Solar modules pass hail stone test

Hail storms represent one of the hazards a PV module might face during its lifetime. Consequently, all IEC approved solar modules are required to withstand a specific impact from hail, as defined by the ‘Design qualification and type approval’ for crystalline PV modules, IEC 61215. In anticipation of more extreme weather following climate change, insurance companies are increasingly defining stricter requirements for building components, including PV rooftops. To comply with the HW4 criteria, a solar module must withstand an energy impact significantly exceeding the IEC 61215 requirements.

Hanwha Solar is the first solar module manufacturer to have signed up for the HW4 test at German testing institute TÜV Rheinland. During the HW4 test, hail stones with a diameter of 40mm strike the solar modules at 27.7m/s, or approximately 100km/h. Following the simulated hail storm, the modules are thoroughly tested for performance degradation and mechanical damage. The HSL S modules successfully passed all testing categories.

“Hanwha Solar’s initiative to verify high resistance against hail stones confirms our perception of more stringent requirements from insurance companies”, said Jörg Althaus, Business Field Manager, Solar Energy, TÜV Rheinland. “With turbulent weather ahead, we expect such qualifications to become increasingly common; and not only in Switzerland and Austria.”

“As part of our quality programme, the extended reliability of Hanwha Solar products has been verified by a number of independent tests,” said Winfried Wahl, Senior Director Products and Marketing, Hanwha SolarOne. “These include the Long-Term Sequential Test, the PV+ Test 2.0 and the Power Controlled Certification, all of which significantly exceed industry requirements.”