Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. says its Wd poly, Wd mono and Ve poly series modules have been tested as highly resistant to potential induced degradation (PID).
The tests were performed by the Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies (VDE). According to the VDE test report, the tested Suntech modules ‘show no significant degradation at the end of the test sequence’ with all of the modules exhibiting negligible change in output power within the test lab measurement accuracy, and no changes in visual appearance.
The PID test sequence, which is based on the protocol established by TUV Rheinland, begins with flash-testing the modules to determine their electrical performance characteristics, as well as an inspection using electroluminescence (EL) imaging. Then, the modules are subjected to high humidity and negative voltages of 1,000 V for one week. Finally, the modules are again tested for electrical performance and for any visual defects using EL imaging.