PV Module Qualification Requirements
The Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar ABCs) identified photovoltaic (PV) module qualification requirements as a high priority issue facing the PV industry.
Establishing PV module qualification requirements is important because it outlines minimum recommendations, standards, and policies to establish high manufacturing qualification standards. The United States (U.S.) currently does not have qualification testing requirements to substantiate claims of minimum durability, lifetime, or reliability of modules in the field. Therefore, if any PV modules produced that do not pass internationally recognized qualification testing provides the incentive to direct those lower quality modules to the U.S. market. As a result, the U.S. marketplace may be flooded with lower quality modules. The Solar ABCs developed a recommended policy to address the current consumer and industry concerns related to the use of various performance, reliability/qualification and safety standards.
Learn more:
- A Proposed Standard for: Nameplate, Datasheet, and Sampling Requirements of PV Modules
- Solar ABCs Policy Recommendation: PV Module Power Rating Requirements
- Recommended Standards for PV Modules and Systems
- Photovoltaic Cell Procurement Report
- Stakeholder Webinar: Recommended Standards for PV Modules Presentation (October 2010)