Orangeburg, South Carolina – June 9, 2025 — As climate resilience becomes a top priority for solar developers and asset owners, Hounen Solar America Inc. has achieved a major milestone: its HNM7-SHDB144-550/M bifacial module has passed the Hail Stress Sequence (HSS) test conducted by Kiwa PVEL, one of the industry’s most trusted independent PV testing labs. The results affirm Hounen Solar’s ability to deliver modules that don’t just meet expectations—but exceed them in the face of extreme weather.
Raising the Bar in Hail Resilience
Hail damage represents a growing concern for PV installations in many U.S. regions, particularly as weather volatility increases. PVEL’s HSS test replicates real-world hail events far beyond standard IEC testing, firing 45 mm ice balls at terminal velocity (30.7 m/s)—each impact transferring more than 20 joules of energy to the module surface.
Hounen Solar’s module emerged from the test with exceptionally low power loss (just 0.57%), no glass or cell fractures, and no electrical failures, such as open circuits or bypass diode damage. Post-test insulation resistance reached 12,916 MΩ·m², substantially outperforming the baseline IEC 61215:2021 standard.
“These results speak to the robustness of our module design and the discipline behind our quality control systems,” said Guo Min, Technical Director at Hounen Solar America. “We’re building more than efficiency—we’re building long-term, high-performance assets.”
Technology Built for Real-World Challenges
The tested HNM7-SHDB144-550/M module reflects a blend of innovation and durability. Designed for utility-scale and C&I applications, its specifications include:
- 10BB bifacial monocrystalline PERC cells
- Up to 21.48% front-side efficiency
- Up to 25% rear-side gain, enhancing total energy yield
- Excellent PID resistance and superior low-light response
- Certifications including IEC 61730, UL 61730, and compliance with ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001
Manufactured at Hounen’s facility in Orangeburg, South Carolina, the module meets domestic content requirements for IRA-aligned projects and is optimized for performance in high-stress field environments.
A Step Forward for U.S. Solar Manufacturing
With this achievement, Hounen Solar joins a select group of manufacturers whose products are not only domestically assembled but independently verified to deliver durability in harsh conditions.
“As hail events become more frequent and severe, module reliability is no longer just a value-add—it’s essential,” added Guo. “The PVEL HSS results confirm that Hounen Solar is ready to meet that challenge.”
About Hounen Solar America
Hounen Solar America Inc. is a U.S.-based, vertically integrated solar module manufacturer with operations in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The company delivers high-efficiency, American-assembled PV solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the utility, commercial, and residential solar markets across North America.
