TÜV Rheinland reveals first PV module manufacturers with new LeTID test certificates

June 18, 2019
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
GCL SI has also noted that it developed low cell oxygen content in tandem with its cast mono ingot technology from sister company GCL-Poly, the largest multicrystalline wafer producer. Image: GCL-SI

TÜV Rheinland has awarded the first small group of PV module manufacturers with certification against LeTID (Light and elevated Temperature Induced Degradation), also known as Carrier Induced Degradation (CID), according to a new LeTID testing standard (2 PfG 2689/04.19), which has been under development for almost two years. 

PV Tech has been featuring the LeTID issues, which includes a detailed insight by Dr Radovan Kopecek, one of the founders of ISC Konstanz as well as a free technical paper overview of the issues from Meng Xiajie of LONGi Solar.

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

According to TÜV Rheinland the new LeTID test was designed to significantly shorten testing times by simplifying the testing process, without affecting the strictness of testing conditions and the accuracy of the final results.

At the SNEC, TÜV Rheinland issued the world's first LeTID certificates to five China-based PV module manufacturers, which included four ‘Solar Module Super League’ (SMSL) members; JinkoSolar, Trina Solar, LONGi Solar and GCL System Integration (GCL-SI) as well as Chint/Astronergy. 

Leading member JinkoSolar had already highlighted early in 2019, that it had been focused on reducing the oxygen and metal content levels in its P-type mono-PERC and N-type monocrystalline wafers to reduce the impact of LeTID. 

The company had said that this had resulted in its P-type mono-PERC cell efficiencies only degrading by around 1%, while its N-type monocrystalline cells efficiencies only degraded 0.2%, in accordance with the forthcoming IEC 63202-1 standard.

GCL SI has also noted that it developed low cell oxygen content in tandem with its cast mono ingot technology from sister company GCL-Poly, the largest multicrystalline wafer producer.

“Being one of the few solar cell and module producers with the technology of reducing and controlling LeTID in mass production, the certificate is a testimony that the cast mono modules produced by GCL SI possess excellent anti-LeTID performance,” said Guo Qizhi, General Manager of Module R&D Department of GCL SI at the awarding ceremony.

LONGi Solar, a subsidiary of the largest monocrystalline wafer producer LONGi Green Energy, recently noted that its Hi-MO series of high-efficiency mono PERC modules had been leading in low degradation and high yield.

Read Next

October 24, 2025
The Saudi state-owned renewables developer Masdar has begun construction on a giant solar-plus-storage project in Abu Dhabi.
October 23, 2025
US solar manufacturer T1 Energy sold approximately 725MW of solar modules in Q3 2025, as it continues to expand US manufacturing capabilities.
October 23, 2025
Powerlink Queensland is seeking federal approval to expand its existing 330kV Bulli Creek Substation in Southern Queensland to accommodate the grid connection of Genex Power's 775MW Bulli Creek solar PV power plant.
Sponsored
October 22, 2025
LONGi vice president Dennis She discusses the value logic behind the company's strategic focus on back contact technology.
October 22, 2025
US thin-film manufacturer First has revealed another transfer of its 45X manufacturing tax credits in a deal worth around US$775 million.
October 22, 2025
The Queensland government has launched the Social Licence in Renewable Energy Toolkit, providing local councils in Australia with resources to navigate renewable energy project engagement and community consultation processes.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 10, 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal