Gamification in Photovoltaic Education Brian Azzopardi, Brian Bartolo, Vlad Costea, Carlos Meza, Melodie De L’Epine, Yoselyn Walsh, Austeja Mockeviciute-Azzopardi, Carmel Azzopardi Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, 2025 This paper introduces a gamified learning framework for photovoltaics (PV) education, developed through the EU-funded TRANSIT and PROMISE projects. Recognizing the pedagogical challenges of teaching complex PV principles and practical operation and maintenance (O&M) skills, the framework leverages interactive, game-based methodologies. The TRANSIT Online Training Platform utilizes scenario-based simulations and multiplayer environments for foundational concepts and PV system design. Complementing this, the PROMISE project incorporates two custom-designed board games to explore O&M complexities: a "tycoon"-style game for introductory concepts and a facilitator-guided game for in-depth discussions. Preliminary results indicate increased learner engagement, knowledge retention, and enhanced problem-solving skills, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application in PV systems. Future efforts will focus on scaling the platform and integrating advanced technologies.
Fault Diagnostic Techniques in Practice: A Case Study on Hands-On Training for PV System Reliability Carlos Meza, Hugo Sánchez, Bernhard Kubicek, Rita Ebner, Aritz Legarrea-Oyarzun, Miquel Ezquer-Mayo, Ioannis Tsanakas, Kai Kaufmann, Domink Lausch, Vlad Costea, Brian Bartolo, Brian Azzopardi IEEE Pes Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference Europe, 2025 Fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) techniques are critical for optimizing the performance, reliability, and lifespan of photovoltaic (PV) systems. However, the practical, hands-on skills required for effective FDD are challenging to convey in a traditional academic setting. This paper presents an experiential learning framework designed to bridge this gap between theory and practice. The activity was conducted during a one-week Advanced School in Malta, part of the Horizon Europe PROMISE project. Students from diverse international and academic backgrounds were immersed in a structured learning cycle involving lectures, hands-on fieldwork at operational PV plants, and collaborative analysis. They applied key inspection techniques—visual, infrared thermography, electroluminescence, magnetic imaging and ultraviolet fluorescence—to diagnose real-world module failures. The outcomes demonstrate that this experiential model significantly enhances students' diagnostic skills, fosters critical thinking, and provides a deeper understanding of PV reliability principles, better preparing them for the challenges of the rapidly growing solar industry.
Qualitative Multimodal Diagnostic Assessment of PV Installations: Field Results from the PROMISE Second Advanced School in Malta Vlad Costea, Carlos Meza, Sophia Jarhreis, Siwoo Lee, Hugo Sánchez, Zonghan Jiang, Carmel Azzopardi, Brian Bartolo, Miquel Ezquer-Mayo, Aritz Legarrea-Oyarzun, Rita Ebner, Bernard Kubicek, Brian Azzopardi, Austeja Mockeviciute-Azzopardi, Ioannis Tsanekas IEEE Pes Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference Europe, 2025 This paper presents the technical outcomes of a multimodal diagnostic assessment conducted during the PROMISE Advanced School in Malta. Attendees of the school utilized a suite of complementary measurement techniques, ranging from electrical characterization to advanced imaging techniques such as drone infrared (IR), magnetic field imaging (MFI) and electroluminescence (EL). These were applied to four residential photovoltaic (PV) installations. By leveraging the strengths of each method, the study demonstrates how multimodal assessments enable a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of module degradation, electrical anomalies and electrical failures. Faults such as microcracks, inactive cell areas, broken interconnects and semiconductor failures were identified and cross-validated across techniques. For instance, MFI confirmed current path disruptions identified using current-voltage (I-V) tracing, and EL-detected semiconductor breakdowns were linked to IR hotspots. This approach improves ambiguity in fault attribution. The findings of this study applied to residential PV installations provide actionable insights for reliability analysis, predictive maintenance, decommissioning and quality assurance of PVs.
