DNV GL releases 2017 PV module reliability scorecard

Manufacturers participating in DNV GL’s Product Qualification Program can choose to participate in the Scorecard analysis. Participation in the Scorecard is an integral part of the DNV GL Product Qualification Program. As a consequence, all modules tested underwent the exact same selection process and testing scope and the report includes most of the leading manufacturers active in the market today.

Top findings in the 2017 Scorecard include:

1. Most modules tested maintain performance after reliability testing. However, the bottom quartile of most tests exhibit degradation levels that could put systems at financial risk.
2. Specific Bill of Materials (BOMs), factories, and manufacturer do matter: the same module type with different BOMs or manufacturing location often perform quite differently.
3. The size of the manufacturer is not a good indicator of performance in reliability testing. The same manufacturer may produce modules with a large spread in performance in reliability testing.
4. The number of participants in the DNV GL Product Qualification Program and therefore in the Scorecard have been steadily growing. In this edition of the Scorecard, the number of manufacturer participants jumped by 69% compared to last year.

 “Our Product Qualification Program and Scorecard help create clarity for players in the solar market,” said Ditlev Engel, CEO DNV GL – Energy. “Testing helps manufacturers deliver better quality modules and supports financiers and developers in taking informed component purchasing decisions. We are committed to support the growth of the solar industry and to contribute to a global sustainable energy future.”

DNV GL intends to update the PV Module Reliability Scorecard on an annual basis, with the 2018 edition expected to be published in the first half of next year. Additional modules tested through the DNV GL Product Qualification Program will be featured. A similar report focused on PV inverters is planned for release in late 2017.

The 2017 PV Module Reliability Scorecard is available for free download.

For additional information:

DNV GL