As the solar industry pushes for ever-lower costs, larger module sizes and greater energy output, the structural integrity and long-term performance of modules have become critically compromised.

Hail durability testing saw a decline in ‘high achiever’ results from 70% to 27% between 2025 and 2026. Image: Marian Heinkel ...

Instances of cracks in PV module glass started appearing about five years ago. Spontaneous glass breakage is now one of the solar industry’s top issues, but manufacturing pressures and a lack of ...

For the first time in the independent testing laboratory’s 12-year history, no single module has achieved the coveted “top performer” rating in all reliability tests, and a record 87% of manufacturers ...

Image source: Origami Test module in pneumatic test load machine at CFV Test Labs. The solar industry has fought for decades to earn its reputation as the fastest, cheapest way to decarbonize the grid ...

Within RETC's custome portfolio, 19 manufacturers earned recognition in the 2026 PV Module Index across multiple testing disciplines and award categories. Thirteen manufacturers achieved Overall ...

The system enables measurements under controlled irradiance, spectrum, and temperature conditions. It can combine 0.4% spatial irradiance uniformity, 500 ms illumination pulses, and dynamic I-V ...