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O&M & reliability

Kiwa PVEL: most solar panels tested since 2022 fell short of their nameplate power

Kiwa PVEL compared factory flash-test results with manufacturer ratings for 9,828 module samples tested from January 2022 to September 2026. The median shortfall widened to about 2% from mid-2024 to mid-2025 and has hovered near 1% for the last three quarters. The lab links the gap to outdated TOPCon ratings and looser tolerances during the industry downturn.

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O&M & reliabilityInternationalNov 5, 2026

Why it matters for site owners

Owners buying modules should verify rated power through independent batch testing, since a shortfall cuts revenue and complicates warranty claims.

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PV Tech

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