The Renewable Energy Test Center (RETC) has released its annual PV Module Index report, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the reliability, quality, and performance of solar panels. This year’s report, based on rigorous testing, highlights the top performers in various categories, offering valuable insights for project stakeholders seeking the best solar solutions.

RETC subjects solar modules to a series of accelerated stress tests, pushing them to their limits to evaluate their resilience and performance under various conditions. These tests include assessments of backsheet ultraviolet durability, damp heat exposure, hail resistance, potential induced degradation (PID), static and dynamic mechanical load, thermal cycling, ultraviolet induced degradation (UVID), module efficiency, incidence angle modifier, LeTID resistance, LID resistance, and temperature coefficient.

Overall Highest Achievers

Based on their performance across multiple testing categories, nine manufacturers emerged as overall highest achievers: Astronergy, ES Foundry, Gstar, JA Solar, Longi Solar, Runergy, SolarSpace, Trina Solar, and Yingli Solar.

These companies demonstrated exceptional performance in both reliability and efficiency, making their products ideal choices for solar projects seeking long-term durability and high energy output.

RETC’s report serves as a valuable resource for project developers, investors, and other stakeholders in the solar industry. By highlighting the top performers in various categories, the report empowers informed decision-making and encourages the adoption of high-quality, reliable solar technology.

Reliability Champions

Several manufacturers emerged as top performers in reliability tests, demonstrating exceptional resistance to various environmental stressors. JA Solar, Longi Solar, and SolarSpace excelled in backsheet ultraviolet durability, while Astronergy, ES Foundry, Longi Solar, Runergy, and Trina Solar showed strong resilience in damp heat tests.

JA Solar and Longi Solar also stood out in hail durability tests, demonstrating resistance to impact from large hailstones.

Performance Leaders:

In terms of performance, Astronergy, Mission Solar, Qcells, REC Solar, and Silfab Solar impressed with their high module conversion efficiency. Several manufacturers, including Dehui Solar, ES Foundry, JA Solar, JinkoSolar, Longi Solar, Meyer Burger, Qcells, Runergy, Silfab Solar, and SolarSpace, achieved high scores in incidence angle modifier tests, indicating their ability to maintain high output under varying sun angles.