DNV completes in-depth technical review of Canadian Solar's Topcon modules

DNV has completed an extensive technical review of eight new solar photovoltaic modules from Canadian Solar, one of the world’s largest solar technology and renewable energy companies, covering various aspects including technologies, sustainability, field testing, compatibility, and levelized cost of energy (LCOE).

DNV's comprehensive review of Canadian Solar’s reliability, quality systems, testing programs, and factory processes was supplemented by detailed discussions with the company’s technical team. It also included overseeing audits of two manufacturing facilities, as well as examining factory management, materials control, employee oversight, and each processing step. Such in-depth assessments remain uncommon in the PV industry, despite its rapid growth: global solar installations are projected to increase twelvefold by 2050, according to DNV’s 2024 Energy Transition Outlook, and ensuring a reliable supply of durable PV modules is critical to supporting this fast development.
 
Canadian Solar’s component- and module-level test protocols were found to exceed industry standards, with TOPBiHiKu modules demonstrating exceptional durability across all extended-duration tests with degradation below two percent. These findings are supported by DNV's review of third party test reports covering more than 80 tests of the bifacial TOPBiHiKu and monofacial TOPHiKu modules for 8 bills of materials (BOMs). DNV experts also validated that Canadian Solar’s manufacturing facilities adhere to stringent protocols for quality control, factory management, and worker safety.
 

Richard S. Barnes, DNV
Richard S. Barnes, region president for
Energy Systems North America at DNV

“The solar PV industry is experiencing rapid and continuous growth globally as the cost of electricity generated by solar and other renewable sources becomes increasingly competitive with expensive than fossil-fueled generation,” explained Richard S. Barnes, region president for Energy Systems North America at DNV. “Sustainably manufacturing high-quality PV modules and building a culture of improvement is an achievement for which Canadian Solar should be commended.”

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