During the first half of the year, JA SOLAR achieved a significant milestone in the photovoltaic industry. Its research and development laboratory in Shanghai became the first in the solar industry to receive TÜV Rheinland certification for power measurement uncertainty in solar cells, establishing a new global benchmark for precision and reliability. This achievement not only reflects the company’s technical excellence but also reinforces confidence in the quality and performance of its products worldwide.

The recognition from TÜV Rheinland, one of the most respected testing and certification organizations internationally, confirmed that JA SOLAR’s laboratory achieved a maximum power measurement uncertainty of less than 2% under standard test conditions. This level of accuracy enables the optimization of innovation, production, and quality assurance processes, offering advantages both in the research of new technologies and in the operational efficiency of its solar products.

To delve deeper into the details of this achievement and understand its impact on the industry, Review Energy spoke with Xiao Qin, Director of JA SOLAR’s Product Department. In the interview, Qin shared the technical challenges they faced, the benefits of this measurement precision for innovation, and how this milestone positions the company against its global competitors.

Review Energy (R.E.): JA SOLAR is the first company in the photovoltaic industry to have its laboratory certified by TÜV Rheinland. What does this mean?

Xiao Qin (X.Q.): JA SOLAR’s Shanghai Cell Testing Laboratory has achieved a confirmed STC maximum power measurement uncertainty of less than 2% (k=2). This figure not only significantly surpasses the industry average but also represents the current global benchmark for photovoltaic cell measurement accuracy. This certification sets a new standard for precision and underscores the reliability of JA SOLAR’s product performance data, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and quality for our global customers and partners.

R.E.: What were the main technical challenges in achieving a power measurement uncertainty of less than 2%?

X.Q.: Achieving such precision requires a robust traceability system. At JA SOLAR, we used WPVS reference cells calibrated by the Hamelin Solar Research Institute (ISFH), a globally recognized authority. We also accounted for spectral mismatch factors and adhered strictly to the IEC 60904 series testing standards.

One of the key technical challenges is maintaining accurate contact during testing. Misalignment between the test fixture and the battery grid lines can lead to increased fill factor (FF) and inflated power readings. To overcome this, we optimized the fixture design by developing a high-precision probe array that aligns closely with the battery’s main grid lines. This ensures stable system operation and allows for long-term monitoring, enhancing the repeatability and reproducibility of results.

R.E.: How does this level of measurement precision benefit innovation and the quality of your solar products? 

X.Q.: Achieving an uncertainty of less than 2% ensures both accuracy and consistency in power measurements. This high level of precision lays a solid foundation for advanced R&D efforts, enabling the effective calibration of new materials and innovative cell structures. It accelerates the development and iteration of new battery technologies, ultimately improving product performance and speeding up innovation cycles.

R.E.: How does this achievement position JA SOLAR in relation to its global competitors? 

X.Q.: This milestone strengthens JA SOLAR’s position as a global leader in technical excellence. While peers in the industry also contribute to improving measurement methodologies, our achievement helps set a benchmark and supports the standardization of data across the global solar value chain. Greater measurement precision reduces disputes and inconsistencies, builds trust, and enhances operational efficiency across the industry.

R.E.: What are your plans to further enhance your laboratory’s capabilities and maintain this technological leadership?

X.Q.: To further enhance our laboratory’s capabilities and maintain our technological leadership, we are focusing on several key areas. These include advancing research into cutting-edge technologies such as perovskite tandem and multi-junction solar cells, refining our testing methodologies by optimizing contact techniques and capacitive discharge scanning, and upgrading our equipment with high-precision tools like spectral response and quantum efficiency testers.

Additionally, we are committed to strengthening international collaboration by working closely with renowned institutions such as PTB, Fraunhofer and ISFH. Through these efforts, we aim to continuously elevate our innovation capabilities and set new benchmarks in solar technology and measurement precision.