Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 15:22 .

Ensuring Long-Term Reliability and Quality in Solar Energy Systems: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Investment.

The speaker, affiliated with VDE Renewables, emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to solar energy systems. While not an expert in photovoltaic (PV) modules specifically, they stress that system reliability is crucial for long-term performance and profitability. Solar projects depend on components performing consistently over decades; any failure can jeopardize return on investment (ROI). The presentation highlights standardized testing protocols like IEC 61215 as essential starting points but notes these do not guarantee longevity. Extended testing beyond standard certifications is necessary to ensure quality and reliability across all parts of the system—wiring issues alone account for significant failures outside module defects. Structural integrity through proper mounting and racking checks are vital alongside robust monitoring/control systems which safeguard against cyber threats while ensuring operational efficiency. Continuous quality assurance practices must be adopted rather than one-time assessments to maintain high standards throughout a project’s lifecycle, ultimately fostering economic success by avoiding cost-cutting measures detrimental to overall bankability.

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Speaker

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

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

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

Panel Discussion: Why We Need a Holistic Approach to Address Current Quality and Reliability Pain Points in PV Systems

Speaker

To Talk