MPrime, a subsidiary of Martifer Solar, announced that its photovoltaic modules M210-255P series have passed the Potential Induced Degradation (PID) test, at Photovoltaik-Institut Berlin.
The maximum power degradation was 0.3%, confirming MPrime modules as completely PID-Free, even when exposed to -1000V at 85ºC and 85% HR for 96 hours (the double of the standard test).
This is a very pleasing result for us. High resistance to Potential Induced Degradation underlines the high quality of MPrimes modules and their individual components, ensuring the reliability and long operating life of our products. There are a short number of PID-Free modules on the market. It is an important measure for our customers, demonstrating that they can count on the quality of our modules, said Pedro Alves, Managing Director of MPrime.
MPrimes modules are produced in one of the technologically best-equipped factories in Europe. Located in central Portugal, with an extremely advanced production line, completely automated and robotized, it achieves an annual production capacity of 50 MW. The factory is part of an Integrated Management System, which is certified by the EN ISO 9001:2008, EN ISO 14001:2004 and OSHAS 18001:2007 standards. MPrimes modules were ranked as the third-best in the general score in the 2010 Energy Yield test by TÜV Rheinland.
Potential Induced Degradation is a recent growing phenomenon in the photovoltaic industry. It occurs when the power output of a photovoltaic module is reduced due to external factors such as high temperature and humidity, and high negative voltage bias between the cells and the ground. PID can affect the performance of individual modules as well as the overall power output and efficiency of an entire solar power generating system.
Photovoltaik-Institut Berlin test measure the sensitivity of the module output parameters when exposed to high system voltages. Modules are considered to show resistance to PID if they lose less than five percent (5%) of their nominal power under standardized test conditions.
