PV Evolution Labs Qualifies Suniva in Stringent New Potential Induced Degradation (PID) Certification ProgramOptimus series modules provide confidence to project developers concerned about PV reliability 

BERKELEY, CA – August 14, 2012 – North America’s premier independent solar module test lab, PV Evolution Labs (PVEL), announced that Metro Atlanta-based solar PV module manufacturer Suniva has received the highest level of certification as PID-free under a stringent new Potential Induced Degradation (PID) testing program. PVEL created the PID Certification program to provide manufacturers and project investors with detailed intelligence about how PV products withstand a common cause of performance degradation and module failure.

“Suniva’s PVEL PID certification is a testament to the quality and reliability we build into our high powered cells and modules, assuring our customers of consistent power output,” said Jon O’Neill, Senior Module Engineer at Suniva.

While there are still no industry-wide acknowledged test standards available, the PID phenomenon in crystalline cell technologies is quickly gaining industry attention. PVEL engineers measured the stability of the Suniva panels electrical output when exposed to high system voltages (positive and negative 1kV) under harsh environmental conditions (85˚C at 85% relative humidity) for 600 hours. The Suniva module performed far better than the allowable degradation limit.

“We simulate system voltage stresses that an installed module endures and evaluate both positive and negative grounding effects so manufacturers and power plant owners can have confidence the modules are being deployed in appropriate system configurations,” said Jenya Meydbray, Co-Founder and CEO of PVEL. “Through our innovative new testing programs we strive to increase PV quality standards within the industry and mitigate technology risk for project investors.”

About PVEL
Headquartered in Berkeley, CA, PV Evolution Labs (www.PVEL.com) was founded on the principle that understanding solar module performance and aging behavior through rigorous testing is fundamental to reducing risk in solar investments. For solar technology and project development, PVEL provides solar product intelligence beyond the advanced test data it delivers.