Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 18:24 .

Debate Over Glass Thickness in Solar Modules Sparks Concerns on Cost-Cutting and Durability Challenges

The discussion centers on the durability and configuration of solar glass in module applications, addressing issues like cell cracking and glass breakage. Varun Gupta from Triveni Renewables highlights a preference for 2.0 by 2.0 millimeter configurations over thicker options due to their resistance against hail damage, though thinner glasses are more susceptible to breaking under operational stresses such as high wind loads or field impacts. The industry faces challenges stemming from its low-cost nature impacting component quality; while improvements like better-quality tempered glass exist, cost constraints deter adoption. IEC standards allow flexibility but require testing each supplier's product for consistent quality across factories. Manufacturers often list brand names on Bills of Materials (BOMs) without producing certain components themselves, leading to potential inconsistencies in material sourcing and quality assurance affecting most BOM items. Steel is being explored as an alternative frame material due to strength and lower carbon footprint despite weight issues with double-glass modules compared to aluminum’s established benefits. Mechanical failures in modules occur at concerning rates both during tests and field conditions—prompting questions about reduced panel frame thicknesses around 30 millimeters' impact on mechanical integrity versus design factors like profile design influencing robustness more than mere dimensions do—a robust analysis through FEM simulations is recommended for improvement insights.

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Speaker

Patrick Zank
Senior Battery Consultant & Business Development Manager
VDE Renewables GmbH
Germany

Steven Xuereb
Executive Director
Kiwa PI Berlin
Germany

George Touloupas
Vice President, ESG and New Services
Clean Energy Associates (CEA)
USA

Dr. Anna Heimsath
Head of Department "Analysis PV Modules and Power Plants"
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Germany

Dr. Ingrid Hädrich
Head of Group 'Degradation Analysis and Modelling' (PV Modules)
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Germany

Tristan Erion-Lorico
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Kiwa PVEL
USA

Talk of session: Solar Technology II: Quality Testing & Reliability of Solar Modules & Balance of Systems

Solar companies that want to maintain their position in the market cannot compromise on the quality and reliability of their products, even in the face of today's immense price pressures. But how can high-quality, long-lasting products be guaranteed in a highly competitive business environment that demands constant innovation in product design and changes in the bill of materials to quickly reduce costs? This session will provide: Best practices for maintaining high-quality standards while innovating product design Strategies for PV product procurement ensuring long-term reliability despite continued cost pressures Discussion on quality assurance programs and benchmarks for product reliability testing, from procurement, pre-production, production to post-shipment.

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome & Introduction

Speaker

Steven Xuereb
Executive Director
Kiwa PI Berlin
Germany

To Talk

PV Module Quality Assurance: Applying Data Analysis to Enhance Performance and Safety

Speaker

George Touloupas
Vice President, ESG and New Services
Clean Energy Associates (CEA)
USA

To Talk

Quality Testing & Reliability of Solar Modules & Balance of Systems

Speaker

Patrick Zank
Senior Battery Consultant & Business Development Manager
VDE Renewables GmbH
Germany

To Talk

TOPCon Modules Under Review: Recent Results on Stability, Reliability, and Outdoor Performance

Speaker

To Talk

Understanding the Impacts of Cell Cracks & Glass Breakage on PV Performance

Speaker

Tristan Erion-Lorico
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Kiwa PVEL
USA

To Talk