Raising Reliability Standards in Solar Modules
As the solar industry grows, ensuring long-term module reliability has become a top priority. LONGi, a global leader in solar manufacturing, is setting new benchmarks with rigorous testing innovations that go beyond existing standards to ensure high performance and durability.
Why Reliability Matters
Solar developers aim to maximize ROI and minimize LCOE, which hinges on consistent energy output and low operating costs over decades. Reliability is crucial for:
- Avoiding critical system failures like glass breakage or microcracks.
- Preventing gradual performance degradation that lowers energy yield.
- Meeting investor and market expectations for 25-30 year lifespans.
Limitations of Existing Standards
Current IEC standards like IEC 61215 provide a foundational benchmark, but:
- They simulate real-world conditions imperfectly.
- They don’t account for the interactions between stressors in diverse climates.
- They often rely on cycle-based degradation models that aren't fully predictive.
LONGi’s Data-Driven Reliability Approach
LONGi invests heavily in R&D to simulate field-specific failure modes. Key initiatives include:
- Forensic analysis of failure mechanisms observed in real-world settings.
- Custom testing methods that mimic these failures under realistic stressors.
- Use of full-sized modules and customized tests to ensure relevance and accuracy.
Technology-Driven Innovations
LONGi has introduced a suite of testing breakthroughs, including:
- Four-Point Bending Test: Detects microcracks by simulating actual cell deformation.
- Local Thermal Shock Resistance Test: Improves screening for glass durability under hotspot conditions using localized 200°C heating on full modules.
- Low-Temperature Load Test: Simulates snow and cold-induced stress using historical climate data to enhance performance in northern regions.
- High-Temperature Reverse Bias Test: Subjects bypass diodes to 100°C to preempt failure in hot climates and reduce fire hazards.
Impact on Supply Chain and Industry
These stringent standards have enabled LONGi to:
- Eliminate underperforming suppliers at the earliest stages.
- Standardize higher-quality materials across the board, including EVA and junction boxes.
- Offer robust "Lifecycle Quality" guarantees that build trust, especially in emerging or cold-weather markets.
Shaping the Future of Solar Module Testing
By pushing beyond basic compliance, LONGi advocates for industry-wide collaboration to:
- Identify core causes of module failure.
- Establish advanced, real-world testing frameworks.
- Build a more reliable and respected solar industry globally.
Read the full article here: https://pes.eu.com/exclusive-article/setting-a-new-standard-for-module-reliability-with-testing-innovation/