Performance & Reliability

SoloPower Systems employs exacting criteria in validating the field performance of our products. Our module performance and reliability testing protocols are among the strictest as defined by UL, IEC and ASTM standards. All module designs are subjected to a prolonged and comprehensive testing regimen; after each test is executed in succession, the modules are tested for Maximum Power rating (Pmax).

The payoff is a durable product that delivers uncompromising performance, even in extreme conditions. In fact, despite undergoing the most rigorous test modes, no SoloPower module’s Pmax has dropped below 90% of its rated maximum power output.

SoloPower’s state-of-the-art battery of tests includes:

Damp Heat:
Damp Heat testing subjects our modules to thermal stresses up to 85° C and relative humidity of 85%. We apply this test to study the long-term durability of our proprietary flexible laminate. Our modules have consistently performed well above 80% of their Pmax after 5000 hours in the DHT chambers — five times the durability required for IEC 61646.

Temperature Cycle:
We apply a different set of thermal stresses by cycling extreme temperature ranges, from as low as – 40° C to as high as 90° C. The Temperature Cycle test also studies the long-term durability of our proprietary flexible laminate. Our modules have performed well above 80% of their Pmax after 800 cycles in the test chambers, verifying durability four times that required for UL 1703 and IEC 61646.

Humidity-Freeze Cycle:
In yet another set of thermal stresses, this test cycle exposes modules to temperature ranges with humidity from as low as – 40° C to as high as 85° C. The Humidity-Freeze test is also applied to study the long-term durability of our proprietary flexible laminate. Our modules have performed well above 80% of their Pmax after 180 cycles in the test chambers — an exceptional 18 times the durability required for UL 1703.

Cyclic Flexibility Test:
This custom test is designed to stress our flexible modules for mechanical stability and durability. We coil our modules around a 16-inch stainless steel roller repeatedly for 200 cycles, both clockwise and counterclockwise. The results are impressive. No damage has been exhibited to the modules after this prolonged mechanical stressing, and the Pmax still remained well above 90% of its rated power.

Reverse Current Overload:
The RCO test subjects our modules to a reverse current designed to force failure of the photovoltaic device at the cell level. The base test condition utilizes a 5 Amp fuse, while the accelerated test condition utilizes an 8 Amp fuse. In both cases, our modules fully pass this test, displaying zero damage to either the module or cells.

Hail Test:
Utilizing ice, nylon and aluminum foil projectiles with various dimensions, mass and velocities, this test gauges the module’s ability to withstand the impact of hail. With consistency, our modules have passed the IEC 61646 Hail Test Standard exhibiting minimal-to-no damage.

Foot Traffic:
In this test, a 200-pound weight is applied repeatedly across the surface of the module. Our modules have passed the Foot Traffic test with no damage, as applied utilizing Factory Mutual (FM) standard 4470.