AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL SCIENCE AGENCY
We have developed technology to accurately test solar panels. This helps to protect Australia’s solar energy supply.
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Australia is experiencing a solar energy revolution. In 2024, 36% of Australia’s total electricity generation was from renewable energy sources with solar representing 18% of this.
Yet, despite our abundant sunshine and growing reliance on solar power, Australia has limited infrastructure to verify the performance of imported solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. CSIRO’s Solar PV Performance Laboratories are helping to close this gap—delivering trusted testing, research, and innovation to ensure solar panels perform as promised.
Solar PV modules are sold based on a label power rating, but real-world conditions—such as shipping, handling, extreme weather, and long-term exposure—can significantly affect performance. With almost no domestic solar manufacturing, Australia relies heavily on imported panels, where warranties are often difficult to enforce. Accurate, independent testing is essential to protect consumers, support industry quality control, and ensure value-for-money.
CSIRO operates three specialised solar PV measurement laboratories at its Energy Centre in Newcastle, NSW:
Our solar cell measurements are accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) under the IEC17025 technical competency standard, ensuring internationally recognised quality and reliability.
CSIRO’s solar scientists contribute strongly to both national and international PV standards committees. They collaborate with leading institutions such as the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and key European and Japanese organisations, focusing on solar module performance, indoor/outdoor testing, and shared research.
This global engagement ensures CSIRO remains at the forefront of solar technology and brings best practices back to Australia.
In addition to testing, CSIRO’s Solar Technologies group works with industry and academia to develop cheaper, longer-lasting, and more environmentally sustainable solar cells. This includes research into advanced materials, module durability, and recycling readiness.
To further support the solar industry, CSIRO is developing a portable solar module testing solution.
This innovation will allow performance assessments to be conducted directly at solar farms, reducing downtime and enabling faster diagnostics after extreme weather events, routine maintenance, or for establishing the re-use potential of un-installed solar panels.
By providing high-accuracy, independent testing of solar PV modules, CSIRO helps enforce a high Australian standard for solar performance. This protects consumers, supports industry growth, and ensures that Australia’s transition to clean energy is built on reliable, high-quality technology.
CSIRO’s Solar PV Performance Laboratories offer the expertise, infrastructure and collaborative approach to support researchers, installers, manufacturers on our solar journey.
Read more about how CSIRO measures decade of solar performance.
Last updated: 09 October 2025
Last updated: 09 October 2025
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