First Solar’s Series 6 thin-film PV module technology has met completion criteria in the newly published CSA/ANSI C450, PV Module Testing Protocol for Quality Assurance, administered by CSA Group’s PV test lab, CFV Solar Test Laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The test results provide confidence in the harsh climate durability and long term performance of Series 6 modules.
“CSA/ANSI C450 is the first publicly available standard to address extended stress testing of PV modules beyond that required for safety certification and qualification,” said Dana Parmenter, CSA Group’s Vice President of Industrial. “The public nature of the standard, with a Technical Committee consisting of key stakeholders in the PV industry, ushers in a new era of transparency and standardization for project developers, independent engineers and investors looking to evaluate module quality and reduce potential risks.”
Elaborating on the benefits of the standard to the PV industry, Parmenter said CSA/ANSI C450 consists of a portfolio of extended environmental tests including temperature cycling, damp heat exposure, mechanical load testing, UV exposure and PID (potential induced degradation) testing. The test protocols were established because of their effectiveness in replicating actual field failure experiences.
“This is a significant milestone demonstrating the robustness of our technology. Our relentless pursuit of rapid innovation and evolutionary design has paid off with a unique market offering that enables maximizing value and reducing risk,” said Lou Trippel, First Solar’s VP of product management. “These latest Series 6 durability results continue First Solar’s industry leadership in the areas of product durability and reliability.”
Trippel noted that Series 6 attained IEC and UL certification earlier this year, and that CSA/ANSI C450 is the third of three major independent laboratory tests successfully completed in 2018 that support Series 6 reliability and durability in extreme conditions. In October, VDE completed successful Thresher Test evaluation of the Series 6 module, and successful Long Term Sequential testing followed in November.
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