What are some of the Risks of purchasing solar modules?

Solar installation schedules, technology innovation, and R&D has continued at a growing pace. The summer of 2020 showed several solar module manufacturers announcing new models surpassing 500W. With 350W panels generally seen as amazingly powerful just three years ago, many companies jump to new extremes. The explanation for higher power classes comes down to a shift to larger crystalline silicon wafers. A silicon wafer is the building block of a solar panel. Once wafers mix with various chemicals and “electrified,” they become solar cells. Solar cells get connected and become solar panels. The efficiency of cells is near the maximum. This is the primary reason companies have moved to larger cells.

“If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.”

Jim Rohn

Risk is an interesting concept as we are considering to risk all the time unconsciously. As children, we felt all life’s threats, but as we age, the process of monitoring risk is performed automatically.   Our subconscious is doing the work. We cannot understand some risks because we do not have enough information—potential factors in a situation or a process. We are making risk decisions based on what we know and or do not know. It is what we do not know that affects us the most.

An example, in module manufacturing, many factors take place in the process. Items of importance consist of the raw materials’ quality, where the materials are purchased, and the factory’s delivery date for manufacturing the panels. Who is checking the raw materials into the factory’s facility? Who is moving the materials out of storage onto the line? How old is the factory equipment, and is the maintenance kept to specifications? Who performs the maintenance checks, and are the records available to see and copy for the customer’s review? Who is doing the quality control, and what are these procedures?

A minimum of a ten-point report card should be sent to the buyer at each completion point along the production process, including the following items:   1.   Conduct a high-level process audit of the factory. 2.   Photograph BOM components as materials move from their original packaging. 3.   Observe and record the technical details about the BOM. 4.   Strictly track each BOM component through every step of production. 5.   Collect backsheet, encapsulant, and connector samples for testing and inventory. 6.   Document recipes used for welding and laminating. 7.   Sign each module for 3rd party review and seal the pallets with tamperproof tape. 8.   Ship sealed pallets directly to 3rd party testing facility. 9.   Test the modules. 10.   Produce a report of test results and all the above items.

Important Note:

USD has partnered with Stem and now has the accreditation needed for storage. If you are looking for storage options on your next or any future projects, please allow us to ensure your storage investment brings the expected returns.

If you are looking to low-cost high efficiency modules or storage please read below.

Looking for an amazing module deal then please contact us ASAP and we have a number of modules (JA, QCell, Longi, Jinko, Trina, GCL and Seraphim) at extremely low prices? These are Tier 1 with full warranty being purchased directly from the factory.

If you have eight to ten weeks before requiring modules please let us know, and we will remove all risk by auditing your order from BOM through delivery.

With an additional two years of 26% ITC, it is time now to remove the tariff.

If you want 430W to 460W modules let us know as we can get best pricing.

Last week’s question, “Does the two-year extension of ITC helps your business?” “83% of the respondents said, Yes.” 

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USD focuses on ensuring our customers have a pleasant experience purchasing modules or storage. We have refined the steps of the bid, acceptance, and delivery process. We perform the steps required to satisfy the requirements of all the parties in the acquisition and sale. Please contact us with any questions, and we can help you better understand the value of hiring module professionals to assist your module purchase process.