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Independent Test Results Confirm All REC Group's Solar Panels Are PID-Free
[October 20, 2014]

Independent Test Results Confirm All REC Group's Solar Panels Are PID-Free


(Marketwire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) LAS VEGAS, NV -- (Marketwired) -- 10/20/14 -- REC Group, the largest European supplier of solar panels worldwide, is presenting its latest performance test results concerning degradation processes at the Solar Power International (SPI) 2014 exhibition in Las Vegas this week. The tests from the independent Solar Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) confirm that REC solar panels are free of any performance-inhibiting potential-induced degradation (PID) effects. Since all panels were randomly selected from current models, REC is one of very few manufacturers that can guarantee all its panels are 100 percent PID-free under all climate conditions. Furthermore, REC panels performed best in light-induced degradation (LID) testing, also conducted by SERIS.



Caused by factors such as high voltage, humidity and temperatures, PID can result in precipitous drops in panel power output and is considered one of the most serious threats to the performance of a solar power plant. The extent of PID is very much location and climate dependent; if severe enough, the degradation mechanism can greatly impair system performance and significantly reduce project profitability.

SERIS analyzed REC panels alongside several Tier 1 Chinese polycrystalline solar panels under accelerated PID conditions. All of the panels were current models and were randomly selected. Each panel was subjected to a test in line with the technical specifications of IEC for PID and endorsed by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The panels were tested at SERIS for 96 hours at 60 degrees C and 85 percent relative humidity, with a negative voltage bias of -1000 volts.


REC panels passed the tests unscathed, showing no PID effects after flash testing. All but one of the competing panels displayed significant degradation, with certain panels experiencing as much as a 50 percent loss in power output. REC attributes its superior PID results to its smart panel design and proprietary material and process enhancements implemented at its fully automated state of the art manufacturing facility in Singapore as well as stringent internal qualification testing.

"While many solar companies have claimed that some of their panels do not have PID issues under certain conditions, REC guarantees that each and every one of our panels coming is 100 percent PID-free in all climate conditions," said Cemil Seber, Director of Product Marketing and Global Expansion for REC. "The test results from SERIS, as well as real-world field data, confirm that REC panels can be counted on for high-performance output over the life of the system." The whitepaper discussing the impacts of degradation on REC panels is available for download here.

REC will be showcasing its PID-free TwinPeak Series and Peak Energy Series panels in Booth 357 at the SPI exhibition in Las Vegas, October 21-23, 2014.

About REC GroupREC Group is a leading global provider of solar energy solutions. With more than 15 years of experience, we offer sustainable, high performing products, services and investments for the solar industry. Together with our partners, we create value by providing solutions that better meet the world's growing energy needs. Headquartered in Norway, the company is traded under the name REC Solar ASA and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: RECSOL). Our 1,600 employees worldwide generated revenues of US $647 million in 2013. For more information, visit www.recgroup.com.

Follow REC on Twitter https://twitter.com/recgroupmedia Source: REC Group

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