BYD PV modules have successfully passed the climatic tests of Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.

Three BYD PV modules have relatively passed the Enhanced UV-Test (six times standard requirement), the thermal cycling test (three times standard requirement), and the damp heat test (three times standard requirement).

In order to conduct different climatic stress tests, three PV-modules were sent by BYD Company, Ltd. to the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE. The climatic test conditions followed the requirements of the type approval standard for crystalline silicon PV modules (IEC 61215). However the total test duration was increased significantly compared to the standard. Following test sequences were conducted:

Sequence 1: Enhanced thermal UV-Test (one module):

UV test including initial and final characterization, Total UV-dose: 90 kWh (standard requirement 15 kWh).

Sequence 2: Enhanced thermal cycling test (TC) (one module):

Thermal cycling test, 600 cycles 85 °C / -40 °C, including initial and final characterization as well as interim characterization after 200 and 400 cycles, (standard requirement 200 cycles).

Sequence 3: Enhanced damp heat test (DH) (one module):

Damp heat test, 3000 hours, 85 °C / 85% RH, including initial and final characterization as well as interim characterization after 1000 and 2000 hours (standard requirement 1000 hours).

The initial inspection was performed on all modules. Three tests were conducted successfully. All test samples fulfill the standard requirements with respect to their performance and electrical safety after all conducted stress tests, which means BYD PV modules have been certified by Fraunhofer ISE. All these tests show the excellent strength and reliability of BYD PV products.

Fraunhofer as a German research organization with 60 institutes spread throughout Germany, each institute focuses on different fields of applied science. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE conducts research on the technology needed to supply energy efficiently and on an environmentally sound basis in industrialized, threshold and developing countries. For this purpose, the Institute develops systems, components, materials and processes in the areas of the thermal use of solar energy, solar building, solar cells, electrical power supplies, chemical energy conversion, energy storage and the rational use of energy.