Kiwa PVEL 2026 PV Module Reliability Scorecard: Top Indian Solar Manufacturers and What the Results Mean
A detailed guide to the 2026 Kiwa PVEL Scorecard, Top Performer methodology, reliability tests, failure trends, Indian solar manufacturing and what buyers should understand before selecting PV modules.
Solar PV modules are expected to operate outdoors for decades. During this period, they are exposed to temperature changes, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, mechanical loads, hail and other environmental stresses.
A module's nameplate power and efficiency tell us how it performs under specified conditions when it is new. They do not, by themselves, tell us how the module will respond to long-term environmental and mechanical stress.
This is why independent reliability testing is important. The Kiwa PVEL PV Module Reliability Scorecard is one of the industry's important references for understanding photovoltaic module reliability and performance.
The 2026 edition is particularly important because it combines positive performance trends with a concerning increase in PQP failures. It also introduces Ultraviolet-Induced Degradation (UVID) as a new Top Performer category.
Kiwa PVEL reported that 45% of manufacturers had at least one delamination failure. Module breakage during Mechanical Stress Sequence (MSS) and Hail Stress Sequence (HSS) was again the leading failure type.
- What Is the Kiwa PVEL PV Module Reliability Scorecard?
- What Is Kiwa PVEL's Product Qualification Program?
- What's New in the 2026 Scorecard?
- What Does Top Performer Mean?
- Indian Solar Manufacturers in the 2026 Scorecard
- Kiwa PVEL Reliability Tests Explained
- What the 2026 Failure Results Tell Us
- Why Delamination Matters
- Why Module Breakage Matters
- What the Results Mean for India
- What Solar Buyers Should Check
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Is the Kiwa PVEL PV Module Reliability Scorecard?
The Kiwa PVEL PV Module Reliability Scorecard is an annual publication that presents PV module reliability and performance information based on Kiwa PVEL's Product Qualification Program (PQP).
The Scorecard evaluates module products using multiple reliability and performance tests. These tests expose modules to accelerated stresses that can reveal weaknesses in materials, construction, electrical performance and degradation behaviour.
The information is useful because solar modules operate in outdoor environments where temperature, humidity, sunlight and mechanical loads change continuously.
The Scorecard helps the solar industry understand how different PV module designs respond to accelerated reliability and performance testing.
What Is Kiwa PVEL's Product Qualification Program?
The Product Qualification Program (PQP) is the testing program behind the Kiwa PVEL Scorecard.
The program evaluates photovoltaic modules under a series of environmental, mechanical and degradation-related stresses.
The purpose is to identify potential reliability weaknesses that may not be visible from a normal module datasheet.
The testing can therefore provide additional information for module buyers, project developers, investors and other stakeholders performing technical due diligence.
What's New in the Kiwa PVEL 2026 Scorecard?
The 2026 Scorecard is the 12th edition of the Kiwa PVEL PV Module Reliability Scorecard.
One of the most important changes is the introduction of UVID as a new Top Performer category.
UVID Added
Ultraviolet-Induced Degradation is now included as a Top Performer category.
Lower Power Loss
Post-test power loss decreased in several test categories, notably PID and UVID.
Energy Yield Improvement
PAN energy yields continued to improve across the tested products.
Higher Failure Rate
PQP failures increased significantly, making reliability findings an important part of the 2026 Scorecard.
What Does "Top Performer" Mean?
This is one of the most important points when interpreting the Kiwa PVEL Scorecard.
Kiwa PVEL explains that Top Performer status is awarded to specific model types made from unique bills of materials (BOMs) that meet or exceed the stated criteria for the applicable PQP test.
Therefore, a Top Performer result should not automatically be interpreted as an overall ranking of a manufacturer.
A manufacturer can have multiple module models and BOMs. Different products can have different reliability results.
The correct approach is to identify the exact module model, BOM and test category associated with the Top Performer result.
Indian Solar Manufacturers in the 2026 Scorecard
Indian solar manufacturers have significant representation in the 2026 Kiwa PVEL Scorecard.
Industry analysis of the searchable 2026 database identified 13 Indian manufacturers and 70 Top Performer module models represented in the results.
