Do the up-front cost savings associated with PV module value engineering efforts come at the expense of reduced resilience to field conditions of use? To find out, we interviewed Ralf Schulze, an expert in quality assurance, failure mode and effects analysis, system diagnostics, and corrective and preventative maintenance who manages field forensic services for RETC.

Is a decline in the compressive strength of solar module glass partly to blame for some of the unique field failure modes associated with new ultra-large-format PV module designs? In order to learn more about glass manufacturing and reliability science, we interviewed Dr. James Webb of Corning for RETC's sixth annual PV Module Index Report.

For the 2024 PV Module Index Report, RETC sought to better understand the unique field failure modes associated with ultra-large-format PV module designs. Here, we present our interview with an expert in module durability—NREL's Theresa Barnes. Dr. Barnes is the principal investigator and director of NREL's DuraMAT Consortium for module materials research.

RETC proudly presents the 2024 PV Module Index Report. Our annual publication showcases industry-leading solar module technologies and manufacturers. RETC has recognized 23 module manufacturers for some form of high achievement across the 14 different testing sequences.

Brian Grenko is the vice president and head of photovoltaic technologies for the engineering advisory firm VDE Americas. Here, we share highlights from a behind-the-scenes PVMI interview that explores market drivers, technology roadmaps, and due diligence for perovskite-based PV modules.

As RETC publishes its fifth annual PV Module Index Report, our work has never been more essential to securing a livable future. Tackling the global climate crisis via mass electrification and deep decarbonization requires massive solar investment, manufacturing, and deployment increases. Thank you for being our partners and collaborators in this momentous endeavor.

FREMONT, Calif., November 11, 2020 — Renewable Energy Test Center, LLC (RETC), a leading engineering services and certification testing provider, has published its annual PV Module Index (PVMI 2020) report. RETC’s PVMI report utilizes independent test lab data to recognize high performers and showcase high achievement in PV module manufacturing.

FREMONT, Calif., June 3, 2019 — Continuing to support solar panel manufacturers in the development of high-quality products, and solar project developers, financiers, and end-users who seek high-quality panels, Renewable Energy Test Center (RETC) has released its first annual PV Module Index. The report is the first comprehensive assessment of top-performing modules that are tested for reliability, performance, and qualityacross 18 different indicators. Within the data, two manufacturers are recognized for demonstrating high achievement across indicators in all three categories.