Kiwa ExTEL Provides Third-Party Professional Module Evaluation to Support the Solar Industry
Kiwa ExTEL, leveraging its proprietary outdoor testing field, offers comparative performance evaluations to help clients quickly identify the most suitable modules and make sound investment decisions.
Apr 11, 2025
As Taiwan’s cumulative installed solar capacity surpasses 15 GW, the demand for high-efficiency PV modules continues to grow. Driven by ongoing advances in packaging and cell technologies, such as high-efficiency N-type cells, Back Contact, TOPCon, and Heterojunction (HJT), the performance and shading tolerance of modules have significantly improved—ultimately impacting project returns.
Real-World Testing Field Provides Accurate Performance Data
With limited land availability for solar development, maximizing energy yield per area is increasingly critical. Therefore, module selection has become a key factor in financial analysis. However, actual module performance is influenced by environmental conditions, including sunlight levels, temperature variations, and dust accumulation—making field testing essential.
Lyndon Lin, Director of the Inspection Service Division at Kiwa ExTEL, explained that the company was recently commissioned to conduct outdoor performance evaluations on bifacial modules from three different manufacturers. Bifacial modules utilize ground-reflected light to boost generation, but their real-world performance is highly dependent on factors like ground reflectivity, installation height, and rear-side shading. To provide data closer to real-site conditions, Kiwa ExTEL moved from purely simulated modeling to live environmental testing, and developed a web-based monitoring platform for clients to track real-time generation data, weather conditions, and aggregated comparisons across the three module types.
End-to-End Module Quality Assurance Across the Lifecycle
Module quality is a critical determinant of long-term power generation and project performance. Lin noted that Kiwa ExTEL offers one-stop third-party services covering the entire module lifecycle—from factory audits, production supervision, shipment inspections, to on-site installation quality assurance.
Kiwa ExTEL conducts factory audits to assess suppliers' material quality and production line compliance based on IEC standards. BOM (Bill of Materials) verification and hardware inspections determine whether manufacturing is ready to proceed.
Following audits, the Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) process begins, where inspectors verify BOM accuracy, then perform random checks on module dimensions, visual appearance, power output (Flasher test), electroluminescence (EL) for microcracks, and insulation resistance. Shipment loading is also monitored to prevent transit damage.
After delivery to the project site, Kiwa ExTEL offers IQC (Incoming Quality Control) services, including EL and power testing, to detect any transport-induced performance defects before installation begins.
The company also performs on-site installation quality assurance (PVQA) to ensure all installation steps comply with technical standards, reducing losses caused by improper handling. After construction, a Site Acceptance Test (SAT) is carried out to confirm system integrity and operational safety, guarding against long-term efficiency loss due to installation issues.
Deep Local Experience and Global Reach in Third-Party Technical Services
Module quality impacts not only immediate output, but also long-term project performance and O&M costs over a 20+ year lifespan. From selection, procurement, and manufacturing to installation, Kiwa ExTEL offers end-to-end supply chain quality assurance as a trusted third-party advisor.
Since joining the global Kiwa Group in 2022, a renowned Netherlands-based TIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification) organization, Kiwa ExTEL has strengthened its presence in Taiwan while actively expanding its services to Southeast and Northeast Asia—bringing local expertise and international validation capabilities to the global market.
Reporter: Commercial Times - Bonnie Chen