The market for the solar PV module business is really competitive and sometimes it’s hard to decide or make sure that we work with the right supplier. Here are 5 tips

1.Raw material

Buying a solar module is 25 years investment, and the raw material is a key point when you purchase solar modules, as it determines the efficiency and the lifespan of your module. The main point to pay attention are:

Cells: Make sure it’s graded A cells, pay attention to the EL Test report, and make sure it’s not photoshop.

EVA: Check the grammage of the EVA used for your panels. Grammage needs to be between 390-420g/sqm2 with a thickness of 0.5/0.55 mm. Many manufacturers used low-quality EVA that can damage cells, make corrosion, and reduce the efficiency of your module.

Frame: It’s important to use good quality aluminum for the frame, to avoid the frame to be damaged or curve. The thickness of the aluminum frame needs to be at least 1.5 mm, with strict quality control on the frame.

2. Certification

A good way to check the reliability of your solar module supplier is to make sure that they have all the certificates in your request and that they are still valid. Many manufacturers have a non-valid certificate or didn’t renew it, or they are not certified for all panels.

You can check directly on the TUV SUD website for IEC standard certification for example. Just need to write the company name on the search bar: TUV-SUED Certificate Explorer

3. Account Management

For a good order follow up, and/or in case of any customer support or technical issue, make sure that you can well communicate with the person in charge of your order, and that your contact can provide you a fast and accurate answer. Answer simple requests about prices are simple, but make sure your contact is professional and can provide you all the technical information you need, and explain to you all detail well. Every company is facing claims or issues, but the way you solve them is really important. Make sure your supplier has valid ISO:9001 certifications, and ask him his experience with previous claims.

Manufactories are usually at the origins of the issue and know how to solve the problem so it’s better to be in direct contact with solar module manufacturers.

4. Packaging

One of the main problems faced by the final consumer and solar installation company is micro crack. Micro crack is mainly due to a problem at the factory during assembling the panels, and/or problems during transportation. Good quality packaging using 2 waves layout is a MUST TO when you want to protect your module. Ask the picture before and during loading to make sure that your pallets are well wrapped, and well blocked in the container.

5. Project and client reference

As the solar module is a really competitive business, it’s important to work with a company that has a solid experience in the solar industry, and it’s important to check for client or project reference. Make sure also that picture you received and the project described is real. How many times we can see a picture of an old project of 100 MW, and in description 1MW panels installation, or when you ask more detail about the project, nobody can answer to you and they need to check again.

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