Canadian Solar (NASDAQ: CSIQ), (the "Company", "we" or "Canadian Solar"), one of the world's largest solar companies, has achieved the highest ratings possible in the two most significant standard tests for ammonia (NH3) resistance of solar modules. The modules were tested in the IEC 62716 draft C ammonia corrosion test by TUV Rheinland and also in the DLG standard test for solar modules in agricultural environments. The tests included power loss, visual inspection and the insulation resistance.
Approximately 20 percent of PV installations in Germany are located on agricultural land. Due to the partially high ammonia concentrations found in the air of animal stables, the resistance of modules is of particular relevance for maintaining PV power output in agricultural businesses. Both the test by TUV Rheinland and the one by DLG test solar modules for their resistance against NH3 corrosion, allowing for a maximum power loss of 5 percent. The solar modules made by Canadian Solar passed both tests without showing any performance degradation. TUV Rheinland certified the modules CS6P-P and CS6P-M, CS5A-M and CS5A-P, CS6X-P and CS6X-M, CS6A-P and CS6A-M, CS5P-M and CS5P-P, CS6C-M, CS6C-P and CS5C-M-made by Canadian Solar. The DLG test included Canadian Solar's CS6P-P-module.
"We pride ourselves in our R&D and innovations, as we are able to provide customers and partners with superior PV products. The ammonia tests are the latest to underscore the suitability of our panels in real world applications in Germany and worldwide," said Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar.
No power loss, even under high ammonia exposure
In the ammonia corrosion test by TUV Rheinland the modules are exposed to extreme conditions for a 20-day test cycle, being exposed to 6,667 ppm of ammonia (NH3), under 8 hours of 140° F (60° C) with 100 percent relative humidity, then 16 hours of drying in standard atmosphere without ammonia under 73°F (23° C) and a maximum of 75 percent relative humidity. This cycle repeats 20 times. The Canadian Solar modules tested showed less than 0.8 percent power loss and achieved the TUV certificate for ammonia corrosion resistance.
The DLG NH3 resistance test checks the modules' performance under ammonia exposure by exposing the modules to 750 ppm of ammonia clouds at 158 °F (70° C) for 1,500 hours. This test simulates a 20 year lifetime. The Canadian Solar modules tested showed less than 1.3 percent power loss during the test, and have been able to convince the auditors in all aspects.