Que: Can you briefly introduce Aster E Technologies and Zealwe Technology, and how they are associated?

Ans: Dibakar Roy: Aster E Technologies is an India-based company focused on providing complete solutions for solar, semiconductor, and battery manufacturing — from equipment and laboratory setups to turnkey project execution.

Dr. Liu Zhigang: Zealwe Technology, on the other hand, is a China-based manufacturer known for its solar testing and measurement equipment, like Bypass Diode testers, UVID, MLT and reliability chambers.

We work closely with Zealwe as one of our technology partners, integrating their equipment into our PV lab for Solar Cell, Module, Materials and production solutions.

Que: What standards and tests do Zealwe’s machines support?

Ans: Dr. Liu Zhigang: Zealwe’s equipment is designed to support globally recognised solar PV module standards and test protocols. Some of these include:

• IEC 61215 (durability, performance, hot-spot, hail, etc.)
• IEC 61730 (safety)
• IEC 61701 (salt mist corrosion) via salt spray chambers in the portfolio
• IEC 61853 (performance under outdoor / irradiance / spectral variation) for outdoor test systems.
• PID / LETID / B-O / CID test regimes in advanced systems.
• UL / BIS / other regional test requirements, via compliance in the lab setups offered by Aster. Thus, customers can validate module performance, reliability, and safety as per international and regional norms.

Que: What’s Aster’s vision in bringing Zealwe’s technology to the Indian and regional solar market?

Ans: Dibakar Roy: Aster aims to be a trusted technology partner — not merely a supplier of equipment, but a long-term enabler for local solar manufacturers and laboratories.

Through its collaboration with Zealwe, Aster introduces world-class testing and reliability solutions to the Indian and South Asian markets, empowering manufacturers to:

• Adopt world-class PV testing capabilities that meet — and exceed — global standards.
• Speed up certification and qualification processes locally.
• Boost module reliability and ensure consistent product quality.
• Support next-gen PV technologies like TOPCon, HJT, and BIPV.
• Enable data-driven insights for process optimisation and yield improvement.
• Enhance investor and customer confidence through verified, high-quality solar modules.

This initiative reflects Aster’s broader mission to strengthen regional solar manufacturing ecosystems, ensuring local players are fully equipped to support emerging PV technologies such as TOPCon, HJT, and BIPV.

At Aster, we don’t just supply lab equipment; we train the team to run it confidently. Hands-on sessions cover IV testers, EL testers, climate chambers, and more. We guide on IEC, UL, and BIS compliance, plus preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and full O&M support. After installation, we conduct internal audits and assist with NABL certification. Our goal is simple: help your lab perform at its best and meet global quality standards, right here in India.

Que: How do Aster and Zealwe contribute to the renewable energy value chain and sustainability?

Ans: Dr. Liu Zhigang: Aster and Zealwe may not produce solar energy themselves, but they play a very important role in strengthening the entire solar value chain. Through advanced testing and validation solutions — like Triple Test Wet Leakage Testers, Bypass Diode Testers, and LED-based Solar Simulators — they help ensure that PV modules are safe, efficient, and reliable for many years.

Their focus on sustainability goes beyond technology. Both companies design energy-efficient equipment that exceeds global standards, including innovations like the first UV+DH chamber for accelerated testing. They also promote modular automation, local manufacturing, and smart thermal management systems to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.

At the same time, Aster and Zealwe invest heavily in people — training engineers and operators to run testing labs, maintain standards, and ensure consistent quality.

Together, their efforts create a circular, sustainable, and high-quality solar manufacturing ecosystem that supports reliability, efficiency, and long-term environmental responsibility.

Que: What is the process and purpose of solar module raw material testing? What key tests are performed on each component, and how does Zealwe contribute to this process?

Ans: Dr. Liu Zhigang: Solar module raw material testing ensures all components meet international quality, safety, and performance standards (IEC, ASTM, UL) for long-term durability. Each part is tested for strength, stability, insulation, and weather resistance before assembly.

Zealwe is a leading manufacturer of solar testing machines used for both raw material and module-level validation. Its advanced equipment ensures accurate, reliable measurement of optical, mechanical, and electrical parameters, helping manufacturers maintain global quality compliance.

Key Component Tests:

• Glass: Light transmittance, iron content, haze, mechanical strength, thermal shock.
• EVA/POE: Gel content, UV resistance, shrinkage, adhesion, and moisture absorption.
• Solar Cells: Visual inspection, I–V curve, EL imaging, temperature coefficient, Suns-Voc.
• Backsheet: WVTR, dielectric strength, UV ageing, adhesion, flammability.
• Junction Box & Cables: Insulation resistance, thermal cycling, IP rating, salt mist corrosion.
• Frame: Dimensions, anodization, salt spray, mechanical load, hardness.
• Adhesives & Sealants: Adhesion, UV/thermal ageing, outgassing, moisture ingress.
• Module-Level: Damp heat, thermal cycling, UV exposure, mechanical load, PID, fire resistance.

Comprehensive testing ensures solar modules operate safely and efficiently for over 25 years. Zealwe’s precision testing equipment enables manufacturers to achieve consistent quality, reliability, and global certification readiness.

Que: How do Aster and Zealwe leveraged Renewable Energy Expo 2025 to contribute to India’s renewable energy goals?

Ans: Dibakar Roy & Dr. Liu Zhigang: At REI 2025, Aster and Zealwe highlighted how precision, reliability, and skilled manpower drive India’s solar growth. Our advanced lab machines ensure every test is IEC and BIS compliant, while our hands-on training equips operators to run labs confidently and maintain high-quality output.

Beyond equipment, we provide O&M services that maximise uptime, accelerate issue resolution, and reduce ownership costs. And soon, we’ll introduce internal audit services to ensure customer labs follow all protocols rigorously, further boosting compliance and performance.

By combining state-of-the-art technology, operational support, and training, we help manufacturers deliver safe, efficient, and certified solar modules, supporting India’s ambitious renewable energy goals with reliability at every step.

Our message is clear: India’s renewable energy future depends not just on how much energy we produce, but on how safely, efficiently, and sustainably we deliver it.