Explore Kiwa’s Update PV Module Guidance in “Raising the Bar”
As experts in photovoltaic (PV) technology quality and assurance, Kiwa PVEL and Kiwa PI Berlin have collaborated on a new white paper: Raising the Bar. We aim to offer valuable insights on how to assess PV quality in today’s evolving landscape. This white paper is crucial reading for anyone involved in the solar industry, from project developers to investors and manufacturers, as it addresses the growing complexities surrounding PV module quality assurance.
As solar projects begin to deploy more advanced technologies like TOPCon and HJT, the complexity of procuring high-quality PV modules has increased. In Raising the Bar, Kiwa provides guidance for determining module quality across several categories, including Kiwa PVEL’s Product Qualification Program (PQP), as well as during Pre-Shipment Inspections (PSI), Batch Testing, and Ongoing Reliability Monitoring (ORM).
Conducting regular PV module quality assurance (QA) testing is essential for ensuring that solar projects deliver consistent energy yields and operate reliably in various environmental conditions. With the rise of advanced cell technologies, such as TOPCon and HJT, which offer efficiency gains, the risks associated with quality issues have also grown.
As seen in the figure below, Ongoing Reliability Monitoring, mainly based on the IEC/UL 61215 standard, is designed to ensure that consistent materials and processes are monitored over time.
For example, we recommend conducting 60 kWh/m2 of UVID testing of TOPCon and HJT cells, which addresses the high UV susceptibility of PV modules. Reports have indicated that these cell technologies may experience permanent and irreversible breakdown under UV exposure, posing a significant reliability risk for industry stakeholders.
These technologies are sensitive to variations in material quality and manufacturing processes, meaning that even small deviations can cause significant performance degradation or failure. The need for stringent quality control has never been more critical, as these modules must withstand long-term exposure to environmental stressors like hail and other extreme weather.
The Product Qualification Program (PQP) from Kiwa PVEL is a series of extended reliability tests designed to evaluate the durability of PV modules under various stress conditions, offering flexibility in interpreting results based on specific site conditions. Kiwa PVEL provides data-driven guidance, recommending a 3% degradation threshold as a pass for tests like thermal cycling and damp heat, while stricter thresholds apply for light-induced degradation (LID) tests. Pre-Shipment Inspections (PSI) act as an independent quality check before modules are shipped, detecting defects like micro-cracks or weak soldering, ensuring they meet agreed standards. Batch Testing ensures quality consistency during production, while Ongoing Reliability Monitoring (ORM) assesses long-term durability through tests for UV exposure and hail resistance, ensuring PV modules maintain reliability throughout their lifespan.
Kiwa's comprehensive approach to PV module quality assurance, which combines PQP, PSI, Batch Testing, and ORM, helps manufacturers and buyers raise the bar on acceptable quality standards. This multilayered QA framework ensures that PV modules maintain their performance and reliability over their intended lifespan, protecting investments in solar energy projects. As the solar industry continues to evolve, stringent testing and monitoring will be vital to safeguarding the quality and safety of PV modules, ultimately leading to better performing and more resilient solar energy systems for years to come.
By following Kiwa's recommendations and setting clear acceptance thresholds within procurement contracts, stakeholders can align their expectations and minimize risks, leading to improved outcomes for solar projects globally.
Learn more at kiwa.com/raising-the-bar.