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Factory Inspection

We ensure quality at the source through factory audits and production supervision, identifying defects before shipment. We help maintain consistent manufacturing processes and reduce long-term reliability risks.

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Inspection

Factory Audit

Kiwa PI Berlin audits all aspects of the supply chain, product quality, manufacturing processes and management systems that may affect the safety, reliability and performance of PV modules. Kiwa PI Berlin has developed a exhaustive audit protocol based on direct observation, stress testing and expert assessment of factory operations, which has been successfully applied in more than 1,000 audits to date. Kiwa PI Berlin conducts independent on-site assessments of the manufacturer's production processes and delivers a comprehensive factory audit report with critical, major and minor findings.

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Inspection

Container Loading Check (CLC)

Container Loading Check (CLC) to verify packaging integrity and loading conditions, ensuring compliance with manufacturer specifications before shipment from the factory or warehouse. Kiwa PI Berlin assesses the condition of packed PV modules, including pallets, packaging materials and strapping.

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Inspection

Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) – MV Cells

Kiwa PI Berlin will witness and supervise the Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of medium-voltage (MV) switchgear cells to ensure compliance with the design, manufacturing and acceptance requirements of photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems. The assessment will focus on laboratory conditions and capabilities, compliance with applicable standards, and health and safety requirements.

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Inspection

Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) – Inverters

Kiwa PI Berlin will witness the pre-shipment inspection and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of the client’s central inverters. The inspection will be conducted on a sampling basis in accordance with previously agreed criteria. Random inverter samples may be selected for testing using the manufacturer's test facilities.

Industrial machinery assembly line in a factory, with large white equipment cabinets and production equipment on a workshop floor.

Inspection

Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) – Transformers

Kiwa PI Berlin will witness and supervise the Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of transformers to verify compliance with design, manufacturing and acceptance requirements. The assessment will focus on laboratory conditions, compliance with applicable standards, laboratory capabilities, health and safety practices, safety, signage, interlocking systems, warranty and adherence to international standards.

Large industrial electrical transformer inside a factory, with cables, insulators and a yellow maintenance lift nearby.

Consultancy

Procurement Support

Kiwa PI Berlin reviews key project contracts to ensure that the scope of work, design, construction, equipment supply, acceptance testing and plant maintenance requirements are clearly defined. The focus is on identifying, managing and contractually mitigating potential safety, performance and reliability risks for the client.

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Consultancy

Production Oversight

Kiwa PI Berlin provides on-site production oversight during the manufacturing of photovoltaic and battery energy storage system (BESS) equipment. Quality control engineers are deployed at the factory to ensure that all required material, process and production controls are properly implemented throughout manufacturing.

Technician in protective clothing inspecting a solar panel in a cleanroom.

Consultancy

PV Equipment Tender Management

Kiwa PI Berlin will prepare and document an RFP or RFQ for a selected list of target manufacturers based on the client's procurement requirements. We support the client in comparing, evaluating and ranking supplier responses, followed by the assessment and shortlisting of the final candidates.

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Consultancy, Inspection

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)

Kiwa PI Berlin will perform a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) of PV modules on a sampling basis prior to shipment approval. Defect rates exceeding the agreed acceptance criteria may result in additional inspections or product rejection as part of the agreed quality control process. Inspections typically include flash testing (I-V measurements), verification of power and insulation resistance related defects, electroluminescence (EL) imaging to identify cell defects, and visual inspection (VI).