Solar panels are supposed to last 25 years and beyond.
It is hence important that they get tested fully before they are shipped to the market.
A wide range of tests are performed on solar panels by independent testing companies such as UL and TuV.
Based on these tests, the panels are provided specific certifications based on IEC standards. Many module makers go beyond what has been prescribed by IEC, both in terms of the types of testing, as well as the rigour with which the tests are done.
Details of some of the tests carried out by the panel makers are given below.
Standard IEC / UL testing
Light soak stabilisation
Accelerated aging
Repeated challenge testing
Fire resistance testing
Salt mist testing
Test-to-Fail
Evaluation of c-Si and thin-film PV technologies
Potential Induced Degradation (PID)
Other non-standard testing
Here are some interesting links that provide more details of testing done for solar panels
Basic Understanding of IEC Standard Testing for Solar Panels – TUV America
Testing Methodologies for Deploying High Performance Solar Modules – SunPower
PV Module Qualification Plus Testing – NREL
You Might Want to Check Out these Questions Too on Evaluation Parameters
- What are the Main Parameters I Should Evaluate Solar Panels before Purchase?-Here
- Are There Ratings Available for Solar Panels?-Here
- What Questions about Solar Panels Should I Ask My Installer or EPC?-Here
- How Do I Know I Am Getting the Solar Panels with the Same Specifications as Promised?-Here
- What is the Typical Wattage of a Solar Panel in Watts?-Here
- How Can We Find Out the Grade of a Solar Panel?-Here
- Is it a Good Idea to Use Monocrystalline Solar Panels as They Have High Efficiency?-Here
- How Can I Use Datasheets Provided with Solar Panels?-Here
- Can My Roof Can Take the Weight of Solar Panels?-Here
- What are the Advantages of Having Anti-reflective Coating on the Glass of Solar Panels?-Here
- What is the Highest Temperature Solar Panels Can Tolerate?-Here
- What is the Temperature Coefficient of Solar Panels? And Why Is It Important for Solar Power Plants?-Here
- What is Peak Capacity of Solar Cells?-Here
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