The manufacturers represented include:
| Indian Manufacturer | 2026 Scorecard Representation |
|---|---|
| Adani Solar | Represented among Indian manufacturers with Top Performer module results. |
| Avaada Electro | Represented among Indian manufacturers with Top Performer module results. |
| EMMVEE | Represented among Indian manufacturers with Top Performer module results. |
| Gautam Solar | Represented among Indian manufacturers with Top Performer module results. |
| Goldi Solar | Represented among Indian manufacturers with Top Performer module results. |
| GREW Solar | Represented among Indian manufacturers with Top Performer module results. |
| Rayzon Solar | Represented among Indian manufacturers with Top Performer module results. |
| ReNew | Represented among Indian manufacturers with Top Performer module results. |
| RenewSys | Represented among Indian manufacturers with Top Performer module results. |
| Solex Energy | Represented among Indian manufacturers with Top Performer module results. |
| Tata Power Solar | Represented among Indian manufacturers with Top Performer module results. |
| Vikram Solar | Represented among Indian manufacturers with Top Performer module results. |
| Waaree Energies | Represented among Indian manufacturers with Top Performer module results. |
This is not a ranking. The list only identifies Indian manufacturers represented in the 2026 results. Top Performer recognition is associated with specific module model types/BOMs and test categories.
Kiwa PVEL 2026 PV Module Reliability Tests Explained
The Scorecard evaluates different reliability mechanisms because a PV module can experience many different types of stress during its operating life.
Thermal Cycling (TC)
Thermal Cycling evaluates how a PV module responds to repeated changes between high and low temperatures.
Materials inside a module expand and contract as temperature changes. Repeated thermal stress can affect cells, interconnections, solder joints and encapsulation.
Read Thermal Cycling TC200 →Damp Heat (DH)
Damp Heat evaluates module behaviour under elevated temperature and humidity.
Heat and moisture can contribute to corrosion, encapsulant degradation, moisture-related electrical problems and delamination.
Read Damp Heat DH1000 →Mechanical Stress Sequence (MSS)
MSS evaluates module response to repeated mechanical loading.
Mechanical stresses can occur during transportation, installation, wind events and long-term outdoor operation.
Hail Stress Sequence (HSS)
HSS evaluates module resistance to hail-related mechanical impact.
Hail can damage front glass and cells, making impact resistance an important reliability consideration.
Potential-Induced Degradation (PID)
PID is a degradation mechanism associated with electrical potential differences within a PV system.
PID testing evaluates how module performance changes under accelerated conditions associated with this mechanism.
Ultraviolet-Induced Degradation (UVID)
UVID is the new Top Performer category introduced in the 2026 Scorecard.
It evaluates degradation associated with ultraviolet exposure.
Read UV Preconditioning Guide →LID + LETID
Light-Induced Degradation and Light and Elevated Temperature-Induced Degradation evaluate power loss associated with light and temperature exposure.
Read LID Test → Read LETID Test →PAN Performance
PAN performance evaluates energy yield across a range of operating conditions rather than looking only at nameplate power.
Energy yield depends on factors such as irradiance, temperature and the electrical characteristics of the module.
How These Tests Build a Reliability Picture
What Do the 2026 Failure Results Tell Us?
One of the most important findings in the 2026 Scorecard is the high level of PQP failures.
Kiwa PVEL reported that 87% of manufacturers experienced at least one PQP failure.
At the BOM level, 61% of BOMs experienced at least one PQP failure.
It does not mean that 87% of all PV modules installed worldwide will fail.
The statistic refers to the manufacturers participating in the relevant Kiwa PVEL PQP testing population.
The result does, however, demonstrate that extended reliability testing continues to uncover important module weaknesses.
Why Is Delamination a Major Reliability Concern?
Delamination occurs when layers inside a PV module lose adhesion and separate from each other.
A PV module contains several layers that need to remain properly bonded throughout its operating life.
Depending on its location and severity, delamination can affect moisture protection, optical performance and long-term module stability.
Kiwa PVEL reported that 45% of manufacturers experienced at least one delamination failure.
- It can reduce protection against moisture.
