NAPA, California, September 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Kiwa, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification (TIC) services, is proud to announce the publication of a new white paper developed in collaboration between the solar business groups Kiwa PVEL and Kiwa PI Berlin. The white paper presents a comprehensive set of new quality requirements for photovoltaic (PV) modules aimed at improving the reliability and performance of solar sites worldwide.
The white paper, entitled “Raising the bar: defining acceptable quality levels for photovoltaic modules” addresses critical industry challenges by providing benchmarks to assess solar module quality through extended reliability Product Qualification Program (PQP) testing, Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI), batch testing and Continuous Reliability Monitoring (ORM).
“This white paper highlights key aspects of module sourcing and demonstrates our commitment to driving the industry towards higher levels of quality,” said Terry JesterGeneral Manager of North America at Kiwa PI Berlin. “We believe our updated guidance will help advance the solar industry and safeguard investments in renewable energy worldwide.”
Maintaining high-quality PV modules is essential for the sustainable growth of the industry. Kiwa PVEL and Kiwa PI Berlin, recognized for their expertise in solar testing, factory inspections and technical consulting, have collaborated to provide a comprehensive guide that outlines improved approaches to increase module durability and long-term performance through testing and inspection.
The main highlights of the white paper are as follows:
- Official guidelines on the acceptance of PQP results, including defined pass/fail thresholds.
- Pre-shipment inspection test scope, sample size and acceptable quality level (AQL) requirements.
- Recommendations for batch testing and continuous reliability monitoring, including test protocols, test frequency, and result expectations.
“We have used PQP data from recent years to create clear guidance for the industry on what test results should be considered acceptable,” commented Tristan Erion-LoricoVice President of Sales and Marketing at Kiwa PVEL. “This is the first time that Kiwa PVEL has publicly provided this guidance, which will certainly lead to more reliable PV module designs and material selection.”
The white paper is now available for download at kiwa.com/raising-the-bar.
About Kiwa PVEL
Kiwa PVEL is the leading reliability and performance testing laboratory for downstream solar project developers, financiers and asset owners worldwide. As part of the Kiwa Group, Kiwa PVEL’s integrated solar supply chain services provide technical solutions to mitigate risk, optimize financing and improve the performance of solar and energy storage systems throughout the project lifecycle.
For over a decade, Kiwa PVEL’s Product Qualification Program (PQP) has been recognized globally for replacing assumptions about PV module performance with quantifiable measurements. Kiwa PVEL’s associated data and consulting services provide vital sourcing information to a network of downstream solar buyers. Visit kiwa.com/pvel and kiwa.com/solar to learn more.
About Kiwa PI Berlin
Kiwa PI Berlin provides technical expertise, procurement and quality assurance services to a wide range of solar installers, integrators, project developers, utilities and investors. We enable our clients to manage the technical risks associated with investing in or purchasing photovoltaic equipment. We leverage direct relationships with manufacturers of photovoltaic modules, inverters and batteries, apply our expertise to qualified manufacturers and independently verify quality, reliability and performance.
Contact
Ashley Fallon
Marketing Manager, Kiwa PVEL
ashley.fallon@kiwa.com
SOURCE Kiwa PVEL