MEASURING IS KNOWING
How do we test our solar panels?
In order to guarantee the high quality Solarwatt solar panels are tested extensively. Solarwatt solar panels meet all the European quality standards and our solar panels have different quality marks and certificates.
As tests for European quality standards only look at the first few years, Solarwatt has its own test laboratory, Accredited by independent test institute VDE. This is where we submit all our solar panels to a series of comprehensive tests that are much more severe and versatile than the standard requirements. Our tests for instance also look meticulously at reliability and performance in the long term.
OUR CERTIFICATES AND QUALITY MARKS
Testing in accordance with the IEC-standards
In this test, the solar modules are clamped and exposed to varying pressure and tensile loads via a hydraulic system for 6 hours. This assesses how snow and wind affect the solar module. The minimum standard is a pressure of 2,400 Pa for tensile load 5,400 for compression load. Solarwatt solar modules are tested to a tensile load of 3,600 Pa and a pressure load of 8,100 Pa.
To assess what effect frozen water may have on solar panels, a moisture-freezing test is performed. The panel is exposed to a temperature of 85°C and then cooled back down to -40°C within a short time to see if any moisture inside the solar panel freezes.
According to the IEC standard, a hail test should be carried out with stones of 25mm and a speed of 83 kilometres/hour. Solarwatt glass-glass solar panels we additionally test at a speed of 110 kilometres/hour with hailstones of 45mm, six times heavier. In this test, our solar panels score Class 4.
The moisture-heat test exposes the solar panel to a temperature of 85 °C and 85% humidity for 1,000 hours. This examines what effect this has on ageing. SOLARWATT glass-glass solar panels even undergo this test in our own test laboratory for 5,000 hours with 0% deterioration as a result.
Changes in ambient temperature can cause materials to expand or contract, resulting in damage or breakage over time. With these tests, solar modules are subjected to 200 cycles as standard, with temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C. Solarwatt performs this test with 600 cycles.
Testing in accordance with the IEC-standards
In order to guarantee the high quality, Solarwatt solar panels are tested additionally. These comprehensive and severe tests are performed in addition to the standard tests, to comply with IEC-standards for safety and technology.
Fire safety: highest class
A solar panel can be tested in accordance with two different standards: IEC 61730-2 and EN13501-5. Solarwatt glass-glass solar panels score in the highest category according to both tests. THE IEC 61730-2 standards are more comprehensive, since also the wind is included as a factor.
PID resistent
PID stands for ‘potential induced degradation’: reduced capacity by difference in potential. Regarding PID, part of the electric charge escapes from the solar panel, as a result of which less charge remains in the panel. This leads to lower voltage, obviously resulting in lower capacity. Solarwatt solar panels have a certification for 100% PID-free.
LeTID: degradation of solar panels
LeTID is a phenomenon during which solar cells more quickly deteriorate under some conditions within the first few months or years after installation this could lead to no less than 10% additional degradation. Since degradation leads to reduced performance, Solarwatt solar panels are tested on LeTID and certified regarding this.
Electroluminescent test (EL-test): assessment on microcracks
This test assesses the solar panels on microcracks. These are tiny cracks in the solar cells that could eventually affect the capacity. An X-ray photo is made to see if there is any damage on the panel. Every solar panel is tested on microcracks when leaving the plant.
Ammonia & Salt
SOLARWATT solar panels have a certification for use in coastal areas and on farms. The solar panels are in this case tested on resistance against ammonia (IEC 62716) and Salt fog (IEC 61701) and show no negative effects.
Hurricane-resistant
Glass-glass solar panels were tested in accordance with the Australian hurricane test, where pressure is exerted on the back of the solar panels, using an airbag. As standard, it is measured whether a pressure of 1 kPa leads to warping. Solarwatt solar panels can resist a force of 9 kPa.
Flash test: the actual capacity of a panel
Every panel that leaves our plant, is subjected to a flash test. In a climate chamber, a light shines on the panel to measure the actual capacity. In doing this we demand at least Wp-capacity as mentioned on the label. The actual capacity is therefore nearly always higher than the label states. If you purchase solar panels, you can always request the flash test data of your Solarwatt solar panels from your Solarwatt partner.