IEA PVPS Task 13: Reliability and Performance of Photovoltaic Systems (Work Plan 2026 - 2029)

IEA PVPS Task 13 supports the international development of reliable, high-performance and long-lasting photovoltaic systems. The new work programme focuses on advanced PV module technologies, digitalization and artificial intelligence, emerging PV applications, and lifetime extension strategies. Austria contributes strong expertise in material reliability, integrated PV module design, and AI-supported condition assessment.

Short Description

Photovoltaics are becoming one of the key technologies of the global energy transition. At the same time, new cell technologies, innovative module concepts, digital tools and emerging applications are transforming the PV industry at an unprecedented pace. These developments require new approaches to assess the reliability, performance and lifetime of photovoltaic components and systems.

IEA PVPS Task 13 provides an international platform to collect, analyse and disseminate knowledge on the performance and reliability of photovoltaic systems. By combining expertise from research institutes, industry and field experience, the Task develops internationally recognized recommendations, reports and best-practice guidelines supporting manufacturers, system operators, investors, certification bodies and policy makers.

The 2026–2029 work programme is organised into five subtasks:

ST1 – Challenges and Reliability of New PV Module Structures: Advanced cell technologies, module materials, integrated PV module concepts, and adapted qualification procedures.
ST2 – Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence for Photovoltaic Systems: Standardized data structures, semantic models, AI-supported diagnostics, robotics and automated operation and maintenance.
ST3 – Photovoltaic Applications: Reliability and performance of emerging PV applications, including building-integrated PV, floating PV and climate-specific installations.
ST4 – PV System Reliability & Lifetime Strategies: Technical and economic methodologies to improve system reliability, lifetime and sustainability.
ST5 – Dissemination and Outreach: International dissemination through technical reports, workshops, webinars and conference activities.

Austria is represented by PCCL, OFI and AIT, contributing to several key activities throughout the work programme. PCCL serves as the international Activity Leader of ST1.3 "Reliability Testing of Integrated PV Module Designs". The Austrian Research Institute for Chemistry and Technology (OFI) co-leads the international activity ST1.2 "Reliability of Crystalline Silicon Solar PV Modules: Novel Materials and Components" together with Fraunhofer ISE.

In addition, the Austrian partners contribute to the reliability of advanced PV materials and components, AI-supported failure diagnostics, digital condition assessment, and strategies for extending the service lifetime of photovoltaic systems. Through these activities, Austria plays a significant role in supporting the reliable and sustainable deployment of next-generation photovoltaic technologies.

Participants

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany (Task Management), India, Italy, Japan, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United States of America

Contact Address

Project lead

Gernot Oreski
Polymer Competence Center Leoben (PCCL)
Roseggerstrasse 12, 8700 Leoben
E-Mail: Gernot.Oreski@pccl.at
Tel.: +43 664 88679331

Project partners

Bernhard Kubicek
Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Giefinggasse 2, 1210 Wien
E-Mail: bernhard.kubicek@ait.ac.at
Tel.: +43 664 6207748

Gabriele C. Eder
Österreichisches Forschungsinstitut für Chemie und Technik (OFI)
Franz-Grill-Straße 5, Objekt 213, 1030 Wien
E-Mail: Gabriele.Eder@ofi.at
Tel.: +43 1 7981601-250
Mobile: +43 664 9676570