PVEL's Product Qualification Program is the closest thing solar has to Consumer Reports. Modules go through six standardized tests and the top performers publish annually. Here's what it means for buyers.
PVEL 2026 top-performers
40+ brands
across 6 tests
Tests covered
TC, DH, MSS, PID, LID, HF
Consistent 6/6 winners
Jinko, LONGi, Trina, JA, Canadian, Astronergy
2020–2026
The six tests
- Thermal Cycling (TC): 800 cycles, 4× IEC — solder joint reliability
- Damp Heat (DH): 2000h @ 85°C/85%RH — encapsulant + backsheet ageing
- Mechanical Stress Sequence (MSS): dynamic + static load — cell cracking risk
- PID: 96h @ 85°C/85%RH under -1500V — potential-induced degradation
- LID + LeTID: light-induced degradation combined test
- Hail durability (HF): 35mm ball at terminal velocity
Frequently asked questions
QIs PVEL testing the same as third-party bankability?
PVEL certifies the tested product but not future production runs. Buy against a bill of materials, not just PVEL status, and verify no BOM change since last PVEL test.
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