DNV’s technical review provides confidence that Elin Sirius modules can be successfully financed in a project
Elin contracted DNV to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of its PV module technology, the reliability and testing of its products, and manufacturing operations at its new facility.
The customer
Elin Energy, who began manufacturing modules in 2017, is among Turkey’s leading manufacturers of photovoltaic panels. In 2024, the company expanded to the U.S. and established a module factory in Texas where they now manufacture their line of Sirius PV modules producing 1 GW/year—and ramping up to 2 GW/year in 2025.
Introduction
Solar energy is rapidly expanding worldwide. In fact, DNV’s 2024 Energy Transition Outlook predicts that solar installations will increase twelvefold by 2050. And the U.S. market is no different. It reflects this global trend, with over 40 GW/year of production capacity in 2024 and nearly another 20 GW/year of new capacity under construction. With so many factories rushing into operation in the U.S., module and manufacturing quality may suffer and customers need to discern which factories are able to offer highly durable modules and quality manufacturing.
The customer challenge
Independent evaluation delivers confidence to secure investment
By opening its new Texas facility, with an annual capacity of 2 GW, Elin is contributing to the growth of solar energy in the U.S. However, it is a crowded marketplace and, to thrive, Elin knew it needed to show that investors and project developers could have complete confidence in its technology and manufacturing operations. Elin also recognized that verification by a trusted, independent third-party was the best way to deliver that confidence.
DNV was the ideal choice to provide that independent verification. It has provided technical due diligence to support the financing of thousands of solar projects globally. In doing so, DNV has worked with virtually all financial partners involved in the North American solar industry.
DNV’s solution
Wide-ranging and in-depth review in a market-friendly timeframe
Elin contracted DNV to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of its PV module technology, the reliability and testing of its products, and manufacturing operations at its new facility. This included a thorough review of the PV modules’ electrical, mechanical and thermal specifications, and specific installation requirements. DNV experts also reviewed module specifications, BOM’s, and the results of accelerated-life reliability tests to assess the reliability of modules.
To assess manufacturing quality, DNV performed a factory audit of Elin’s new factory and conducted a comprehensive assessment of procedures, process documentation, material specifications, and quality systems. This included in-depth review of process qualification, operator training, materials testing and handling, change management systems, final performance verification and vendor qualification and monitoring.
Impact
- Fast results: products and manufacturing facility assessed in just three weeks
- Rigorous technical review respected by financiers
- Increased confidence for Elin’s customers, project financers, and developers
Key stats and insights
- Since 2017, Elin produced modules in Turkey for globally renowned brands, including Astronergy, Seraphim, Beko, Arcelik, Viessmann, and AKSA.
- In 2024, Elin began manufacturing its own brand, Sirius PV modules, at new factory in Texas which is expected to reach 2 GW/year production in 2025.
- DNV commended Elin Energy for their commitment to improvement and their persistence in getting better.
- DNV observed that Elin was able to address identified issues in a matter of days while other manufacturers typically require weeks to months to resolve issues.
