Aggressive U.S. and European policies are reshaping clean energy supply chains, revealing an alarming surge in solar panel defects during on-site audits.
Clean Energy Associates (CEA) uncovered surprising trends, impacting developers and buyers in 2024:
1. Solar Panel Defects Surge Post-Installation
- Electroluminescence testing by CEA exposed microcracks in over half of 300,000 modules analyzed in 2023, up from 20% in 2022.
- Address this risk by incorporating strict quality requirements in supply agreements and on-site testing.
2. Quality Issues in Battery Energy Storage System Integration
- 47% of issues found in auditing 30+ GWh of BESS manufacturing were in system integration.
- Buyers must focus on detailed factory acceptance tests for quality assurance.
3. Changing Global Manufacturing Landscape
- U.S. and European policies triggered a shift in manufacturing locations, with domestic module production set for 10X growth.
- Buyers need to evaluate tax incentives, tariffs, and potential supply chain disruptions carefully.
4. Rapid Growth in Green Hydrogen Capacity
- Electrolyzer manufacturers' capacity grew by 103% in 2023, with an expected 143% growth by 2025.
- Developers and buyers advised to closely monitor technology developments and manufacturing quality.
5. Safety Concerns in Commercial-Scale Rooftop PV
- More than 97% of audited rooftop PV systems showed major safety concerns.
- Emphasize proper installation and maintenance practices to avoid risks.
These 2023 trends could continue to shape the clean energy sector throughout 2024.

0 Comments