By Greentech Lead America: Canadian Solar, a vertically
integrated provider of ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar modules and other
solar applications, became the first company to achieve the PID
Certification. PID Certification is a new certification program conducted by PV
Evolution Labs (PVEL), an independent solar module test lab in North America.
The certification program gives solar module manufacturers
and project developers a deeper understanding of how products hold up against
degradation from system voltages, a common cause of reduced performance and
module failure.
PVEL developed PID Certification in
its ongoing effort to raise standards for solar PV quality and reliability
industry-wide. PVEL’s PID Certification simulates the voltage-related stresses
that an installed module endures by subjecting modules to 600 hours of damp
heat conditioning under maximum system voltage levels.
“Given the demanding real-world situations in which
customers use our products, we continually work to push the boundaries so that
our PV modules can deliver consistent performance. We are pleased to become the
first company to pass PVEL’s stringent PID certification, again demonstrating
our industry and technical leadership,” said Shawn Qu, chairman and
CEO, Canadian
Solar.
By evaluating both positive and negative grounding
configurations, manufacturers and power plant owners can gain confidence that
the modules are being deployed in appropriate system configurations.
Periodic retesting is required to maintain the PVEL PID
certification to ensure that evolution in the raw material supply or
manufacturing does not impact module stability.
“This rigorous program demonstrates resiliency
amidst what we now know is a common field condition affecting a system’s energy
yield. Companies concerned about the level of product quality in the market are
increasingly engaging in third-party evaluations that not only go beyond most
in-house testing capabilities, but also exceed IEC requirements to ensure
effective operation of PV modules,” said Jenya Meydbray, co-founder and
CEO of PVEL.
Canadian Solar signs C$120 million loan agreement with Bank of
China
Recently, Canadian Solar signed a financing agreement
with Bank of China for a C$120 Million construction loan for solar
power plants in Canada. The loan will be used to support the construction
of Canadian Solar’s solar power projects which are expected to be built during
2012, 2013, and into 2014.
editor@greentechlead.com