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About the Episode:
Have YOU had trouble procuring modules lately?
I know I’ve heard from dozens of folks that they are hurting in this specific area.
If that’s you, I want to hear from you…shoot me an email “HELP ME GET MODULES NICO!” in the Subject line and we’ll get right on it. (Nico at mysuncast dot com)
How are solar modular manufactures vetted? Where do buyers turn when the much sought-after Bloomberg “Tier 1” suppliers are sold out of modules, making it harder for developments under 20 MW in scale to find vetted suppliers? The demand for solar panels in the US has opened up new markets abroad for suppliers. India has emerged as a leading supplier with its strong trade relationship with the US, and Emmvee, an Indian company, is heretofore little known solar panel manufacturer in the country that is making its entry to the United States. I wanted to learn more about how buyers should think of these new market entrants, and what considerations are key (and what perhaps are not-so-important as they once were).
Justin Redd of Emmvee North America discusses the complexities of solar panel manufacturing. He provides valuable insights into the evolution of manufacturing processes from labor-intensive to highly automated systems. As demands surge, finding vetted suppliers becomes a challenge. Justin shares his experience and takes us through procurement strategies, detailing the importance of certifications, factory audits, and maintaining trade relationships. Moreover, he addresses concerns around microcracks and the steps needed for quality assurance in the production process. Emmvee's commitment to transparency, evidenced by an invitation to tour their Indian facilities, serves as a valuable benchmark for solar professionals navigating the industry.
Checklist:
Key Takeaways:
Supplier Vetting: The vetting of suppliers including reviewing certifications, conducting audits, examining partnerships and consulting industry contacts is crucial for ensuring quality and reliability.
Quality Measurement: To quantify quality in solar panel manufacturing, several metrics need to be considered, such as ISO certifications, cleanroom standards, and low RMA rates below industry averages. While Bloomberg Tier 1 status often serves as an indicator of quality, it shouldn't be the sole determining factor for choosing a solar manufacturer.
Microcrack Mitigation: Microcracks pose a potential threat to the quality and performance of solar panels. Quality control checks, careful material selection, and protective packaging can help mitigate this issue.
NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:
“Quality is just having reliable products that don’t need servicing that always do what you bought them for. And then you measure that in our industry through RMA claims.”
ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:
Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.
Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 16-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.
You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.
If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.