EN 
PT_BR 
The maturation of the photovoltaic solar energy market in Brazil has increased the degree of requirement with quality and the competitiveness of products and professionals, in a scenario that makes our increasingly robust segment.
But one topic has been drawing attention in recent months: the increase in false power modules – those that present a power established on the label, but that in practice do not reach that level. That is, the plant that has these modules will never achieve the projected performance.
When we talk about fake photovoltaic modules It is important for us to observe regulatory issues. We basically have two standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that bring a regulatory perspective to modules.
A IEC 61.215 concerns quality and IEC 61.230 deals with security. In general, modules sold in Brazil are manufactured abroad and must meet these international standards. There are very large criteria to establish the quality and safety profiles of the modules.
Regarding quality, the modules undergo 21 tests to ensure they meet standards. In security, the screening is even greater, with 32 tests.
It is important to emphasize that we have international standards that bring a quality and safety perspective and all photovoltaic modules sold in Brazil must comply with the standards so that they comply with the basic prerequisites for operation in the Brazilian market.
Even if this does not happen in practice because, unfortunately, the tests carried out by INMETRO – which should function as a double check of international tests to allow the modules to be sold in Brazil – are still superficial and incomplete, which allows these products to be sold in our market in compliance with internal certification requirements.
When we look deeper into Brazilian regulatory requirements, we have the Regulatory Standard 10 (NR-10) which deals with safety in electrical installations and services.
NR-10 determines that it is necessary observe official technical standards established by competent bodies. In the absence or omission of these standards, or even if there is no national standard, international standards must be respected.
Therefore, when it comes to the safety of electrical installations, we also have international quality and safety standards as a reference. Likewise, the ABNT (Brazilian Association of Technical Standards) addresses this issue and correlates the standards of quality and safety of photovoltaic modules to IEC international standards.
If there is any doubt about the modules offered to customers – if you are not sure whether they are suitable or not – it is important to understand all these premises that provide quality and safety for the manufacturer and, consequently, for the products. This way it will be possible to understand the differences and deliver added value to customers.
Price is another factor to consider, as competitive criteria do not allow products to be equated. It is relatively easy to sell a product cheaper that is not exactly what I say it is, because I did not meet all the requirements and, obviously, my production cost is lower to deliver a lower quality product.
When I think about added value, I'm talking, first of all, about quality and safety in a certified manner, proven and approved internationally, correlated with all quality tests on the Brazilian market. Quality has a price.
It is necessary to have Also pay attention to the power of modules from “lesser known” manufacturers or that do not have their production capacity and bankability proven.
How do these industries, which for the most part do not have control over the vertical production chain and do not manufacture photovoltaic cells, obtain cells at a higher power than what the manufacturer itself makes available to the market?
In other words, how is it possible that modules from “lesser known” manufacturers are more powerful than modules from leading manufacturers?
At Ecori Energia Solar, safety is a basic premise and a non-negotiable value. If I have to highlight a single point for the photovoltaic market to focus on, it is exactly safety. The market will be built on solid foundations with established and secure longevity.
The opinions and information expressed are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of Canal Solar.
