Company INTRODUCTION QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR THE PHOTOVOLTAIC INDUSTRY
CONTENT The Company INDUSTRY-LEAding testing center 6 Companies tested / Partners 7 Who we are 5 The reference for quality IN the PV industry 8 Selected References 9 The Services INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT Testing 11 Production Monitoring 12 PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION 13 Factory AUDIT 14 CERTIFICATE OF evaluation 15 Company Introduction 2
Testing PV modules Like no other DOES STS-Certified is the reference for PV module testing and production monitoring. Individual Product Testing: a service unique in the industry You will find nowhere else a company that can test PV modules on a mass-production scale this fast, at such low cost. STS-Certified approves / rejects panels at a module level. 1 PV module tested every 60 seconds at our center A unique approach to Production Monitoring STS-Certified s experienced team controls the compliance of the production with strictly defined quality standards, including a strict control of the components. The most advanced quality standard ever developed in the PV industry Our inspection and testing services are based on the most comprehensive quality requirements in the PV industry. Our proprietary quality standards go beyond IEC and UL standards. A unique control of cell quality Strict definition of micro-cracks acceptance criteria Our expertise in the detection and analysis of micro-cracks is unique: the cells are accepted / rejected according to strictly defined criteria, that are unique in the industry. The most competitive testing cost Our unique processes ensure the most stringent and fastest testing services at the most competitive cost in the industry. Enhance the Company quality Introduction of your PV 3modules, with virtually no impact on costs.
THE COMPANY Company Introduction 4
Who We are Overview of STS The company STS-Certified is a leading provider of quality assurance services, mass-production scale testing and certification solutions. Providing comprehensive services covering the entire life cycle of PV plants from design to decommissioning, STS-Certified guarantees the long-term performance of the projects under its supervision. More than testing, inspecting and certifying products, we help the PV industry s stakeholders from manufacturers to authorities and regulation agencies make certain that the projects they are taking part to will perform properly on the long course. STS-Certified owns a 3,000m² PV module testing facility strategically located in China, closer to PV makers and main ports of shipment. In 2012, 200,000 solar panels have been tested by STS-Certified, which makes our testing center the largest of its kind in the PV industry. Like no other company, we are able to run tests on every module (as opposed to tests by sampling), in order to guarantee that all the modules we approve are free of defects. Pushing boundaries of quality standards STS-Certified has always been pushing forward the photovoltaic industry s quality standards. As manufacturing processes and global context have evolved over time, STS- Certified keeps researching to match the evolutions of a constantly moving industry. Unlike any other quality standards, the criteria our experts have developed cover the whole scope of quality on a PV project. A team of experts Our European management team and team members have extensive experience working in the photovoltaic industry, which has been the foundation of our business approach, leading us to develop a new independent service to help PV companies increase and guarantee the reliability of their project. The auditors and inspectors have both an extensive knowledge of quality principles and solar industry experience that gives them the required tools to assess manufacturing facilities, products, as well as planning, construction, operation and end-of-life of PV projects. Company Introduction 5
INdustry-leading TESTING CENter Overview of STS The center Our state-of-the-art PV testing and certification center is located in Kunshan, China, where we provide critical performance data to support competitive differentiation. STS- Certified offers fast, expert testing and certification for PV modules. The Inspection Center is host of STS newest testing equipment and technology, and integrates our quality processes so as to maintain IEC standards. Our team of professional PV quality specialists implements daily operations to maintain high-levels of accuracy in results. Technology At our testing facility, EVERY module we test is submitted to a series of more than 50 points of control, including an electroluminescence (EL) test that will enable us to spot the inactive areas inside the PV cells, a Flash test, which enables us to make certain that each panel approved complies with the manufacturer s specifications. We perform tests on 3 major aspects of the products: performance, cells quality, and workmanship. All the tests undertaken by STS are performed on AAA class equipment according to IEC 60904-9. Strategic location The choice of location for the testing center in Kunshan was certainly well thought-out. It offers several benefits. For one, the area is already home to a large number of photovoltaic and high-tech firms. The plant is also located in a low carbon emission industrial park, where the test center will also benefit from its short distance from Shanghai, the main shipping port of China. Company Introduction 6
Tested companies / Partners Overview of STS In 2012, STS-Certified has tested more than 200,000 PV modules from the largest to the smallest manufacturers, which makes STS-Certified s testing center the world s largest testing center of its kind. Approved manufacturers STS-Certified has already approved several PV makers, which have proven to be up to STS high quality standards. Approved manufacturers are able to produce solar panels with consistently high quality levels, and have proven to increase their quality delivery after delivery. Our partners An increasing number of companies are aware of quality issues in the PV industry and the harm they may do. Our partners share with us a desire to increase the average quality of PV projects and make photovoltaic energy a more reliable source of energy worldwide. Company Introduction 7
