The SOLARBE TEST International PV Module Single-Item Championship has recently released its latest assessment results. The evaluation, jointly initiated by Carbon Discovery, Solarbe and Gsola, focused on photovoltaic module performance under application-oriented operating conditions. GCL was recognized for its module efficiency under 800W/m² irradiance, based on test results reflecting low-irradiance performance.
For many years, nominal module power measured under standard test conditions of 1000W/m² irradiance has served as the primary reference for product comparison within the photovoltaic industry. While this standard provides consistency for labeling and benchmarking, actual operating environments for photovoltaic power plants differ substantially over their service life. PV systems are typically designed to operate for 25 to 30 years, during which irradiance levels fluctuate due to geographic location, climate patterns, seasonal variation and daily light cycles.
Industry data indicates that operating conditions at or below 800W/m² irradiance account for more than 70% of a photovoltaic power plant’s operating time across its lifecycle. As a result, module performance under low-irradiance conditions plays a significant role in determining long-term energy yield and overall project performance.
Against this background, the SOLARBE TEST evaluation framework places emphasis on real-world operating scenarios rather than laboratory-only metrics. The assessment focuses on module efficiency at 800W/m² irradiance and incorporates additional evaluation factors such as product quality, outdoor degradation behavior and actual power generation performance. The objective of the initiative is to provide a more application-relevant reference for assessing module value over the full lifecycle of photovoltaic projects.
GCL’s results in the assessment reflect the company’s long-term focus on application-driven product development. Through continued work in photovoltaic materials engineering and cell structure design, the company aims to enhance light absorption and energy conversion efficiency under non-ideal irradiance conditions. Improved performance in such environments supports more stable power generation and contributes to cumulative energy output over the operational life of power plants.
A representative from GCL stated that this award signifies industry recognition of the company's technological route and product value. GCL has consistently adhered to a product development philosophy guided by the needs of real-world scenarios, dedicating itself to the clean energy sector and driving PV technology toward greater practicality, higher efficiency, and improved energy savings. Looking ahead, the company will continue to prioritize technological innovation, persistently optimizing module performance under complex, real-world conditions to provide power investment enterprises with products and solutions that offer stronger return guarantees.
The release of the SOLARBE TEST results also reflects a broader shift within the photovoltaic industry. As the sector moves toward higher-quality development, evaluation criteria are increasingly extending beyond nominal parameters toward sustained performance and lifecycle considerations. For project developers and investors, module selection is gradually incorporating real-world operating behavior as a core decision factor. Evaluation approaches that emphasize application conditions and multi-dimensional performance may contribute to a more practical and comprehensive framework for product assessment, supporting long-term efficiency, reliability and progress toward carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.
