In response to a recent crisis of confidence, RETC introduced a dedicated beyond-certification test program designed to address the risks associated with large-diameter hailstones.

An extended series of beyond-qualification tests designed to separate cream-of-the-crop modules from the chaff. A tool for manufacturers to identify potential wearout modes and failure mechanisms before volume manufacturing.

Solar modules must be included on an eligible equipment list maintained and regularly updated by the CEC to qualify for solar incentive programs around the US. This CEC listing requires additional testing and characterization beyond the basic UL product certification tests.

The percentage of incident solar energy converted to electrical energy is an essential figure of merit for PV modules and cell technologies. Nominal module conversion efficiency is determined by dividing a product’s nameplate STC-rated power by its total aperture area. Cell technology and module design play a significant role in module efficiency.

Performance characteristic that accounts for changes in PV module output based on changing sun angles. Essential for understanding module performance at different times or seasons, especially early or late in the day or in winter when the sun is low on the horizon.

Newer cell technologies may experience a type of long-term in-field degradation associated with exposure to light and elevated temperatures. Used to characterize LeTID susceptibility.

Testing to IEC standards to ensure manufacturing quality control and in-field reliability. LID is a type of degradation resulting from exposure to sunlight that impacts some PV cell types but not others.

The de facto standard module characterization file format is a PAN file, which defines 22 parameters that PVsyst software uses for its production modeling calculations.

Aims to characterize a PV module’s ability to withstand prolonged exposure to humid, high-temperature environments. Takes place inside an environmental chamber.

Evaluates a module’s ability to withstand wind loading. Whereas standard mechanical load (ML) tests simulate static snow and ice loads, DML testing simulates the dynamic push-pull loads associated with hurricanes, typhoons and other high-wind events.

Characterizes a PV module’s ability to withstand the alternating effects of high heat and humidity followed by extreme cold. For this accelerated aging test, modules in an environmental chambe

The PID test protocol places rack-mounted modules in an environmental chamber, which controls temperature and humidity, and exposes them to a voltage bias of several hundred volts with respect to the mounting structure.

Calls for extended 600-cycle TC600 testing as a means of detecting weaknesses in module designs. TC testing assesses product reliability and identifies thermal fatigue failure modes.

The enhanced UV preconditioning test conducted for accelerated reliability assessment exposes modules to two cycles of UV irradiation at 45 kWh/m2, which is six times greater than the IEC 61215 requirements for product qualification.