The reference for QUALITY in the PV INdustry Overview of STS Quality is our field of expertise. Our experience in the photovoltaic industry and our unique testing center have enabled us to make observations that no other company in the world could have made. This experience and knowledge is recognized by the whole PV industry, which makes STS-Certified a reference for quality in photovoltaics. We are regularly invited to take part in leading conferences (Intersolar, Solarpraxis) and contribute to specialized and non-specialized media (New York Times, Photovoltaics International). Conferences Quality: current limitations, issues and solutions in mass production by Thibaut Lemoine, General Manager at STS Solarpraxis 4th PV Power Plants Conference November 2012 With ever dropping PV module prices, quality of solar panels is more than ever topical. In this talk held by Thibaut Lemoine at Solarpraxis 4th PV Power Plant Conference, 12 prejudices about PV modules quality have been addressed. Research Assessing the real quality of PV modules by Thibaut Lemoine, General Manager at STS August 2011 With new industrial challenges faced by the PV industry such as the striking development of Chinese manufacturers, and ever more demanding investors and financial institutions the quality of PV modules has never been as important as it is today. Because normative requirements are not matching the buyers expectations, the questions of what the real quality of a PV module is and how to assess it still remain. This paper analyses the current situation in terms of quality and the causes of problems, and proposes some ways of addressing the issues in order for the industry to progress on the long path to excellence. Reports Results 2011 Presentation March 2012 This report is an in-depth presentation of the results obtained by testing 70,000+ solar panels throughout 2011. The report analyses these results in order to provide an accurate picture of PV makers actual quality level. Presentations, articles, reports available for download at Company Introduction 8
Selected References Overview of STS 10MW - Italy Completion date: 2011 Services performed: Production Monitoring Individual Product Testing 10MW - Ukraine Completion date: 2012 Services performed: Production Monitoring Individual Product Testing 15.5MW - Germany Completion date: 2012 Services performed: Production Monitoring Pre-Shipment Inspection 46MW - USA Completion date: 2013 Services performed: Production Monitoring Individual Product Testing 30MW - Ukraine Completion date: 2013 Service performed: Factory Audit 7MW - Israel Completion date: 2013 Services performed: Individual Product Testing EL Imaging Analysis 6MW - Ecuador Completion date: 2013 Service performed: Individual Product Testing Company Introduction 9 9
THE SERVICES Company Introduction 10
INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT TESTING Testing 100% of your PV modules one by one, at our testing center EXCLUSIVITY Objective The quality of photovoltaic (PV) systems components is critical to ensure the performance of the system in the short and long term. Defective products can dramatically affect the electricity production and in some cases even affect the safety of the system. Individual product testing ensures that each product is able to perform as it should, with the level of safety that is necessary. We make sure that - Products are performing at the expected level - Products meet stringent quality standards - Products are free of serious defects - Products are able to perform long-term - Products prepared for the client are the ones expected Features Service Performed STS-Certified arranges that the manufacturer sends solar panels to STS testing center, where each product is unpacked and undergoes a series of more than 50 points of control. Electrical tests, electroluminescence (EL) tests, workmanship inspection, packaging verification are performed by STS operators and engineers, and, once validated, products are earmarked and re-packed properly. The defective products are segregated from the lots and reported to clients. The tests follow IEC standards and STS industry-leading quality standards. Risks Assessed Photovoltaic (PV) modules are exposed to various risks that may impact either the performance of the PV system or the validity of its warranty. These risks include: - Use of wrong components - Solar cells defects - Sealing defects - Junction box assembly defects - Delamination - Improper packaging - Damaged backsheet Points of Control / Validation - Quantity - Packaging method and quality - Construction - Dimensions - Connections - Sealing - Soldering - Module appearance - Electrical characteristics - Electroluminescence - Compliance of components with agreed Bill of Material Delivrables At the end of the service, a full report will be provided to the client within 5 working days. This report is composed of a summary sheet and a comprehensive review of the production. Company Introduction 11
PRODUCTION MONITORING Objective The key to ensure the performance of a PV Plant is to make sure each component will reach a consistent, well-defined and acceptable level of quality. The objective of STS Production Monitoring service is to ensure that the right components are used during the production process, but also that the right quality standards are applied, that the quality management processes are properly implemented, and that the products reach the expected quality level. By acting at the production stage of the components, quality issues can be apprehended at an early stage and defective components can be disqualified before reaching the final destination, while not affecting the PV plant project planning. We make sure that - The certified components are being used during production - The products are manufactured with the right quality standards - The right technology is applied - The products match the expected performance Features Service Performed STS-Certified sends its engineers and auditors at the manufacturing site during the whole duration of the production. Quality standards are reviewed and auditors make sure they are being implemented at the facility. Control of the components origin and conditioning are made. Supervision of the production, of the equipment, of the operators is being performed. Products sample re-testing is being performed. Risks Assessed Photovoltaic (PV) components are exposed to various risks that may impact either the performance of the PV system or the validity of its warranty. Risks in production include: - Use of wrong components - Wrong actions in production - Quality standards poorly implemented - Wrong products being manufactured Points of Control / Validation - Quantity - Packaging method and quality - Construction - Dimensions - Connections - Sealing - Soldering - Module appearance - Electrical characteristics - Electroluminescence - Compliance of components with agreed Bill of Material Delivrables At the end of the service, a full report will be provided to the client within 5 working days. This report is composed of a summary sheet and a comprehensive review of the production. Company Introduction 12
PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION Objective Photovoltaic (PV) systems are exposed to serious risks of under-performance related to product quality. STS supports its clients by inspecting products prior to shipment and making sure they are of the right quantity, type and feature a proper and safe conditioning and packaging. We make sure that - The right quantity of products is ready for shipment - The right type of products is ready for shipment - The quality, on a sampling basis, is met - The packaging is proper to the transportation - The right products are being placed and sealed in the container Features Service Performed STS-Certified s team of experts and engineers is sent at the selected manufacturing site prior to the shipment of the goods. The team controls the products visually and by selecting samples and submitting them to a re-test. Defective products are identified and reported to the client. The products are controlled to meet the contracted technical requirements, be in the right quantity, and in a packaging that is proper to the selected transportation method. Container-loading and container-sealing procedures are supervised and recorded. A full report is sent to the client, including recommendation and notification in case of discrepancy. Risks Assessed Photovoltaic (PV) products are exposed to various risks that may impact either the performance of the PV system or the validity of its warranty. Risks in production include: - Use of wrong components - Unqualified quality - Poor packaging - Wrong products being sent to the client - Shortage of quantity of the products - Poor products handling during loading in the container Points of Control / Validation - Quantity - Packaging method and quality - Container-Loading - Construction (by sampling) - Dimensions (by sampling) - Connections (by sampling) - Sealing (by sampling) - Soldering (by sampling) - Module appearance (by sampling) - Electrical characteristics (by sampling) - Electroluminescence (by sampling) - Compliance of components with agreed Bill of Material Delivrables At the end of the service, a full report will be provided to the client within 5 working days. This report is composed of a summary sheet and a comprehensive review of the production. Company Introduction 13
FACTORY AUDIT Objective Products selected for the project have a critical role over the performance of the system in its operation phase. The selection process of the supplier is a critical step. Factory Audit will ensure that the selected manufacturer has the capability to deliver products of the expected quality thanks to its management system, working skills, workshop operations, technology, etc. We make sure that - The manufacturer has the right equipment to produce the right products - The manufacturer properly implements quality management procedures - The manufacturer implements suitable quality standards - The manufacturer has obtained the right certificates Features Service Performed STS-Certified sends its engineers and auditors at the manufacturing site at a specific time. STS team reviews a large number of information at the supplier s workshop to ensure that the supplier is capable of producing products with the right quality and components at any point of time. A detailed report is provided to the client in order to enable him to understand the performance of the manufacturer. Risks Assessed Photovoltaic (PV) components are exposed to various risks that may impact either the performance of the PV system or the validity of its warranty. Risks in production include: - Use of wrong components - Wrong actions in production - Quality standards poorly implemented - Wrong products being manufactured - Risk of future product failure - Lack of supplier s competency Points of Control / Validation - Certifications - Documentation - Production Equipment - Testing Equipment - Test Coverage - Production and Test Control - Employees Skills - Training Delivrables At the end of the service, a full report will be provided to the client within 5 working days. This report is composed of a summary sheet and a comprehensive review of the production. Company Introduction 14
Certificate of Evaluation Provide your customers and PV Projects stakeholders with the absolute proof of your quality EXCLUSIVITY Objective Provide your customers with a third-party testimony of your quality standards. Proving that your factory and your products are up to the highest standards is a necessary step in the photovoltaic market, as competition remains cut-throat and PV industry stakeholders are increasingly aware of quality issues. Reassure PV projects stakeholders by showing them a third-party Certificate of Evaluation (with complete report of your quality achievements) issued by STS-Certified, the reference for quality in photovoltaics. The Certificate of Evaluation will enable you to convince distributors, EPCs, project developers, project investors, banks, insurances and technical consultants. Available for Your factory The Factory Evaluation Certificate is issued after a Factory Audit. Your products The Product Evaluation Certificate is issued after an Individual Product Testing. Delivrables Evaluation Certificate The Evaluation Certificate is a single page document attesting of the results reported by STS-Certified after the inspection, either at your factory (Factory Evaluation Certificate) or at our testing center (Product Evaluation Certificate). 1. Factory Evaluation Certificate Quality Rating Mark The Quality Rating Mark is a logo that indicates the results of the inspection performed by STS-Certified. It comes in a format that can be included in your products data sheets, on your website and all other communication tools you might use. Two distinct Quality Rating Marks are issued for the factory and the products. 2. Quality Rating Mark FACTORY GRADE Certificate no.: XXXXXXXXXX WWW.STS-CERTIFIED.COM Audit Report The Audit Report is a detailed report of the inspection performed by STS-Certified, either at your factory or at our testing center. It provides you with a complete analysis of your quality achievements, and can be used to provide PV projects stakeholders with a detailed explanation of how your company excel when it comes to quality. Company Introduction 15
STS Certified 777 Yuyang Road, Gao Xin District, Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China 215300 info@sts-certified.com