Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 15:20 .

Kiwa PVEL Study Highlights 20% Breakage Rate in Solar Modules, Sparking Reliability Concerns Amidst Mechanical Stress Challenges.

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.

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Speaker

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

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

Speaker

To Talk