Solar Frontier has announced that its CIS (copper, indium, selenium) thin-film solar modules have been certified for durability and safety by leading certification organizations.

"Solar Frontier customers can depend on our modules to deliver high power output with long-term durability," said Greg Ashley, vice president and chief operating officer of Solar Frontier Americas.

"The most ecological and economical solar energy solution springs from high-quality production and zero cadmium and lead-free materials, manufactured at large scale."

Safety and Compliance
Solar Frontier's 155-watt modules have received the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification. All Solar Frontier modules up to 155 watts are also listed on the California Energy Commission's (CEC) List of Compliant Photovoltaic modules with a PVUSA Test Condition (PTC) rating, and Florida State Energy Center's (FSEC) List of Approved Modules. Solar Frontier's SF130 to SF150 modules had previously been certified by UL and listed by the CEC.

The achievement of full commercial operations at Solar Frontier's Kunitomi Plant has driven up manufacturing efficiency and the average module output, leading to increased production of the 155-watt module. Solar Frontier's modules are available in greater volumes at higher efficiencies than other mass produced thin-film solar panels.

Underwriters Laboratories evaluates the design and conducts extensive tests on products to ensure their safety for consumer use. Solar Frontier CIS modules are suited for commercial, residential and utility applications, and have also obtained certifications on performance and safety by Japanese and European standards organizations.

Solar Frontier's CIS-based thin-film modules have also been certified as "RoHS" compliant in Europe. The "Restriction of Hazardous Substances" standard, adopted by the European Union in 2003, sets a 0.01% concentration limit on cadmium, and a 0.1% limit on lead, mercury and three other hazardous substances in electronic devices. While solar modules are currently exempt from RoHS compliance, Solar Frontier completed voluntary testing with TUV Rheinland.

Durability in Varied Environments
Solar Frontier modules also passed all tests devised by TUV Rheinland to emulate conditions common in seaside and agricultural areas, as the company announced recently. Oceanside solar installations certified to resist the corrosive attributes of salt mist will last longer and provide more reliable power output.

In agricultural areas, it is vital that glass, frame and connections of the modules are not corroded by ammonia generated by livestock. TUV Rheinland's tests showed that even high concentrations of salt mist and ammonia did not affect Solar Frontier's modules or lead to accelerated degradation.