Photovoltaic module characterisation
Measurement of the real performance of solar panels, new or already installed, to verify the manufacturer's ratings or quantify how much they have lost over the years.
School of Physics · UNSA
Research in renewable energy
and environmental sciences
We are the laboratory of the School of Physics at the National University of San Agustín in Arequipa, Peru. We measure the solar resource of southern Peru, study air quality and develop energy technology for the real conditions of the region.
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- research lines
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- services offered
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- measuring instruments
Who we work with
Institutions we collaborate with
Universities, research centres and associations with which the laboratory shares projects, conferences and publications.
What we study
Six lines, one territory
Arequipa combines exceptional solar irradiance, a high ultraviolet index and the air quality problems of a growing city. Our research lines come from there.
Photovoltaic solar energy
How photovoltaic modules and systems actually perform in the high-altitude climate of southern Peru.
Read moreSolar thermal energy
Using the sun's heat for domestic and productive purposes, with technology that can be replicated locally.
Read moreSolar resource and UV radiation
Continuous measurement of irradiance and ultraviolet radiation, and models to estimate the resource where there is no station.
Read moreAir quality and atmosphere
Measurement and analysis of particulate matter and aerosols in urban areas and around extractive activity.
Read moreMaterials for energy
Synthesis and characterisation of materials for photovoltaic conversion and environmental treatment.
Read moreEnergy efficiency and buildings
Thermal comfort and energy demand in housing, with a focus on the high Andes.
Read moreThe laboratory
Science applied to a concrete problem
A university laboratory has a double obligation: to produce knowledge that stands up to peer review, and to produce it about what the region needs to solve.
We work with our own instruments and data measured here, because global models describe the southern highlands poorly: complex terrain, altitude and a clean, dry atmosphere make satellite estimates fail exactly where they are needed most.
The laboratory is also a place for training. Physics students carry out their theses and internships here, with real equipment and open problems.
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Our own measurements
Continuous series of irradiance, ultraviolet radiation and particulate matter recorded in the region.
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Training
Theses, internships and technical training within the laboratory.
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Working with society
Testing and advice for public institutions, companies and development projects.
Services
What the laboratory can do for you
We make the laboratory’s instruments and expertise available to companies, municipalities and research projects.
Solar resource assessment
Irradiance data to size an installation or assess the feasibility of a project at a specific location.
Air quality monitoring
Measurement campaigns for particulate matter and the associated meteorological variables, with interpretation of the results.
Latest
Recent news
Call for student researchers
The laboratory invites Physics students at the EPF-UNSA who are interested in research to join its work on renewable energy and environmental measurement.
ReadNew solar radiation measurement station
The laboratory starts up a station that continuously records global, diffuse and ultraviolet irradiance on the university campus in Arequipa.
ReadAir quality measurement campaign
A particulate matter monitoring campaign begins at several points across the city to characterise how concentrations vary over the course of the day.
ReadDo you have a project we could work on together?
We work with public institutions, companies and other research groups. Tell us what you need to measure or solve.