1. For Immediate Release
US-Made Silicon Energy Modules Outperform Top Module Companies in Severe
Environmental Testing
Mt. Iron, MN and Seattle, WA – February 28, 2013 – Silicon Energy’s double-glass Cascade Series
Photovoltaic (PV) Module outperformed standard PV modules for durability under extreme
environmental conditions, in an experimental testing process by the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL). Sustainably manufactured in the US, the company’s Cascade Series PV Modules are
built to last using the highest quality materials for reliable performance in mission critical applications.
This focus on quality and durability gives Silicon Energy a Class-A fire rating and the ability to offer an
industry leading 30-year warranty.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, NREL’s National Center for Photovoltaics (NCPV) is the United
States' primary laboratory dedicated to PV research and development. The lab focuses on technology
innovations to drive industry growth and leadership in U.S. PV manufacturing. The NCPV included Silicon
Energy in a “Test-to-Failure of Crystalline Silicon Modules” study.
In the study, Silicon Energy’s modules outperformed five other module designs with respect to
degradation mechanisms such as potential-induced degradation, delamination and corrosion.
The study was performed to evaluate the “Test-to-Failure,” a testing protocol designed to comparatively
assess module durability and show potential failure mechanisms. NREL’s accelerated lifetime testing
simulates severe environmental conditions, including repeated thermal cycling from -40 to 185°F and
separate application of 85% relative humidity at 85°F with system voltage bias applied. The study found
that these accelerated tests cause some failures that are representative of field exposure and some that
have not been identified to occur in the field, so the significance of a failure in a test must be evaluated
on a case by case basis.
Silicon Energy’s Cascade Series module was tested along with five of the top twenty PV module
manufacturers by megawatt sold in 2010, and outperformed them under the accelerated test scenarios.
Silicon Energy’s module emerged from the testing environment with no electrical safety failures and no
performance degradation.
Silicon Energy’s module performance is the result of its innovative design, which features double
tempered glass construction laminated using an advanced encapsulant to survive extreme
environmental conditions. One such environment is Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE) Wild Horse Wind and
Solar Farm at 3,500 ft on the slopes of Whiskey Dick Mountain in the Washington Cascade Mountains,
an installation that exposes the Silicon Energy modules to severe weather, temperatures, and wind gusts
up to 120 mph. “Silicon Energy panels were installed at Wild Horse more than three years ago,” said
Adam Crawford, Puget Sound Energy Community Service Coordinator. “Not only have the panels

2. withstood the extreme temperature variations and high wind conditions in Central Washington, but we
also receive complements on the aesthetics of the panels from our visitors.”
Figure 1: PSE Wild Horse Wind and Solar Installation, Courtesy of Puget Sound Energy
This feeling of confidence in Silicon Energy is shared by Minnesota-based solar installer, Powerfully
Green, who almost exclusively installs Silicon Energy modules. According to Powerfully Green owner
Rebecca Lundberg, “Silicon Energy modules are the PV solution of choice. We depend on these modules
for durability and maintenance-free operation. Our most demanding commercial and residential
customers insist upon these modules for their reliable performance. Silicon Energy’s double-glass
modules are the best aesthetic option, and give us the ability to integrate PV into beautiful structures
like patio covers, carports, and awnings.”
Silicon Energy’s President, Gary Shaver commented, “We appreciate the opportunity to participate in
NREL’s cutting edge research, and are thrilled with our performance in their rigorous testing
environment. Silicon Energy is committed to quality and durability, and our next generation Cascade
Series module builds off of this knowledge and success. This recognition demonstrates that Minnesota
and Washington investments in job creation enable innovative US PV manufacturers to build credibility
leading to economic growth and job creation.”
Silicon Energy modules have been installed in more than 1500 projects nationwide.
About Silicon Energy
Founded in 2007, Silicon Energy delivers the highest quality and most durable photovoltaic (PV) modules on the
market today, backed by one of the best warranties in the world. Located in Washington and Minnesota, Silicon
Energy’s sustainable approach to doing business offers customers a world-class, locally manufactured and
environmentally-friendly solar PV product. The company’s philosophy of supporting the local and US economy and
its commitment to creating long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing PV allows customers to be confident that while they
are reducing their carbon footprint they are also contributing to their local economy. Silicon Energy PV Systems
are available through select partners for home, commercial, government, and utility installations. For more
information about Silicon Energy, please visit www.silicon-energy.com or call (360) 618-6500 or (218)-789-1710.
For Media Inquiries
Revolution PR for Silicon Energy

3. Jennifer Karkar Ritchie, 206-354-8049, Jennifer@revolutionpr.com
Aaron Hilst, 206-355-3506, aaron@revolutionpr.com