The QEERI Solar Consortium promotes development and commercialization of solar technologies for desert climates, via private equipment testing and collaborative research projects. It brings together solar-related companies, institutes and authorities from Qatar and around the world. Testing is based at QEERI’s well-established Outdoor Test Facility, complemented by our accredited PV Lab and Core Labs.  The Solar Consortium has been running since 2018, and its members include organizations at the forefront of solar technology for desert environments.

Objectives

  • Develop solar-energy technologies suited to desert climates
  • Provide companies access to advanced field testing and laboratory capabilities
  • Conduct research on technical issues of common interest to all members
  • Provide data and analysis supporting deployment of solar energy in Qatar

Activities

  • Confidential field and lab testing of solar equipment for manufacturers
  • Group research projects, e.g. PV coating abrasion, Horizontal single axis tracker (HSAT) configurations
  • Sophisticated outdoor PV and BOS test capabilities operating since 2013
  • Range of PV test set-ups ― single modules, 2-15 kW strings, fixed tilt, HSAT, vertical, robot cleaning
  • Ability to build custom test stands with O&M by QEERI
  • Access to state-of-the-art accredited labs for PV and materials characterization
  • Collaboration with international and Qatar-based industries, researchers and authorities

Outdoor Test Facility

  • 35,000 m2 outdoor test site 
  • Uninterrupted operation and monitoring since 2013
  • 85 PV module types from 35 manufacturers tested so far
  • Real-time online data
  • PV test stands: single module, 2-15 kW strings, fixed tilt, HSAT, vertical, robotic cleaning

PV Reliability Lab

  • Climate chambers 
  • Sun simulator/ flasher
  • Electroluminescence tool
  • Mechanical load tool
  • Wet leakage test

Benefits and fees

The Consortium offers three membership levels, with a combination of benefits and fees to suit most companies.  Further details are provided here 

Contact

For enquiries please email: qeeri-communications@hbku.edu.qa