Electrochemical Storage and Flexibility in Transfer Capacities: Strategies and Uses for Vulnerable Power Grids Gustavo Adolfo Gómez-Ramírez, Luis García-Santander, José Rodrigo Rojas-Morales, Markel Lazkano-Zubiaga, Carlos Meza Energies, 2024 The integration of renewable energy sources into electrical power systems presents enormous challenges in technical terms, especially with energy storage. Battery electrochemical storage systems (BESSs) are becoming a crucial solution for reducing the intermittency of renewable energy supply and enhance the stability of power networks. Nonetheless, its extensive implementation confronts constraints, including expense, life expectancy, and energy efficiency. Simultaneously, these technologies present prospects for improved energy management, increase the hosting capacity of renewable energy, and diminish reliance on fossil fuels. This paper investigates the obstacles of integrating electrochemical storage into electrical power systems, explores solutions to use its promise for creating more resilient and sustainable grids, and presents a method for the size estimation and strategic allocation of electrochemical energy storage systems (EESSs). The aim is to improve grid voltage profiles, manage demand response, increase the adoption of renewable energy resources, enhance power transfer among various areas, and subsequently improve the stability of a power system during large disturbances. The methodology utilizes a multi-stage optimization process based on economic considerations supported by dynamic simulation. This methodology was tested employing a validated dynamic model of the Interconnected Electrical System of the Central American Countries (SIEPAC). The system experienced multiple significant blackouts in recent years, primarily due to the increasing amount of renewable energy generation without adequate inertial support and limited power transfer capabilities among countries. Based on the results of using the technique, EESSs can effectively lower the risk of instability caused by an imbalance between power generation and demand during extreme situations, as seen in past event reports. Based on economical constraints, it has been determined that the cost of installing EESSs for the SIEPAC, which amounts to 1200 MWh/200 MW, is 140.91 USD/MWh.
Increasing flexibility in vulnerable power grids using electrochemical storage Gustavo Adolfo Gómez-Ramírez, Luis García-Santander, Markel Zubiaga Lazkano, Carlos Meza Heliyon, 2024 Developing a reliable power grid and investing in non-conventional renewable energy resources pose problems for low- and medium-income countries. Frequently, maintaining a robust power grid infrastructure can present challenges in terms of reliability, resilience, and flexibility. This article presents a methodology for improving power flexibility in susceptible power systems through the utilization of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The methodology entails the examination of power stability, operating conditions, and security criteria in order to identify suitable locations for storage allocation. A study was conducted utilizing the Electrical Transient and Analysis Program (ETAP®) software to simulate the Central American power transmission grid. The results of the study indicate that including storage systems to offer virtual inertia and backup during emergency situations is a recommended strategy for mitigating potential challenges. The study suggests that applying specific criteria for allocation and sizing at critical points in sensitive systems can enhance power transfer flexibility, eliminating potential constraints. The Central American electrical Power System, which faces power transfer limitations, is well-suited for BESS. In severe contingencies, such as when the system frequency drops to 58.75 Hz and power transfer between Mexico and Central America exceeds 300 MW with voltage levels below 0.97 pu, BESS can help mitigate these issues. The solution involves deploying BESS both centrally and distributively. Results show decreased instability, with power increases not exceeding 300 MW for more than 11 study cycles in all scenarios. The approach includes a BESS with an installed capacity of 1,060 MWh/160 MW and a virtual inertia of H=6s.
Analysis of Bifacial Photovoltaic System Configurations for Enhanced Grid Integration: A Case Study of Costa Rica's Load Demand Profile Hugo Sánchez, Gustavo Gómez-Ramírez, Carlos Meza, Ralph Gottschalg Proceedings of the IEEE Central America and Panama Convention Concapan, 2024 Decarbonizing electricity generation is crucial for achieving sustainable development. In this context, photovoltaic (PV) technology plays a vital role because of its technological maturity and widespread adoption among stakeholders. Currently, the design of PV systems focuses on maximizing the energy conversion of PV modules. However, as the integration of PV systems increases, a paradox arises: while there is a need to inject more renewable energy into the grid, the mismatch between generation and demand creates challenges for grid integration.Reducing the cost of PV power generation could facilitate the integration of more electricity into the grid by allowing a compromise in production. This approach could enable more efficient use of generated energy and better grid integration. Therefore, this study presents an introductory sensitivity analysis through computational simulations exploring various orientations (azimuth and tilt angles) for bi-particle photovoltaic systems and their corresponding impact on grid integration. This exercise was conducted using the load demand profile for Costa Rica in 2023. Using this analysis, it was found the theoretical maximum PV capacity to be installed in Costa Rica is around 2GWp. Also it is found that the better utilization of the PV generation occurs for lower tilt angle with some not wide penetration for vertical bifacial systems.
