1 in 5 solar panels are failing—and it’s not because of hail. A quiet reliability crisis is cracking open across the industry, and it starts with glass. In this eye-opening conversation, Nico Johnson sits down with Tristan Erion-Lorico (Kiwa PVEL) and Dr. Teresa Barnes (NREL) to uncover why glass breakage has become the #1 cause of solar module failure . Backed by PVEL’s latest reliability data, they expose how design shortcuts, material stress, and quality-control lapses are pushing failure rates to an alarming 20%. You’ll learn: 🔹 Why “tempered” glass isn’t always truly tempered 🔹 How glass is allergic to metal, actually 🔹 Why thinner, lighter glass can mean bigger, costlier failures 🔹 What manufacturers, EPCs, and buyers must do now to prevent losses If you build, buy, or bank on solar panels, this episode could save your next project from shattering—literally. Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolar If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/ . Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America ! You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors . Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media . Subscribe to Valence , our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/ You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on: Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
