Reliability

Stable energy yields

A solar module is not a disposable consumer product – it has to generate reliable energy for decades in order for the investment to pay off. For this reason Soltecture relies on maximum quality. Anyone using our solar modules can be certain that we will do everything to ensure that you can also enjoy the energy yields from your solar power system in twenty years. We guarantee the long-term stability of the modules.

Soltecture sets itself high standards. Quality begins in the production and extends to the product. Anyone choosing a Soltecture product receives a durable product made in Germany. In order to guarantee permanently high quality, the solar modules are regularly subjected to internal and external tests.

TÜV tested

Soltecture solar modules are tested and certified by TÜV-Rheinland in accordance with the IEC EN 61646 test standard and IEC EN 61730. The test simulates the ageing of the modules and limits age-related drops in the module output to a minimum. Soltecture’s products have passed the tests and have already been certified since 2008.

Standard tests more than met

Internally, Soltecture uses tests that are more demanding than those used by the TÜV for certification according to IEC 61646:

Damp-heat test: For the IEC test, modules are aged for 1,000 hours at 85°C and at 85% relative humidity. Soltecture ages its modules not just for 1,000 hours but for 2,000 hours and still achieves the required 95% of the original output.

Load test: Modules are subject to high mechanical loads on the roof, including snow loads, wind loads and torsion. In accordance with the IEC standard, the modules are tested under compressive and tensile loads of 2,400 Pa. However, Soltecture conducts this test not just under standard conditions but also when there are uneven fixings, including under torsion. Furthermore, the modules also pass the test under extreme conditions. For example, the snow load can exceed 2,400 Pa in mountainous regions. Soltecture therefore commissioned the TÜV to also test its framed modules at 5,400 Pa (‘heavy load’), whereby this much more demanding test was also passed.

Insulation test: In order to ensure the systems’ safe operation, the electrical insulation of the solar modules also has to be tested in accordance with IEC 61646. Not only did Soltecture pass this test as part of the IEC certification, it also tests each individual module before delivery in terms of their insulation resistance at 5,000 volts. This therefore ensures that the test conditions are always met, module for module.

Ammonia test: Increased concentrations of ammonia occur in the air above agricultural buildings such as cattle sheds. The resistance of modules under such conditions is not tested to IEC 61646. Soltecture therefore commissioned a TÜV-certified laboratory to conduct an ammonia test based on DIN 50916:1985T2. The test was passed and the modules are therefore permitted for use in stables.

Manufacturer’s warranty

Soltecture grants its products not only an independent manufacturer’s warranty lasting 10 years but also an output warranty that guarantees 80% of the initial output for 25 years, which is above the standard typical in the market. Soltecture also sets new quality standards in classifying its modules into different performance classes: a positive output tolerance of +8/-2 per cent ensures excellent yields and more kilowatt-hours per installed watt peak.

You can find the original manufacturer’s and output warranties here.

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Comparison of the annual yield of a solar power system consisting of CIS modules with a system consisting of polycrystalline silicon.