Enhancing Photovoltaic Module Fault Detection and Diagnosis Skills through Experiential Learning Carlos Meza, Brian Azzopardi, Bernhard Kubicek, Ana Gracia Amillo, Melodie de l’Epine, Aritz Legarrea, Carmel Azzopardi, Brian Bartolo, Steve Zerafa IEEE Pes Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Europe Isgt Europe 2024, 2024 Fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) techniques play an essential role in optimising the performance and reliability of photovoltaic (PV) modules, given that they allow the understanding of the degradation process in PV module technology. Conducting outdoor inspections of PV modules is the preferred method for fault identification due to its practicality and efficiency. This paper presents an experiential learning activity for university students to introduce them to photovoltaic module fault detection and diagnosis techniques. The experiential learning activity, conducted as part of the PROMISE project's Advanced School, focuses on three fault identification techniques—thermography, electroluminescence, and UV fluorescence. Through hands-on activities, students are exposed to these techniques, enhancing their skills in detecting and diagnosing faults in PV modules. The paper concludes by highlighting the pedagogical benefits of experiential learning in PV reliability, contributing valuable insights into fault detection principles and enhancing critical thinking skills among students.
Potential of Vertical Bifacial PV in Chile Hugo Sánchez, Juan Jose Negroni, Carlos Meza, Sebastian Dittmann, Ralph Gottschalg Proceedings IEEE Chilean Conference on Electrical Electronics Engineering Information and Communication Technologies Chilecon, 2023
A novel inverse multiplexer mechanism for photovoltaic-powered battery-swapping charging stations Iet Conference Proceedings, 2022
A stand-alone photovoltaic microgrid simulation environment using FPGA hardware acceleration Iet Conference Proceedings, 2022
Increasing Distribution Network Capacity through Storage in Central American Countries: A Case Study Gustavo A. Gomez-Ramirez, Isaac A. Luevano-Reyes, Gonzalo Mora-Jimenez, Luis Garcia-Santander, Markel Zubiaga Laskano, Carlos Meza 2022 IEEE International Conference on Automation 25th Congress of the Chilean Association of Automatic Control for the Development of Sustainable Agricultural Systems Ica Acca 2022, 2022
Considerations on the control design of DC-link based inverters in grid-connected photovoltaic systems Proceedings IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems, 2006
Profitability Optimization of Photovoltaic Storage Systems Using Simulation of Hourly Production and Load Profiles and a Total Cash Flow Model C Momm, C Meza, J Zschiesche Anhalt University Applied Scientific Reports 1 (1) , 2026 2026
Qualitative Multimodal Diagnostic Assessment of PV Installations: Field Results from the PROMISE Second Advanced School in Malta V Costea, C Meza, S Jarhreis, S Lee, H Sánchez, Z Jiang, C Azzopardi, ... 2025 IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference Europe (ISGT … , 2025 2025
Fault Diagnostic Techniques in Practice: A Case Study on Hands-On Training for PV System Reliability C Meza, H Sánchez, B Kubicek, R Ebner, A Legarrea-Oyarzun, ... 2025 IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference Europe (ISGT … , 2025 2025
Agrivoltaica y transición energética justa en Colombia y Chile. Perspectivas desde el proyecto RES-SIAS LET Llano, MAQ Falla, MV Valencia, LH Callejo, C Meza Encuentro Internacional de Educación en Ingeniería , 2025 2025
Advancing Photovoltaic Performance through Digitalisation in Living Laboratories: Insights from the Promise Project B Bartolo, B Azzopardi, C Azzopardi, A Azzopardi, A Mignonac, ... EU PVSEC 2025 Proceedings , 2025 2025
Construction and comparison of outdoor PV test stands in different climate zones R Ebner, M Rennhofer, V Neussl, B Kubicek, A Mittal, G Ujvari, ... 42nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition , 2025 2025
