This is the final segment of the Motech series on quality and long-term reliability, representing two of the most important issues facing the solar industry today. In no segment of the industry is this more critical than panels. Solar Power World has written extensively on the issue, and Sam Tsou, VP of Quality Management Center at Motech, has expanded on that through this three-part series on the subject exclusively for us. This is Part III of the series. Part I can be found here, and Part II can be found here. For more information, visit www.motechsolar.com.
Prior to joining Motech, Mr. Sam Tsou was VP of USA Sales / Marketing at Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, Director of Customer Engineering/Planning at TSMC-Wafertech, Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Quality and Reliability Assurance and AVP of Facility at Worldwide Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. , and GM of Field Operation, Taiwan and Singapore, at Lam Research.
Panels from different manufacturers are not necessarily alike, so understanding a few basics can be helpful in selecting a product with the likelihood to provide long-lasting quality.
Careful thought should be given to a manufacturer’s length of time in business. A company offering a 30-year warranty may not be the best choice if they have only been in business for three years. Producing quality solar products involves an ongoing effort of research and development, durability assessment, real-world sustainability, survival across a multitude of climactic environments —the list just goes on and on.
As a result, a company with a proven and long-standing track record will offer the greater chance for success. Basically, they will be there in the long run to back up the quality and reliability you and your customers demand. The fact is, there is just no way to perfectly duplicate real-world, time-proven performance by testing something that has only been around for a few years.
Added to this is the need to ensure that the manufacturer selected has been expanding its solar expertise across the value chain so that they can provide customers with all the products needed to take full advantage of the sun’s energy. The manufacturer must possess an unimpeachable knowledge of cells, modules, and overall systems. They must also offer the flexibility to provide customers with a diverse set of solar products, while expertly integrating the highest standards for quality throughout the value chain.
Ensuring Longevity and Value:
Solar as a renewable energy source is the most promising because the earth’s most abundant source of energy is waiting for us to harvest it for all our future needs. While the sun’s energy will be constant for eons, the companies in this industry may not. Not many companies can claim that they have been “solar-centric”for more than five years, compared to others such as Motech, which has remained a steady force in the solar industry for more than 15 years.
Take a close look at the physical properties of a solar panel. True value is dependent upon several considerations when conducting the physical product assessment. These can include features and benefits, such as:
- Precision cell-efficiency sorting procedures
- Quality control of wafer source and quality
- Superior performance in high-temperature and low-light conditions
- Proven long-term reliability with strict soldering and adhesion tests
- Stringent quality and visual appearance requirements
- Tight appearance criteria for module aesthetics
- Robust mechanical assembly for handling heavy loads and high-impact weather conditions
- Strict internal tests for reliability and durability
- Wider spectrum response for higher output
- Stable annual degradation rate for long term investment
- Easy installation and minimum maintenance required
Remember, aside from the practical aspects of selecting a reliable solar product, ensuring a cost-effective approach to any solar installation can have a significant impact on gaining government-sponsored subsidies supporting renewable energy initiatives. Focusing on a system’s increased power and efficiencies, as well as quality and reliability, can help keep you from wasting your funds on lesser products and impact your potential for government funding.
Solar Power World has written extensively on the issue of panel quality and long-term reliability ourselves, but we wanted to get an insider’s perspective on them. Sam Tsou, VP of Quality Management Center at Motech, produced a three-part series on the subject exclusively for us. This is Part III of the series. Part I can be found here. Part II can be found here. If you want more information, visit www.motechsolar.com.
Want more? Try these articles:
Panel Quality & Reliability, Part II: Beyond Testing Basics
Panel Quality And Reliability, Part I: Beyond Basic Safety And Design