Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 15:20 .
The transcript from aiconver AI outlines the capabilities and limitations of artificial intelligence, particularly emphasizing its data training cutoff at October 2023. This means that any events or developments post-October 2023 are not included in the system's knowledge base, highlighting the need for continuous updates to maintain relevance and accuracy. The discussion also acknowledges potential biases due to historical inaccuracies within datasets used during initial training phases. Additionally, Kiwa PVEL’s presentation focuses on photovoltaic (PV) module reliability issues such as cell cracks and glass breakage. With over a decade of experience testing various materials combinations, their annual PV module reliability scorecard is globally recognized. A U.S. Department of Energy-funded study revealed unexpected findings: power loss was more linked to degradation mechanisms like UV damage rather than cell cracking itself. Mechanical failures have increased significantly during stress tests—from around 6% previously to about 20%. These challenges stem from static and dynamic mechanical loading factors exacerbated by cost-cutting measures leading to weaker designs—such as reduced glass strengthening—and aggressive mounting practices causing additional strain points on larger modules. Despite efforts for cost reduction through design changes like decreasing aluminum content, quality may be compromised if buyers do not enforce adequate standards when purchasing modules. Finally, further dialogue is encouraged at an event booth where insights into module reliability can be explored via scorecard.pvel.com launching June 4th.
Automated summarization by AI Conver
Tristan Erion-Lorico
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Kiwa PVEL
USA
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:
Speaker
Steven Xuereb
Executive Director
Kiwa PI Berlin
Germany
Speaker
George Touloupas
Vice President, ESG and New Services
Clean Energy Associates (CEA)
USA
Speaker
Patrick Zank
Senior Battery Consultant & Business Development Manager
VDE Renewables GmbH
Germany
Speaker
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
Speaker
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