Contributing to the Quality of PV Solar Modules in West Africa

In this work, we present the set up of a testing facility for photovoltaic (PV) modules and other PV system components in Dakar, Senegal. This creation is the result of a collaboration between the Polytechnic Schools of Dakar (ESP) and Lausanne (EPFL) aiming at improving the quality of PV systems by selecting components with sufficient quality. This testing center should also contribute to the education of all actors involved in the PV sector and contribute to research activities on the aging and failure mode analysis of PV modules exposed to sub-Saharian climates such as the hot semiarid climate of Dakar region but also those of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region, including Senegal.