The solar industry is experiencing the highest demand, fastest technological innovation, and greatest uncertainty in its history. Furthermore, in the wake of the recent AD/CVD investigation announcement, many PV buyers may turn to suppliers they have not purchased from before. What can PV module buyers be doing to mitigate quality risk?

While performing PV module electroluminescence (EL) inspections in the field, a new type of microcrack associated with new module and cell technologies has been spotted. They are known as edge ribbon cracks, and have been seen to grow during shipping and installation. CEA’s Claire Kearns-McCoy and George Touloupas offer a closer look.

This SunCast episode is a five-minute clip from the full episode with CEA’s Darryl Parker. In this episode, Darryl focuses on understanding the customer beyond your average sales training.

A leading private equity fund recently led an investment of over USD $100 million into a PV module manufacturer, supported by technical and market due diligence provided by CEA.

In 2021, Quanta Services, Inc., a Fortune 500 infrastructure solutions firm, was evaluating the potential acquisition of Blattner Holding Company, a renewable energy engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firm ranked among the top two solar contractors over the past two years by Solar Power World. Quanta engaged CEA to perform technical and market due diligence on the potential acquisition. 

The benefits of rooftop solar are enormous. However, the risk of fires on rooftop installations is uncomfortably common. A recent study by Clean Energy Associates showed that 90% of inspected rooftops had significant safety and fire risks.

Improper installation and handling procedures can result in significant PV module damage. The combination of EL and visual inspections can provide details about the origins and severity of module damage.

In this episode, Solar Maverick host Benoy Thanjan talks with CEA’s Director of ESG and Traceability, Paul van Brenkelen, about the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance in the solar supply chain.

Microcracks are tiny cracks in solar cells that can be caused during manufacturing, shipping, installation, and even after installation and can limit the power output of a module or a series string of modules.