TUV Rheinland, a global leader in the provision of testing and certification services for PV modules and components, recently issued its first Potential Induced Degradation (PID) test certificate inGreater China. New Duo-Max module (the PEG14 and PDG14 series) from Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL) successfully passed the most stringent PID test and received the quality certification. This is a significant achievement, as it is the first PID certificate issued by TUV Rheinland inGreater China, and also serves as ample proof that the photovoltaic components from TSL meet the most stringent PID testing standards （1500V，85%RH85degree Celsius ，192h）. This is also the first PID certificate regarding to 1500V system voltage.
PID refers to potential induced performance degradation in crystalline photovoltaic modules. It occurs when the module's voltage potential and leakage current cause ion mobility within the module. The degradation accelerates with exposure to humidity, temperature and voltage potential. Consequently, PID can have a profound adverse effect on the financing and operation of PV plants. PID tests simulate the practical conditions in the PV system, and verify the module performance and power output under high voltage.
In a standard test, the PV module is required to meet the 2PfG2387/04.14 testing requirement under conditions of 1000 volts of system voltage, a relative humidity of 85% and a temperature of 65degree Celsius for 96 hours continuously. TSL succeeded in the most challenging test, under which the PV modules were exposed to extreme conditions of 85degree Celsius, a relative humidity of 85% and 1,500 volts of system voltage, with the results showing less than 1.5% power degradation after 192 hours.
"The entire PV industry has paid great attention to PID and power loss, and some of the local PV manufactures have subjected their components to the standard PID tests. However, this was the first PID test under such severe conditions," saidChris Zou. "Through the rigorous tests conducted by the authorised third party, we hope to provide PV plants with a precise index of high performance products. Furthermore, we are also helping manufactures to verify the quality and performance of their PV components through these tests," he added.
Trina Solar Limited not only specialises in the manufacture of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules, but is also a global leader in solar modules, solutions and services. After optimising its PV cells and module manufacturing technology, all of the PV cells and PV components produced by TSL now possess outstanding anti-PID capability. The PV modules with anti-PID capability can reduce the degradation of power output under harsh environments, such as salt mist, humidity, high voltage and so forth.
TUV Rheinland and TSL are working more closely with each other. TUV Rheinland has issued the first "Intelligent Component" certification for the innovative Trinasmart modules made by TSL. This PID certification adds a strong competitive element, further strengthening TSL's leading performance and the reliability of intelligent modules, and demonstrating its capability of producing high-quality PV products for export around the world. Meanwhile, TUV Rheinland will continue to provide other PV module manufactures with its excellent PID certification service.
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