Kiwa PVEL has launched its twelfth annual PV Module Reliability Scorecard for 2026, providing an in depth evaluation of photo voltaic module efficiency and reliability throughout the worldwide photo voltaic business. The most recent report acknowledges 43 photo voltaic module producers as “Prime Performers” after they achieved robust ends in the corporate’s Product Qualification Program (PQP) testing. Amongst these corporations, 13 producers earned the excellence for the primary time, reflecting the rising competitiveness of the photo voltaic manufacturing sector.
The 2026 version of the scorecard introduces a number of necessary updates. Kiwa PVEL expanded its testing framework by including a brand new class for Ultraviolet Induced Degradation (UVID), which evaluates the impression of extended UV publicity on photo voltaic modules. The report additionally contains devoted sections centered on key business challenges, together with module breakage and the reliability of rising n-type photo voltaic applied sciences. To higher monitor speedy technological developments, Kiwa PVEL introduced plans to publish the reliability scorecard twice yearly, with the following version anticipated in November 2026.
Whereas the report highlights notable achievements by top-performing producers, it additionally reveals vital high quality considerations throughout the broader market. Based on the findings, 87% of collaborating producers recorded at the least one check failure through the analysis course of. The report notes that failure charges elevated each amongst producers and throughout particular person module designs, indicating ongoing challenges in sustaining constant high quality requirements.
Bodily sturdiness stays one of many business’s largest considerations. Module breakage throughout mechanical stress and hail impression testing emerged as the commonest reason for failure. One other main difficulty recognized was delamination, a situation the place the protecting layers inside a photo voltaic module start to separate. The report discovered that 45% of examined producers skilled at the least one delamination-related failure, highlighting the necessity for stronger manufacturing controls and materials high quality administration.
Regardless of these considerations, the report additionally factors to enhancements in sure areas of module efficiency. Many merchandise demonstrated decrease energy degradation following thermal biking and damp warmth checks, indicating higher long-term sturdiness below difficult environmental situations. Power yield efficiency additionally remained robust throughout many examined modules.
Nonetheless, attaining excellence throughout all reliability classes continues to be uncommon. Of the 246 distinctive module fashions that earned Prime Performer standing, solely 5 fashions efficiently achieved high ends in each reliability check carried out by Kiwa PVEL.
The findings counsel that whereas photo voltaic expertise continues to advance and total module efficiency is enhancing, reliability challenges stay a essential concern. As newer applied sciences enter the market at a speedy tempo, impartial testing and stricter high quality assurance measures will play a vital function in making certain long-term photo voltaic mission efficiency and investor confidence.
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