Independent solar module test lab PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) has launched a new certification program designed to give solar module manufacturers and project developers a deeper understanding of how products hold up against degradation from system voltages – a common cause of reduced performance and module failure.
PVEL says it developed the program, which focuses on potential induced degradation (PID), in an effort to raise standards for solar PV quality and reliability industry-wide. Canadian Solar has become the first company to pass the PID certification process.
PVEL's PID certification program simulates the voltage-related stresses that an installed module endures by subjecting modules to 600 hours of damp heat conditioning under maximum system voltage levels. With both positive and negative grounding configurations evaluated, manufacturers and power plant owners can gain confidence that the modules are being deployed in appropriate system configurations, PVEL says.
