First Solar’s Series 3 Black CdTe module passes ‘Thresher’ test

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Leading PV energy provider (PVEP), First Solar, has claimed to be the first thin-film module manufacturer to have received ‘Thresher' test certification from TÜV Rheinland.

Jim Hughes, CEO of First Solar, said during a conference call to discuss second quarter financial results, that its latest Series 3 Black Module passed both the Thresher test and long-term sequential tests.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

“We are pleased to announce that our Series 3 Black Module is the first thin-film module in the world to pass two of the most difficult and strenuous independent tests with module durability and reliability, the Thresher test and the even more harsh long-term sequential tests, both evaluated by TUV Rheinland,” noted Hughes.

First Solar had introduced the Series 3 Black Module earlier in 2013, noting its harsh environment capabilities as well as improved performance characteristics.

“First Solar's success in these test places us among an exclusive list of only four other module manufacturers to demonstrate this market leading capability,” added Hughes in the call. “It also emphasises that while we continue to make significant investments in the redesign of our modules to increase efficiency and reduce cost, we don't sacrifice quality and performance in order to do so. Instead, we are creating a unique market offering that maximises value while minimising risk.”

China-based PV module manufacturer, Seraphim Solar System, was the first to receive the new Thresher certification, conducted by TÜV SÜD, followed quickly by JA Solar, using the same testing house.

According to a recent announcement from TÜV SÜD, three Chinese module manufacturers had been issued Thresher certificates, without identifying the companies. 

Read Next

September 5, 2025
US solar tracker manufacturer Nextracker has launched a new electrical balance of systems (eBOS) trunk connector.
September 5, 2025
Scientists from Germany and Saudi Arabia have discovered that perovskite thin-film cells are compatible with current industry standard silicon solar cells, which they claim is a “crucial step toward the industrialisation of perovskite silicon tandem solar cells”.
September 5, 2025
During a week of major US clean energy developments, ContourGlobal, PSE, Arevon, and Ameren Missouri advanced solar projects across four states in the US.
September 5, 2025
Newly formed firm Solaris Assets has acquired the business operations and assets of Texas-based residential solar installer Sunnova.
September 5, 2025
US solar tracker manufacturer Array Technologies has announced that two of its tracking systems are compatible with 2,000V solar systems.
September 5, 2025
Research firm Rystad Energy has found that Queensland’s utility-scale solar PV power plants have dominated the best-performing assets, in terms of AC capacity factor, rankings for August 2025.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines