SolarCity PV Modules Have Useful Lives Of 35 Years Or Longer

July 3rd, 2016 by James Ayre

The solar photovoltaic modules used by SolarCity in its residential and commercial installations have useful lives of 35 years or longer, going by new data and information recently presented by the company.

The new findings are the result of independent, third-party, accelerated stress testing of SolarCity’s solar photovoltaic (PV) modules performed by the world-renowned laboratory DNV GL.

The accelerated stress testing that was performed by DNV GL went beyond the IEC 61215 industry standard, reportedly. The testing found that “power degradation of modules supplied to SolarCity by its key external suppliers is as much as 35% lower than for a comparable industry-wide selection of non-SolarCity modules, which are typically warranted for 25 years.”

The press release that was used to announce the findings continues: “The greater longevity of modules fabricated for SolarCity is due to SolarCity’s stringent and industry-leading Total Quality Program, which was adopted in early 2014 and is based on similar programs in the automotive industry. SolarCity requires its third-party suppliers to maintain effective quality assurance programs and refined manufacturing processes, and to demonstrate reliable product and manufacturing quality. Rigorous tests performed by a qualified third-party lab need to be passed on an on-going basis.”

It’ll be interesting to see how the company’s US-manufactured solar PV modules perform over the long term, after its under-construction manufacturing plant in New York State is up and running. The company has in the recent past achieved some impressive new solar conversion efficiencies, as I’m sure many of you know.

Those wanting to take a closer look at the full report can find it here.











Appreciate CleanTechnica’s originality? Consider becoming a CleanTechnica member, supporter, or ambassador — or a patron on Patreon.

Sign up for our free daily newsletter or weekly newsletter to never miss a story.

Have a tip for CleanTechnica, want to advertise, or want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.

Latest Cleantech Talk Episode