Major PV energy provider (PVEP) Canadian Solar has upgraded PV module warranties on both its multicrystalline and high-end monocrystalline product offerings.
The warranty upgrades target lower first-year power output degradation and are effective from 1 June, 2015.
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Canadian Solar said that it was guaranteeing a lower first-year power output degradation of less than 2.5% on all its multicrystalline modules with degradation levels in year two to year 25 of no more than 0.7%. By the end of year 25, the actual power output would be guaranteed at no less than 80.7% of the ‘nameplate’ power output.
On its ‘Diamond’ double-glass module, Canadian Solar said it was guaranteeing the first year power degradation to be no more than 2.5% from its nameplate power. From year two to year 30, power declines would be no more than 0.5%. By the end of year 30, the actual power output will be no less than 83% of the ‘labelled’ power output.
Canadian Solar said that with expected improvements in standard monocrystalline wafer production it would roll out a similar enhanced performance warranty in the future.
Dr. Guoqiang Xing, vice president of technology, Canadian Solar, commented: “As a major module manufacturer, we are proud to offer the industry's leading warranty on solar panels. Our ability to provide such a comprehensive and top-notch warranty is a strong indicator of the company's bankability, success, and product reliability.”
The company also touted that the upgraded warranties were a direct results of its investment in solar cell and module technology R&D.
However, according to PV Tech’s annual analysis of 12 major PV module producers R&D spending trends, Canadian Solar has consistently ranked near the bottom and was ranked in 11th position, down two positions in a soon to be released report covering 2014 R&D spending, in sister quarterly technical journal, Photovoltaics International.
