The 2026 PV Module Manufacturing Quality Report

Module defects are on the rise in 2026. As manufacturing continues to evolve, shifting regulatory policies, rapid capacity expansion, and advancing cell technologies are reshaping how buyers approach procurement.

Kiwa PI Berlin, a leading global technical advisor and quality assurance provider, continues to support PV module buyers as they navigate these complex and dynamic market conditions.

In our latest publication, The 2026 PV Module Manufacturing Quality Report, we provide a summary of our latest quality assurance findings from Factory Audits, Production Oversight, and Pre-Shipment Inspections. This year’s findings highlight new defect patterns emerging in high-impact processes, including layup precision, lamination integrity, junction box assembly, and more. The increase in failures highlights weaknesses in the manufacturer's ability to manage the bill-of-materials and process controls, which should be carefully controlled to mitigate risks to project performance.

Download the report to learn more about our latest findings and why buyers increasingly value partnering with an experienced, global quality assurance provider to proactively manage risk and ensure product quality throughout the PV module procurement process.