In a move that many other PV module manufacturers are expected to adopt, SolarWorld is the first manufacturer to switch to a linear performance guarantee on its entire range of solar modules. SolarWorld claims that as a result of the change, it has extended the performance warranty for its modules from two to five years. Traditionally, the industry has used a stepped performance guarantee system, such as 90% of the lower nominal output for the first 10 years and then 80% for year 11n onwards.
The linear guarantee from SolarWorld includes a first year of operation guarantee of at least 97% of the nominal output, with the second year of operation declining by no more than 0.7% of the nominal output. In the 25th year of operation, the module would have an actual performance of at least 80.2% of the nominal output.
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“We have deliberately invested for years in our research and development capacities so as to be able to consistently optimize our products,” said Frank H. Asbeck, chairman/CEO of SolarWorld AG, in characterizing the strategy of the company. “We know what our products can do and pass on this security to our customers by way of our linear performance guarantee.”
