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KYOCERA Solar Modules Confirmed as PID Resistant by Fraunhofer CSP Testing

Outstanding quality and reliability make Kyocera one of only four manufacturers to pass Fraunhofer’s high-voltage stress test with zero degradation

Kyocera Corporation (President: Tetsuo Kuba) announced that its solar modules have again passed independent quality testing with flying colors after the non-profitFraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP (Halle, Germany) disclosed the results of its potential induced degradation (PID) test which demonstrated that Kyocera’s modules did not show any degradation after being subjected to high voltage stress testing. The results of this third-party test illustrate the high quality and high reliability of Kyocera’s modules — which are born of the company’s more than 35 years of experience in the industry and its quality-focused manufacturing process.

Potential induced degradation (PID) is a phenomenon where the power output of a solar module is reduced when exposed to high negative voltage bias between the cells and ground. PID can potentially affect the performance of individual modules as well as the overall power output and efficiency of an entire solar power generating system. The resistance to, or intensity of, power output degradation in different companies’ modules can vary greatly, as shown by Fraunhofer CSP’s testing.

Earlier this year, Fraunhofer CSP anonymously acquired and independently tested modules from 13 well-known manufacturers; subjecting the modules to a high voltage stress test (50 deg. C, 50% relative humidity, -1000V, aluminum film at the front side, 48 hours). Kyocera was one of only four manufacturers whose modules passed the test without showing any degradation, while other companies’ modules showed partial to significant degradation. These results highlight a stark divide between different companies’ modules — while distinguishing Kyocera among a select number to be proven as PID resistant.

“As a pioneer in the industry Kyocera has been involved in R&D and manufacturing of solar power generating systems for more than 35 years, and in that time we have developed numerous innovations and manufacturing technologies to ensure the high quality and long-term durability of our products,” said Tatsumi Maeda, general manager of the Kyocera Corporate Solar Energy Group. “With Kyocera’s solar modules having been the first in the world to be certified by TUV Rheinland’s Long-Term Sequential Test, the Fraunhofer CSP test results further demonstrate the industry-leading technology and reliable performance of Kyocera modules.”

Kyocera has decades of experience in every phase of the solar module manufacturing process, from raw materials (silicon casting), to cell production (wafer slicing), to the finished product (module assembly). The company draws upon this experience in all phases of its R&D, procurement and manufacturing activities to deliver solar modules of outstanding quality and reliability.


About KYOCERA
Kyocera is one of the world’s largest vertically integrated producers and suppliers of solar photovoltaic modules and systems. With a 37-year history of innovation and profitability in solar technology, the company is recognized as a global leader and industry pioneer in solar power solutions ― and is in a unique position to integrate decades of experience into its product development and support for both residential and industrial clients across the globe. Kyocera serves thousands of customers in both developed and developing regions, with more than 3 gigawatts of solar collection equipment installed since 1975. The company has set repeated world records in multicrystal silicon cell efficiency and most recently gained the distinction of producing the world’s first modules to pass the Long-Term Sequential Test for reliability performed by TUV Rheinland Japan Ltd.

Kyocera Solar, Inc.  is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona with regional sales affiliates in the Americas and Australia.

Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO) (TOKYO:6971) (http://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of solar power generating systems, printers, copiers, telecommunications equipment, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2012, the company’s net sales totaled 1.19 trillion yen (approx. USD14.5 billion). The company is ranked #426 on Forbes magazine’s 2012 “Global 2000” listing of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.

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