- It can affect light transmission.
- It can expose internal components to environmental conditions.
- It can become a long-term reliability concern.
Why Is Module Breakage Important?
Module breakage during Mechanical Stress Sequence and Hail Stress Sequence was again identified as the leading failure type in the 2026 Scorecard.
This is particularly relevant as PV modules become larger and more powerful.
Larger module dimensions and larger-format cells can increase the importance of mechanical design, support and handling.
Mechanical reliability therefore needs to be considered from manufacturing and transportation through installation and long-term operation.
Kiwa PVEL 2026 Test Trends at a Glance
| Test / Area | 2026 Observation | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| PID | Post-test power loss decreased | Tested products showed improved performance against PID-related degradation. |
| UVID | New Top Performer category | UV-induced degradation is now separately recognised in the Scorecard. |
| MSS | Power loss remained minimal | Mechanical-stress-related power loss remained low, although breakage remained a concern. |
| HSS | Power loss remained minimal | Hail-related power loss remained low, while breakage continued to be an important failure mechanism. |
| Thermal Cycling | More BOMs achieved <2% power loss | Indicates improvement in tested thermal-cycling performance. |
| Damp Heat | More BOMs achieved <2% power loss | Indicates improvement in tested damp-heat performance. |
| LID + LETID | Top Performer share decreased | Shows continuing challenges associated with this degradation category. |
| PQP Failures | Record-high failure rate | Demonstrates the importance of detailed reliability qualification. |
How Difficult Is It to Be a Top Performer Across All Reliability Tests?
The 2026 Scorecard provides an interesting answer.
Across the 246 unique model types listed as Top Performers, only 5 BOMs achieved Top Performer status across all seven reliability tests:
- Thermal Cycling (TC)
- Damp Heat (DH)
- Mechanical Stress Sequence (MSS)
- Hail Stress Sequence (HSS)
- Potential-Induced Degradation (PID)
- Ultraviolet-Induced Degradation (UVID)
- LID + LETID
None of those five BOMs were Top Performers in both all seven reliability tests and PAN performance.
What Does the 2026 Scorecard Mean for Indian Solar Manufacturing?
India's solar manufacturing industry is moving rapidly toward higher-power modules, larger formats and advanced cell technologies.
The presence of Indian manufacturers in the 2026 Scorecard indicates growing participation in international reliability benchmarking.
At the same time, the Scorecard provides an important lesson: higher module power does not automatically mean better long-term reliability.
This is particularly relevant to Indian projects where modules may operate under high temperatures, intense solar irradiance, monsoon humidity, dust and, depending on location, severe weather.
What Should Solar Buyers Check Before Selecting a PV Module?
The Kiwa PVEL Scorecard should be considered as one part of a broader technical due-diligence process.
Why You Should Not Choose a Module Only by Manufacturer Name
The Scorecard makes it clear that reliability recognition is associated with individual module model types and BOMs.
Therefore, simply seeing a manufacturer name in the Top Performer database is not enough.
Buyers should identify the exact product being purchased and verify whether the tested BOM corresponds to that product.
"Is the exact module model and BOM being purchased a Top Performer, in which test category, and how relevant are those results to the project's operating environment?"
Kiwa PVEL 2026 Scorecard: Important Numbers
| Metric | 2026 Result | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Scorecard edition | 12th edition | Continues Kiwa PVEL's annual PV module reliability benchmarking program. |
| Top Performer manufacturers | 43 | Manufacturers with qualifying Top Performer results. |
| Top Performer model types / BOMs | 246 | Recognition applies to individual module model types/BOMs. |
| BOMs Top Performer in all 7 reliability tests | 5 | Demonstrates how difficult it is to achieve strong performance across every reliability category. |
| Manufacturers with at least one PQP failure | 87% | Shows why extended reliability testing remains important. |
| BOMs with at least one PQP failure | 61% | Reliability issues can occur at the individual BOM level. |
| Manufacturers with delamination failure | 45% | Highlights delamination as a major reliability concern. |
| New 2026 category | UVID | Adds ultraviolet-induced degradation to Top Performer recognition. |
🔗 Related Articles on OmkarMhatre.in
Explore the individual solar module tests and degradation mechanisms discussed in this article:
Thermal Cycling TC200 Test → Damp Heat DH1000 Test → Light-Induced Degradation LID → LETID Test → UV Preconditioning Test → Humidity Freeze HF10 Test → Wet Leakage Test → Hot Spot Detection Test →🌐 Official & Technical Resources
Readers can use the following resources for the original Scorecard and technical standards.
