Jun 17 2010
Suntech Power’s core product range has received the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) certification for ammonia resistance. Suntech specializes in manufacturing solar products for commercial and residential applications.
The DIN 50916 standard assures that the panels can maintain high performance levels under ammonia exposure. The standard is primarily important for those consumers who constantly deal with fertilizers and livestock that produce ammonia. The DIN certification will enable the farmers to install Suntech solar modules on the roofs of barns, warehouses and greenhouses.
Suntech’s Product Manager in Europe, Winfried Wahl, stated that the DIN certification will make a significant impact on both investors and consumers working in agricultural production facilities.
The company’s solar panels were soaked with a high alkaline (pH grade: nine) ammonium chloride solution at 30o for 28 days. After the test period, the material integrity and the power characteristics of the solar panels were thoroughly examined for structural problems and potential performance losses. This test is carried out to establish whether the panels have the capability to resist ammonia or other alkaline chemical exposures. The DIN standard is more rigorous compared to the German Farmer Association (DLG) standard where the panels are exposed to a mere 70% atmospheric saturation but face higher degree of temperature for an extended period of time.