Kiwa PVEL's 2024 Year in Review
Breaking Records, Facing Realities: 2024 in Solar Energy
Highs and lows defined yet another year for the solar industry in 2024. Globally solar installations grew by nearly 30%, according to energy research group Ember, and are expected to reach 583 GW by the end of year. Accordingly, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that solar investments will exceed $500 billion this year, surpassing the total investment in all other electricity generation sources combined.
However, despite another record-breaking year for deployments, obstacles remain for both upstream and downstream stakeholders alike. Manufacturers are facing significant challenges due to declining global solar module prices. In some regions, such as like the U.S., trade policy issues are complicating the development on new projects. More than ever, ensuring quality and reliability in the supply chain is crucial for a strong solar industry.
As solar continued to break records in 2024, Kiwa PVEL also noted a number of highlights, including:
- Announcing our further integration into the Kiwa brand, along with PI Berlin and ExTEL Energy
- Releasing the 10th edition of our PV Module Reliability Scorecard with more Top Performers than ever before
- Launching our Raising the Bar campaign with Kiwa PI Berlin, our first time issuing formal PQP acceptance guidance
- Being selected as a partner for a DuraMAT Research Grant to study UVID
- Hosting, attending, and speaking at numerous conferences and events, such as ModuleTech USA and RE+ 2024
From brand updates to impactful projects, 2024 proved to be a banner year for our organization. Keep reading to learn more about our biggest highlights.
Integrating with Kiwa member companies, formerly PI Berlin and ExTEL Energy, under one brand
In April 2024, we marked a significant development by uniting with PI Berlin and Extel Energy under the Kiwa brand. After joining the Kiwa group as individual member companies, this announcement aimed to showcase our combined strengths and enhance our delivery of a comprehensive suite of services to our customers. Kiwa has truly become a “one stop shop” of solar PV and energy storage due diligence services.
Releasing the 10th Edition of our PV Module Reliability Scorecard
In June 2024, we celebrated the release of our milestone 10th Edition of the PV Module Reliability Scorecard. We recognized a record 53 manufacturers and 388 model types as Top Performers across various tests, reflecting the industry's latest advancements in solar technology and design. The 2024 Scorecard also introduced several enhancements, including a new Top Performer category for hail testing and updated requirements for LID+LETID and PAN performance. These additions underscore Kiwa PVEL's commitment to addressing emerging challenges and setting higher standards for PV module reliability.
Despite the increase in Top Performers, the Scorecard also highlighted areas of concern. Notably, 66% of module manufacturers experienced at least one test failure, the highest percentage ever reported - emphasizing the ongoing need for rigorous testing.
The PV Module Reliability Scorecard continues to serve as a vital resource for solar project developers, financiers, and asset owners worldwide, with over 60,000 unique visitors to the Scorecard site since June. By providing quantifiable metrics on module performance and reliability, the Scorecard aids stakeholders in making informed procurement decisions, thereby contributing to the overall advancement and trust in solar technology.
Raising the Bar by Releasing the Industry’s Updated Quality Assurance Guidance
At Kiwa PVEL and Kiwa PI Berlin, we are committed to empowering the solar industry with the tools and knowledge needed to ensure long-term PV module reliability and performance. Our white paper Raising the Bar formally provides our guidance and best practices for PV module testing and inspection. This has helped stakeholders understand and interpret the results we see in the lab and the factory, so they can mitigate risks, reduce failures, and maximize energy output. By sharing insights from extensive testing and field experience, we aim to standardize quality expectations across the industry, supporting the global energy transition with trustworthy, high-performing solar technologies.
After releasing the white paper in September, we started a conversation on quality that including coverage in PV Magazine and PV Tech. To follow up the white paper we hosted a live webinar event, where our experts discussed the methodologies and benchmarks discussed in the paper, and what is needed to address the critical challenges for PV module quality assurance.
Continuing Our Cutting-Edge Research and Development through a partnership with DuraMAT
In July, Kiwa PVEL was excited to announce that we have been awarded to study “New Cells, New Issues: Stress Tests for N-type PV Module Designs” as part of the Durable Module Materials (DuraMAT) Consortium. The study will create the largest dataset on ultraviolet-induced degradation (UVID) and potential-induced degradation (PID) for commercial modules ever published.
Our research will provide a comparison of UVID testing results to other stress tests, as well as evaluate lab-induced UVID to field exposure. This project is part of a broader collaboration funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through its Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). The focus of DuraMAT is to ensure that PV modules and materials can withstand long-term exposure to harsh environmental conditions while maintaining optimal performance.
Participating in various industry conferences and hosting informative online events
At Kiwa PVEL, we strive to share our insights and thought leadership with our colleagues through participating in online and in-person events. In 2024, we were proud to once again partner with the PV Tech team in bringing ModuleTech USA back to Napa. The two-day event brought together solar developers, investors, manufacturers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss the module supply challenges facing the U.S., including the rapid changes in module suppliers and factories, new technologies, quality, reliability, and the financial health of suppliers. Kiwa PVEL once again hosted the Welcome Party at our Napa facility with music, food and games.
In September, we joined thousands of our industry colleagues participating at the 2024 RE+ Event in Anaheim, California. On Thursday during the show, our Head of International Business Development, Sishir Garemella, was invited to present "An Overview of Indian Module Manufacturers Serving the U.S. Market" where he offered developers guidance as they continue to seek new sources of PV module supply.
Throughout the year, Kiwa PVEL was thrilled to participate in other webinars and events, from our STAC and ESTAC webinars to presentations and posters at PVSC IEEE and workshops like bifiPV 2024 and PVRW, along with a large contingent attending SNEC in Shanghai and Intersolar EU in Munich. To get a full recap of our publications and appearances, visit kiwa.com/pvel/news.
What’s next in 2025? Contact Us to Learn More
The growth of solar looks to be strong in 2025 but not without challenges. While supply chain disruptions, policy changes, and price fluctuations may create headaches, solar will continue to break records for installation numbers around the world. In these times, we’re proud to help buyers gain confidence, manufacturers improve their products, and for the industry overall to grow together.
As part of the larger Kiwa group, we will continue driving progress and creating trust. Contact us at pvel@kiwa.com to connect with our team and learn more.