Official Kiwa PVEL 2026 Scorecard → Kiwa PVEL Official Page → IEC 61215 Reference →7 Important Takeaways From the Kiwa PVEL 2026 Scorecard
- Top Performer is not an overall manufacturer ranking. Recognition applies to specific module model types and BOMs.
- Reliability must be evaluated across multiple stress mechanisms. Thermal, humidity, mechanical, UV and degradation tests each reveal different risks.
- UVID is now an important part of the Scorecard. The 2026 edition introduces it as a new Top Performer category.
- Mechanical breakage remains a major concern. MSS and HSS continue to reveal breakage-related failures.
- Delamination deserves attention. 45% of manufacturers experienced at least one delamination failure.
- BOM-level evaluation matters. Different material combinations can produce different reliability results even within the same manufacturer.
- Higher wattage alone does not guarantee reliability. Long-term module selection requires a broader technical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kiwa PVEL 2026 PV Module Reliability Scorecard?
It is the 12th edition of Kiwa PVEL's annual PV module reliability and performance reference based on its Product Qualification Program.
How many manufacturers were Top Performers in 2026?
Kiwa PVEL identified 43 manufacturers as Top Performers in the 2026 Scorecard.
How many Top Performer model types or BOMs were listed?
The 2026 Scorecard lists 246 unique model types/BOMs as Top Performers.
How many BOMs were Top Performers across all seven reliability tests?
Five BOMs achieved Top Performer status across all seven reliability tests: TC, DH, MSS, HSS, PID, UVID and LID+LETID.
What new category was introduced in 2026?
Ultraviolet-Induced Degradation, or UVID, was introduced as a new Top Performer category.
What percentage of manufacturers experienced a PQP failure?
Kiwa PVEL reported that 87% of manufacturers experienced at least one PQP failure.
What percentage of BOMs experienced a PQP failure?
Kiwa PVEL reported that 61% of BOMs experienced at least one PQP failure.
How common were delamination failures?
Kiwa PVEL reported that 45% of manufacturers experienced at least one delamination failure.
What was the leading failure type in 2026?
Module breakage during Mechanical Stress Sequence and Hail Stress Sequence was again the leading failure type.
Does Top Performer mean a manufacturer is number one?
No. Top Performer recognition applies to specific module model types/BOMs and applicable PQP test categories. It is not an overall manufacturer ranking.
Should buyers select a module only because it is a Top Performer?
No. Buyers should also evaluate the exact module model, BOM, project environment, warranty, degradation behaviour and expected long-term energy yield.
Conclusion
The Kiwa PVEL 2026 PV Module Reliability Scorecard provides valuable insight into the reliability and performance of modern photovoltaic modules.
The 12th edition identifies 43 Top Performer manufacturers and 246 unique model types/BOMs. Only five BOMs achieved Top Performer status across all seven reliability tests.
The Scorecard also highlights important reliability challenges. Kiwa PVEL reports that 87% of manufacturers experienced at least one PQP failure, while 45% experienced at least one delamination failure.
Mechanical breakage during MSS and HSS remains a major concern, particularly as modules become larger and more powerful.
For India's growing solar manufacturing industry, these findings reinforce the importance of independent reliability validation, careful BOM selection and long-term performance evaluation.
Do not judge a PV module only by its wattage, efficiency or manufacturer name.
Look at the exact module model, tested BOM, reliability results, degradation behaviour and project environment before making a technical or commercial decision.
Sources & Further Reading
- Kiwa PVEL – 2026 PV Module Reliability Scorecard
- Kiwa PVEL – Product Qualification Program
- IEC 61215 – Terrestrial PV Module Design Qualification and Type Approval
- OmkarMhatre.in – Solar PV Module Testing Articles
