"SEMI PV23-1011- Test Method for Mechanical Vibration of c-Si Photovoltaic (PV) Modules in Shipping Environment," a new standard from SEMI, aims to reduce damage incurred during PV module transport.

November 15, 2011 -- "SEMI PV23-1011- Test Method for Mechanical Vibration of c-Si Photovoltaic (PV) Modules in Shipping Environment," a new standard from SEMI, aims to reduce damage incurred during PV module transport.

The standard was primarily authored by the SEMI Taiwan PV Standards Committee, vetted by the 450-member global SEMI PV Standards Committee, representing every major PV manufacturing region.

The standard provides a common test method to evaluate PV module damage due to the mechanical vibration occurring during transportation and shipping. SEMI PV23-1011 can also accelerate the development of safer means of module protection during transportation.

SEMI believes that the standard will help module manufacturers and buyers monitor product reliability and increase warranty credibility. Terry Tsao, president of SEMI PV Group Taiwan and Southeast Asia, says that PV23-1011 will reduce unnecessary losses caused by transportation-inflicted defects. Without unified international standards in transportation packing design for testing, many PV cell and module makers have encountered module fracturing and de-framing, especially in overseas shipping.

Also read: New SEMI standard for silicon photovoltaics feedstocks

Tsao also pointed out that international standards are vital for technology development and cost reduction. In addition to Taiwan, the SEMI PV Standards Committee currently has regional branches in Europe, North American and Japan, and a Chinese SEMI PV Standards Committee is in the process of forming.

Currently the Taiwan Committee is focused on developing standards for crystalline-Silicon Cell Appearance, Vibration Test Methods (both cell and module) and Wafer Measurement Test Methods.

SEMI is the global industry association serving the nano- and microelectronics manufacturing. The SEMI PV Group represents SEMI member companies involved in the solar energy supply chain. Learn more at www.semi.org.

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