Quality Control Q-Cells
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QUALITY CONTROLLED PV
The TÜV seal for the most reliable
Qcells is the first and so far only manufacturer of solar modules to take part in the most comprehensive quality program in the industry: the new ``Quality Controlled PV`` of the independent certification institute TÜV Rheinland.
We continuously test our solar modules far beyond the usual approval certification based on the future IEC TS 63209 - the ``Extended stress test for PV modules`` and also monitor materials and suppliers of components
With ``Quality Controlled PV`` from TÜV Rheinland, we prove the permanently high level of safety and quality of our solar modules and ensure our customers high yields over the term.
ENDURANCE TESTS BEYOND THE GUIDELINES
Products must already withstand the test conditions based on the future IEC TS 63209 “Extended Stress Test” at the start of production and after product adjustments. For maximum confidence in the reliability of our solar modules and a long service life.
CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION MONITORING
MATERIAL
FOOTPRINT
We inspect critical materials and components throughout the production cycle. This helps us to detect any quality fluctuations in components at an early stage and to remedy them in good time.
TÜV REPRESENTATIVES CONTINUOUSLY ON SITE
Employees of TÜV Rheinland monitor the solar modules of all production sites monthly by taking random samples and check compliance with the measurement procedures in accordance with the Quality Controlled PV guidelines
1. EXTENDED STRESS TEST BASED ON FUTURE IEC TS 63209
This series of more than 40 individual tests puts solar modules to the hardest: Before we start series production and with every change, no matter how small, we carry out module tests that set new industry standards.
2. CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION MONITORING
This is unique in the industry: In order to be able to guarantee product stability, we regularly carry out spot checks on our product lines. In addition, an employee from TÜV Rheinland continuously monitors the Qcells quality and monitoring measures at all Qcells production sites.
3. COMPONENT AND MATERIAL TESTING
Using special analysis methods, we regularly check particularly critical components and materials upon receipt of goods in order to identify any quality fluctuations in good time and thus keep them out of production. In this way we can also avoid errors that would not be visible even in tough climate chamber tests.
OUR TEST SCENARIOS
Our goal is to ensure the highest level of confidence in the reliability of our solar panels and to ensure long life cycles. That is why we are already the only manufacturer to rely on TÜV Rheinland’s 3-part test program “Quality Controlled PV”.
TC 600: 600 times from the South Pole to the Sahara and back
Only Qcells solar modules go through 600 cycles with temperature changes from -40 °C to +85 °C within 15 weeks. This is 3 times harder than the IEC test TC 200. This is how we ensure that the soldered connections in the modules last 25 years, even in the toughest locations in the world.
PHOTO SERIES FROM THE TEST LABORATORY
DH 2000: 2,000 HOURS CLIMATE CHAMBER
We let our solar modules sweat twice as long as required by the IEC certification: they spend 2,000 hours at 85 °C and 85% relative humidity in the climatic chamber in order to meet our high quality standards.
These extreme conditions enable us to subject the modules to an artificial aging process. In this way, we can identify possible problems at an early stage and implement solutions directly. Without QCPV, premature wear would only be discovered very late - possibly even during operation.
By exposing our solar modules to these extreme conditions, we ensure that they can withstand any climate and thus recognize early on whether materials are suitable. Without QCPV, this would only be discovered very late - possibly even during operation.
STRESS AND DEGRADATION TESTS
Our solar modules are put to the test in these tests: the solar modules have to prove that they meet our strict requirements. Among other things, they have to prove their mechanical resilience under extreme wind and snow load conditions in the laboratory. In addition, the long-term stability of the plastics used is tested in climate chambers under warm, humid conditions (85 °C/85 % humidity). Temperature changes (-40 °C to 85 °C) simulated in other climate chambers test the reliability of the soldered connections in the module. In addition, important reliability tests are carried out during these tests, which are not yet reflected in the current IEC certifications (PID, LeTID).
In order to make the test conditions even more realistic, various climate chamber tests are carried out one after the other in defined sequences based on the latest scientific findings. This ensures that our modules can withstand all real weather conditions over a long period of time.
TÜV Rheinland employees test modules from all production sites
TÜV Rheinland employees are present at the production sites and test Qcells solar modules from all production sites by taking them at random. In addition, they attest to the certification tests of the Qcells module test centers in Germany, Korea, Malaysia and China.
As representatives of TÜV, they select the samples and monitor the tests.
PLANNED SAMPLING
In order to be able to guarantee regular control of our solar module production, the TÜV Rheinland employee assigned to the respective production site regularly takes random samples, which are examined according to the strictest criteria. This is how we ensure that all of our product types are consistently checked worldwide.
RANDOM SAMPLING OF MATERIALS
Plastic components in particular are prone to signs of wear and aging. Therefore, we randomly test materials from our suppliers that are classified as critical for durability, performance and safety upon receipt before they are used in production and regularly during production.
SUPPLIER AUDITS
We regularly review material and component suppliers for all critical components using a rigorous audit program, paying particular attention to reliability and material properties as well as supplier change control.