Reliability, availability and maintainability analysis for grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems R Torres Navarro, C Segura Quirós, LD Murillo Soto, C Meza Renewable Energies 3 (1), 27533735251347993 , 2025 2025
Gamification in Photovoltaic Education B Azzopardi, B Bartolo, V Costea, C Meza, M De L’Epine, Y Walsh, ... 2025 IEEE 53rd Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC), 1058-1060 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
and Battery Storage Systems S Dittmann, S Tosello, C Meza, H Sanchez, M Klein, S Thalmann, ... Proceedings of the VII Ibero-American Congress of Smart Cities, ICSC-Cities … , 2025 2025
Errichtung und Vergleich von Outdoor PV Testständen in unterschiedlichen Klimazonen R Ebner, M Rennhofer, V Neussl, B Kubicek, A Mittal, G Ujvari, ... 40. PV Symposium 2025 , 2025 2025
Photovoltaic Arrays: Study Case LD Murillo-Soto, C Meza ELECTRIMACS 2024: Selected Papers–Volume 1 1, 377 , 2025 2025
Analysis of Bifacial Photovoltaic System Configurations for Enhanced Grid Integration: A Case Study of Costa Rica’s Load Demand Profile H Sánchez, G Gómez-Ramírez, C Meza, R Gottschalg 2024 IEEE 42nd Central America and Panama Convention (CONCAPAN XLII), 1-6 , 2024 2024
Electrochemical Storage and Flexibility in Transfer Capacities: Strategies and Uses for Vulnerable Power Grids GA Gómez-Ramírez, L García-Santander, JR Rojas-Morales, ... Energies 17 (23), 5878 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
The Energy Transition of a University Campus Through Photovoltaic and Battery Storage Systems S Dittmann, S Tosello, C Meza, H Sanchez, M Klein, S Thalmann, ... Ibero-American Congress of Smart Cities, 283-296 , 2024 2024
Distributed Detection Algorithm for Photo-Voltaic Solar Arrays Based on Least Significant Difference Test LD Murillo-Soto, C Meza, C Calderón-Arce Ibero-American Congress of Smart Cities, 31-45 , 2024 2024
Electrochemical Storage and Flexibility in Transfer Capacities: Strategies and Uses for Vulnerable Power Grids M Zubiaga Lazcano, GA Gómez Ramírez, L García Santander, ... Energies 17 (23) , 2024 2024
Enhancing Photovoltaic Module Fault Detection and Diagnosis Skills through Experiential Learning C Meza, B Azzopardi, B Kubicek, AG Amillo, M de l’Epine, A Legarrea, ... 2024 IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Europe (ISGT EUROPE), 1-5 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Increasing flexibility in vulnerable power grids using electrochemical storage GA Gómez-Ramírez, L García-Santander, MZ Lazkano, C Meza Heliyon 10 (16) , 2024 2024 Citations: 5
Fault Management System Prototype for Photovoltaic Arrays: Study Case LD Murillo-Soto, C Meza International Conference of the TC Electrimacs Committee, 377-389 , 2024 2024
Mediterranean climate impact on photovoltaic systems: insights from Malta and implications for future European integration B Bartolo, B Azzopardi, A Mignonac, M Rennhofer, B Kubicek, R Ebner, ... WIP Renewable Energies , 2024 2024
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Energy-balance control of PV cascaded multilevel grid-connected inverters under level-shifted and phase-shifted PWMs J Chavarria, D Biel, F Guinjoan, C Meza, JJ Negroni IEEE transactions on industrial electronics 60 (1), 98-111 , 2012 2012 Citations: 525
Lyapunov-based control scheme for single-phase grid-connected PV central inverters C Meza, D Biel, D Jeltsema, JMA Scherpen IEEE Transactions on control systems technology 20 (2), 520-529 , 2011 2011 Citations: 148
Energy-balance modeling and discrete control for single-phase grid-connected PV central inverters C Meza, JJ Negroni, D Biel, F Guinjoan IEEE Transactions on industrial electronics 55 (7), 2734-2743 , 2008 2008 Citations: 122
