• Mirror shape and reflectivity
• Concentrator structure accuracy
• Absorptivity and thermal losses of receiver
• Durability assessment
• Thermal performance tests
• Cost/benefit analysis of competitive products
• Annual Performance Estimates

Quality control in concentrating solar power (CSP) plants is of outmost importance for their performance. Optical properties, durability and geometric precision of the components and the assembly have very strong influence on the overall energy efficiency and profitability. The specific components such as mirrors, receivers, support structures and tracking as well as their overall matching and performance in the solar field merit special dedication.
At the current stage of development of the concentrating technologies, test methods and procedures ensuring the required performance of CSP components and systems have recently been established or are in preparation.
The Institute of Solar Research has provided significant contributions by developing quality criteria, test benches and test procedures based on decades of experience in this field of technology at the test sites in Köln, Stuttgart and Almería.
These developed measurement and evaluation procedures are recognized within international technological collaboration and standardization projects. Their application promotes successful market entry and cost reduction of CSP plants by achieving significant enhancements in performance, competitiveness and risk mitigation.

At the DLR QUARZ Center these test methods are offered to developers, manufacturers, customers and suppliers of solar thermal power plant technology. The Center is an independent test facility for components of CSP plants, developed and operated by experienced scientific staff of the DLR Institute of Solar Research. The majority of the facilities is located at DLR in Köln (Germany).

The scope includes:

• Measurement and evaluation of mirrors, receivers, collector structures, tracking, thermal performance 
• Instruments, test benches and know-how specific to quality control of CSP components
• CSP specific evaluation and interpretation of measurements, such as determining an intercept factor
• Standardized measurement procedures tailored to suit industry needs
• Assessment of cumulative effects of component properties
• Support in development of components and systems fulfilling the key criteria
• Minimization of technical risks
• Transparency, reliability and manufacturer independence
• Confidential test reports