West Bengal, India–based PV module manufacturer Vikram Solar has announced some of its 60- and 72-cell multi-crystalline silicon solar modules now come with a linear power warranty up to 27 years.
The warranty includes modules belonging to the ELDORA Prime, Ultima, Neo, Grand, and Grand Ultima Series.
Warrantee Power Degradation Plan
The warranted power degradation will be 2.5% in the first year, dropping to 0.67% year-on-year from second year until the 27th year, finally ending with 80.1% of the original power measured under STC conditions, at the end of the 27th year.
According to press information, Vikram Solar has run extended in-house reliability test programs on all warranted modules for the past year. Testing has included collecting data on failure mechanisms and reliability models prior to announcing its “industry leading warranty terms.”
“We stand by our commitment to global markets and constantly challenge ourselves to deliver lowest cost of ownership to our global customers,” said president and chief technology officer Ivan Saha. “By validating these differentiated and best-in-class warranty terms, our research and development team has helped us to position our modules as the natural choice for long-term investments.”
Name-brand solar panels typically have a 20- or 25-year warranty concerning power output. SolarEnergy writes, “Most manufacturers guarantee at least 80% output (for the specified number of years).”
“Product variables concerning materials and process conditions used for manufacturing include weather conditions across various geographies, impact of long-term UV degradation, humidity, and temperature.”
Founded in 2006, Vikram Solar specializes in high-efficiency PV module manufacturing and comprehensive EPC solutions. It presently has a product presence in more than 32 countries.
Testing was based on a process starting with detailed Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) for each stage of design, manufacturing and usage of materials, sub-components, and processes. That was followed with material level testing and life estimation, process modifications with ‘Design for Reliability’ concepts, outdoor testing of modules, and long duration testing under ‘Highly Accelerated Stress Test’ (HAST) conditions.
The company stated it is rolling out this warranty term for all the named product types manufactured and shipped as early as December 1, 2015.
Image and video via Vikram Solar
