Testing VIPV Curved Modules: Methods and Challenges

ABSTRACT Vehicle‐integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) offer a promising pathway to increase electric‐vehicle autonomy, yet their characterization is challenged by curved geometries and non‐uniform irradiance conditions. This work presents and validates a comprehensive methodology for the characterization of curved photovoltaic modules. Standard test condition (STC) I–V curves and relative angular response (RAR) measurements are performed on a set of one‐dimensional cylindrical modules with varying curvature radii as well as on a commercial two‐dimensional curved VIPV module. Outdoor measurements using a dual‐axis programmable solar tracker are systematically compared with indoor measurements obtained using a collimated‐light solar simulator. Results demonstrate excellent agreement between indoor and outdoor STC I–V curves, with deviations below 1.5%, confirming the suitability of collimated solar simulation for rating curved PV modules. The study further analyzes the impact of curvature, temperature, and diffuse irradiance on angular response and proposes best practices to reduce measurement dispersion. These findings provide a robust experimental foundation for future standardization of VIPV characterization procedures.