Energy-sampled data modeling of a cascade H-bridge multilevel converter for grid-connected PV systems JJ Negroni, F Guinjoan, C Meza, D Biel, P Sanchis 2006 IEEE International Power Electronics Congress, 1-6 , 2006 2006 Citations: 55
A review on the Central America electrical energy scenario C Meza Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 33, 566-577 , 2014 2014 Citations: 41
Boost-Buck inverter variable structure control for grid-connected photovoltaic systems C Meza, D Biel, J Martinez, F Guinjoan 2005 IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems (ISCAS), 1318-1321 , 2005 2005 Citations: 41
Vertical agrivoltaics and its potential for electricity production and agricultural water demand: A case study in the area of Chanco, Chile R Bruhwyler, H Sánchez, C Meza, F Lebeau, P Brunet, G Dabadie, ... Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments 60, 103425 , 2023 2023 Citations: 39
Boost-buck inverter variable structure control for grid-connected photovoltaic systems with sensorless MPPT C Meza, D Biel, J Negroni, F Guinjoan Proceedings of the IEEE International Symposium on Industrial Electronics … , 2005 2005 Citations: 37
Control of a buck inverter for grid-connected PV systems: a digital and sliding mode control approach JJ Negroni, C Meza, D Biel, F Guinjoan Proceedings of the IEEE International Symposium on Industrial Electronics … , 2005 2005 Citations: 31
Solar Panel Failure Detection by Infrared UAS Digital Photogrammetry: ACase Study L Cardinale-Villalobos, R Rimolo-Donadio, C Meza Benavides International Journal of Renewable Energy Research 10 (3), 1154-1164 , 2020 2020 Citations: 29
Oportunidades y desafíos para la integración de almacenamiento electroquímico en las redes eléctricas centroamericanas GA Gómez-Ramírez, C Meza, S Morales-Hernández Revista Tecnología en Marcha 34 (3), 70-82 , 2021 2021 Citations: 27
Inverter configurations comparative for residential PV-grid connected systems C Meza, JJ Negroni, F Guinjoan, D Biel IECON 2006-32nd Annual Conference on IEEE Industrial Electronics, 4361-4366 , 2006 2006 Citations: 25
The central american power system: Achievements, challenges, and opportunities for a green transition GA Gómez-Ramírez, C Meza, G Mora-Jiménez, JRR Morales, ... Energies 16 (11), 4328 , 2023 2023 Citations: 21
Quantitative comparison of infrared thermography, visual inspection, and electrical analysis techniques on photovoltaic modules: a case study L Cardinale-Villalobos, C Meza, A Méndez-Porras, LD Murillo-Soto Energies 15 (5), 1841 , 2022 2022 Citations: 21
Free open source software in control engineering education: A case study in the analysis and control design of a rotary inverted pendulum C Meza, JA Andrade-Romero, R Bucher, S Balemi 2009 IEEE Conference on Emerging Technologies & Factory Automation, 1-8 , 2009 2009 Citations: 18
Experimental comparison of visual inspection and infrared thermography for the detection of soling and partial shading in photovoltaic arrays L Cardinale-Villalobos, C Meza, LD Murillo-Soto Ibero-American Congress of Smart Cities, 302-321 , 2020 2020 Citations: 16
Energy-balance and sliding mode control strategies of a cascade H-bridge multilevel converter for grid-connected PV systems JJ Negroni, D Biel, F Guinjoan, C Meza 2010 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology, 1155-1160 , 2010 2010 Citations: 16
Fault detection in solar arrays based on an efficiency threshold LD Murillo-Soto, C Meza 2020 IEEE 11th Latin American Symposium on Circuits & Systems (LASCAS), 1-4 , 2020 2020 Citations: 15
Passive p-control of a grid-connected photovoltaic inverter C Meza, D Jeltsema, J Scherpen, D Biel IFAC Proceedings Volumes 41 (2), 5575-5580 , 2008 2008 Citations: 14
Considerations on the control design of DC-link based inverters in grid-connected photovoltaic systems C Meza, D Biel, JJ Negroni, F Guinjoan 2006 IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems, 4 pp.-5070 , 2006 2006 Citations: 13
