Tier Solar Panel Rating

The quality of solar panels is a determining factor when choosing this equipment for the construction of a solar power plant. However, this is not such an easy task, given the variety of manufacturers in this market. This task is intended to be facilitated by the Tier rating, which was developed by a group of financial and analytical companies in order to determine the investment attractiveness of projects and economic reliability in the field of solar energy. It is worth noting that Tier is a characteristic of the manufacturer, not of the solar panels. The ratings are compiled based on the implementation of large projects, as well as information from guarantor banks. In addition, physical testing of products and availability of service are not taken into account when determining the rating. The rating system, which is most popular in the world, is compiled by the Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corporation. The list is revised quarterly, and even experienced producers may fall off the list.

Tier 1

The manufacturer has secured debt financing without the right to claim from 5 different banks.

Use of the product in at least 6 different projects with a capacity of 1.5 MW or more in the last 2 years.

Having our own production site and brand. All panel components are created in-house and undergo strict quality checks.

Solvency. No declarations of bankruptcy or insolvency.

Panel production should be the main focus of the company.

Investment in scientific development and automation of technical processes.

The company has been operating in the solar energy market for at least 5 years.

Tier 2

According to statistics, 8% of the solar panel manufacturer market belongs to the Tier 2 list. Many manufacturers on this list aspire to Tier 1, but do not have such experience and funds. Must meet the following requirements:

The company has been present on the market for at least 2 years.
Automation of the production process, although this is not as dominant a factor as for Tier 1 manufacturers
Investment in scientific development and automation of technical processes. However, the volumes are significantly less than those of Tier1 producers.

Tier 3

Tier 3 manufacturers account for 90% of the global solar panel market. Such companies assemble solar panels without producing components that they purchase from other companies. In addition, there are the following differences from the previously listed Tier1 and Tier2 lists:

The production process is not sufficiently automated and largely depends on manual labor.
The company does not invest in scientific development.
Often the actual technical parameters of the panels do not correspond to the declared ones.
The above does not mean that a Tier 3 class solar panel will necessarily be of poor quality, but such an acquisition is always a lottery.