EU Upgrades Photovoltaic Geographical Information System with Advanced PV Technology Models​

Europe’s solar energy landscape is getting a major upgrade.

The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), based in Ispra, Italy, has unveiled an upgraded version of the Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS). This critical tool—used globally to estimate photovoltaic (PV) system performance—now incorporates the latest advancements in solar panel technologies, resulting in greater accuracy and more reliable solar energy yield predictions.

Why the PVGIS Update Matters

Until recently, PVGIS relied on performance coefficients last updated over a decade ago, with calibrations for crystalline silicon (cSi) modules dating to 2011, and CIS and CdTe technologies to 2010. While these standards served their purpose, they no longer reflect the impressive strides the solar industry has made in terms of efficiency, durability, and energy yield.

Recognizing this gap, researchers set out to realign the platform with modern photovoltaic system capabilities.

Advanced Testing Meets Real-World Needs

The JRC team collaborated with the European Solar Test Installation (ESTI) to test seven advanced cSi modules—including PERC, back contact (BC), and heterojunction (HJT) types—alongside three CIS and two CdTe panels. Each module was tested under varying light intensities and temperatures, simulating real-world solar conditions based on IEC 61853-1 standards.

These measurements allowed for a comprehensive performance profile, highlighting how temperature and irradiance affect output across different technologies.

Precision Through Data: Key Results

With updated power matrix datasets and least-squares fitting procedures, the new model drastically reduces error margins:

• cSi modules: Mean Absolute Bias Error (MABE) drops to under 1% (from 3.5%)

• CdTe modules: MABE reduced from 4.9% to 2.8%

• CIS modules: MABE decreased from 3.7% to 1.65%

In five out of six standard reference climates defined by IEC 61853-4, the updated PVGIS model shows annual DC energy yield improvements ranging from 1.8% to 4.9%. Only high-altitude climates saw a slight dip (0.9%)—an expected outcome due to specific irradiance conditions.

What This Means for Solar System Designers and Planners

The newly enhanced PVGIS platform now delivers more precise, climate-specific performance predictions for solar modules. This allows solar developers, energy planners, and engineers to:

• Better forecast system yields

• Optimize site selection and investment planning

• Adapt PV system designs to local environmental conditions

With global demand for clean energy soaring, tools like PVGIS play a pivotal role in supporting the transition to sustainable, high-efficiency solar power systems.

If you’re a developer or policymaker working with solar infrastructure in Europe or beyond, the updated PVGIS tool offers the clarity and technical confidence you need.