source.   Efficient recruiting of new customers

  Permanent interface for transferring data to the direct marketer

  Optional provision of Solar Power Forecasts (day-ahead and intra-day) and online power data (15-minute values)

15 40 | 41

TECHNICAL CONSULTING

Do you need a technical consultation in order to establish the technical points in EPC or O&M contracts, for example?

With our wealth of experience of working on PV projects of all sizes, we provide detailed responses to all technical questions and can accompany you during on-site meetings.

  Comprehensive advice regarding all technical issues   Presence at specific customer meetings, e.g. site inspections   Research regarding specific project requirements   Technical Consulting during contractual negotiations   General comments on project-specific issues   Presentations and workshops regarding quality assurance during PV projects

16 42 | 43

Manufacturer Audit

Module certifications alone are no guarantee for consistent high quality modules. Only a comprehensive assessment of product and process quality can ensure that quality requirements will be complied with throughout all production stages.

As a manufacturer of key components for the PV sector, do you want to increase your customers’ and investors’ trust in your products?

A thorough on-site audit carried out with the assistance of the RWTH Aachen’s machine tool laboratory and the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT) reveals shortcomings in product quality and the production processes. A detailed report shows the manufacturer where improvements could be made and allows potential customers to make an objective judgement. The Manufacturer Audit is of interest to manufacturers and customers alike. For an audit to be successful, the manufacturer must be willing to actively support the auditing process and allow detailed insights into process cycles.

On -site audit   Detailed analysis of the production processes (at various sites or production lines if necessary)

The Manufacturer Audit includes the following services:



For conclusion of a large-scale supply agreement you need a detailed statement on product and process quality?

P re-Audit   Collection of all necessary information about manufacturer and products   Brief analysis of the information and preparation of the on-site audit

  Detailed analysis of the quality assurance processes   A ssessment of current product quality on basis of tests carried out in an independent laboratory, e.g. module and inverter measurements on selected random samples   Field analysis of completed PV projects  Assisting in selecting projects  Inspecting projects incl. on-site meeting and measurements  Long-term monitoring of selected systems on the meteocontrol portal  Result   Detailed report with suggestions regarding continuous process monitoring and quality assurance

  Advice and support during module purchase   Presentation of the results of the audit to decision-makers   Documentation of measurement results

Germany

USA

HQ Augsburg meteocontrol GmbH Spicherer Strasse 48 | 86157 Augsburg Phone +49 (0)821 34666 - 0 Fax +49 (0)821 34666 - 11 E-mail [email protected] Web www.meteocontrol.com

meteocontrol North America, Inc. 140 Mason Circle, Ste K Concord, California, 94520 | U.S.A. Phone +1 (510) 764-6474 E-mail [email protected] Web www.meteocontrol.com/us

meteocontrol GmbH Carl-Zeiss-Strasse 46 | 47445 Moers Phone +49 (0)2841 79 622 - 0 Fax +49 (0)2841 79622 - 508

Italy meteocontrol Italia Via Panfilo Castaldi, 8 20124 Milan | Italy Phone +39 0287 38 62 37 E-mail [email protected] Web www.meteocontrol.com/it

Spain meteocontrol Ibérica C / Andrés Obispo, 37, 6 dcha 28043 Madrid | Spain Phone +34 917 218555 E-mail [email protected] Web www.meteocontrol.com/es

France

© 2013 meteocontrol GmbH 06 / 2013

meteocontrol France S.A.S. Immeuble Woodclub 97 allée Alexandre Borodine 69800 Saint-Priest | France Phone +33 478 67 33 52 E-mail [email protected] Web www.meteocontrol.com/fr