HK Sphere Solar LTD

• Technical Support: HK Sphere Tech. Departement
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What’s the degradation rate of our solar panels after 9 years?
Solar energy is all about kWh. Ultimately, this is what matters. If every day, more and more people across the globe invest in solar energy, it’s because they trust in a future where they self-produce the electricity powering the devices that make their life easier. But investing in a PV system is still a bet based on trust. Because one only buys the promise of future kWh. And we explain regularly in this blog that a two decades module lifespan where everything goes well is not a given. You will discover over the years if you made the right choice. So in order to shed some lights on this topic, we would like to share with you the analysis realized on 16 modules installed almost ten years ago.
How do our solar modules perform after 9 years in operation?
Unsurprisingly, customer satisfaction towards their solar panels is explained by two factors. First, they have to keep their physical integrity and thus should not fail because of one or several of their components. Second, while the solar modules are working properly, they have to produce a maximum of kWh. “In average, our modules degraded by only -3.5% in 9 years”
How to put in perspective the results?
How should we consider those results? Do they only reflect a very specific case or can they be generalized? To do so, let’s consider the two imperatives assigned to a good solar panel: – To be free of failure along the expected lifetime – To deliver as much kWh as possible
Are modules we supply default free?
The first and foremost imperative for a solar panel is to work properly without any internal defect. As far as this point is concerned, our 16 modules behave well as after 9 years, none of them display any defect that could potentially harm the integrity of the module in the long run and the performance. This is a very important point to underline. We cannot repeat enough that the main purpose of any international certification like the IEC 61215 should not be misinterpreted. The latter is designed by essence to ensure solar modules are not subject to infant mortality, typically in the first 4 to 5 years. Which means that for the remaining 20 years, it is all about the know-how and commitment of the manufacturer towards quality. Studies released by Dupont or TUV Rheinland showing that 22% to 48% of modules are having defect after only 4 to 5 years in operation should ring a bell to anyone in our industry. There is such a price pressure and a complexity in the supply chain of components and OEM modules that the quality necessary suffers. It is a proof, if needed, that the price should not be the sole obsession in the PV industry.
Do our modules deliver as much kWh as they should?
The different independent studies that tackled the question of solar modules degradation end up with an average of -0.8% per year. With an average of -3.5% after 9 years, the degradation of the 16 modules tested would translate into an annual degradation of less than -0.4%, which would position aleo in the very good performers among its peers. All in all, the results shown by this test are consistent with the feedback from our customers and our very low claim rate which makes us confident about our ability to deliver consistently a high level of product quality.
Can past performances predict the future?
One might say that the modules produced in 2008 have barely anything in common with those manufactured in 2017. And it would be right. Almost everything changed. One can also assume that the components used today should be of better quality than those of 10 years ago. Unfortunately, this is not as straightforward as illustrated by field studies cited earlier. Also, some evolutions present in theory greater risks: thinner and thus more fragile cells, thinner backsheet, anti-PID AR coating… On the other hand, one thing never changed. Despite the huge pressure on costs, we always stayed true to ourselves and our culture of excellence. No matter what. We are in this business to manufacture products that last. Which makes us confident in our ability to provide the same level of quality today as we did already 10 years ago.
Conclusion
Conclusion Shedding light on a topic like the degradation of solar panels should prompt PV professional to take away 2 key messages: – Simulation will never trump reality – when simulating PV plants performances, it is easy to fall in the trap that consists in taking the first imperative of a good quality for granted while focusing exclusively on simulated yields differences and price of course. Nevertheless, real world data show us that the most pressing need for an investor is to choose the right module, the one that will last and that all other consideration should come afterwards. – Datasheets do not predict yields – datasheets should be taken for what they are. They give indicative and static information. But real life is dynamic and what matters most is how solar modules are designed. You can discuss differences simulated in the low single digit range while forgetting greater risks factors. If, unlike projects developers, you cannot afford third party suppliers to monitor the delivery from a supplier from material selection up to the delivery on site, it is even more important to rely on the established track record and consistency of your supplier to reduce your level of blindness and risk.

Policy brief & purposeOur Employee Code of Conduct company policy outlines our expectations regarding employees’ behavior towards their colleagues, supervisors and overall organization. We promote freedom of expression and open communication. But we expect all employees to follow our code of conduct. They should avoid offending, participating in serious disputes and disrupting our workplace. We also expect them to foster a well-organized, respectful and collaborative environment.ScopeThis policy applies to all our employees regardless of employment agreement or rank.Policy elementsCompany employees are bound by their contract to follow our Employee Code of Conduct while performing their duties. We outline the components of our Code of Conduct below:Compliance with lawAll employees must protect our company’s legality. They should comply with all environmental, safety and fair dealing laws. We expect employees to be ethical and responsible when dealing with our company’s finances, products, partnerships and public image.Respect in the workplaceAll employees should respect their colleagues. We won’t allow any kind of discriminatory behavior, harassment or victimization. Employees should conform with our equal opportunity policyPolicy brief & purpose Our Employee Code of Conduct company policy outlines our expectations regarding employees’ behavior towards their colleagues, supervisors and overall organization. We promote freedom of expression and open communication. But we expect all employees to follow our code of conduct. They should avoid offending, participating in serious disputes and disrupting our workplace. We also expect them to foster a well-organized, respectful and collaborative environment. Compliance with lawProtection of Company PropertyAll employees should treat our company’s property, whether material or intangible, with respect and care.Employees:Shouldn’t misuse company equipment or use it frivolously.Should respect all kinds of incorporeal property. This includes trademarks, copyright and other property (information, reports etc.) Employees should use them only to complete their job duties.Employees should protect company facilities and other material property (e.g. company cars) from damage and vandalism, whenever possible.ProfessionalismAll employees must show integrity and professionalism in the workplace: Personal appearanceAll employees must follow our dress code and personal appearance guidelines. CorruptionWe discourage employees from accepting gifts from clients or partners. We prohibit briberies for the benefit of any external or internal party.Job duties and authorityAll employees should fulfill their job duties with integrity and respect toward customers, stakeholders and the community. Supervisors and managers mustn’t abuse their authority. We expect them to delegate duties to their team members taking into account their competences and workload. Likewise, we expect team members to follow team leaders’ instructions andcomplete their duties with skill and in a timely manner.We encourage mentoring throughout our company.Absenteeism and tardinessEmployees should follow their schedules. We can make exceptions for occasions that prevent employees from following standard working hours or days. But, generally, we expect employees to be punctual when coming to and leaving from work.Conflict of interestWe expect employees to avoid any personal, financial or other interests that might hinder their capability or willingness to perform their job duties.CollaborationEmployees should be friendly and collaborative. They should try not to disrupt the workplace or present obstacles to their colleagues’ work.CommunicationAll employees must be open for communication with their colleagues, supervisors or team members.BenefitsWe expect employees to not abuse their employment benefits. This can refer to time off, insurance, facilities, subscriptions or other benefits our company offers.PoliciesAll employees should read and follow our company policies. If they have any questions, they should ask their managers or Human Resources (HR) department.Disciplinary actionsOur company may have to take disciplinary action against employees who repeatedly or intentionally fail to follow our code of conduct. Disciplinary actions will vary depending on the violation.Possible consequences include:Demotion.Reprimand.Suspension or termination for more serious offenses. Detraction of benefits for a definite or indefinite time.We may take legal action in cases of corruption, theft, embezzlement or other unlawful behavior.