TÜVRheinland opens new PV test lab in Cologne

NEWTOWN, USA: TÜVRheinland is increasing its domination of the photovoltaic market, expanding its global reach once again by opening a new test laboratory in Cologne, Germany this month.

The new Cologne location offers state-of-the-art technology for inspecting photovoltaic modules and solar thermal collectors and systems. It includes six climate chambers and five sun simulators, as well as two stations for mechanical load testing.

The 1,800 m2 facility is three times larger than the previous Cologne test site, which could no longer meet the requirements of the rapidly growing solar energy market. The company also operates two external facilities – one in Cologne and another in Italy -– for testing modules under real-weather conditions.

TÜVRheinland plays a key role in the international development of solar energy usage and quality assurance of solar modules. Since 1995, the company has continuously expanded its laboratory capacity and resources to address the needs of the ever-growing production of photovoltaic systems.

“Approximately 70% of all manufacturers of solar modules worldwide have their products tested in TÜVRheinland laboratories in order to obtain international market licenses and gain the recognition of both users and investors,” said Stephan Schmitt, President & CEO of TÜV Rheinland North America Holding Company. “Our newest test lab in Cologne demonstrates our leadership position and further solidifies our stronghold in the solar testing arena.”

With an international network across six continents, TÜVRheinland maintains the largest network of Solar Energy Laboratories worldwide with five major laboratories on three continents, providing services that include product testing and certification, production monitoring, system testing and monitoring and research and development. In addition to the German test center, the company has established solar laboratories in Japan, China and the United States.

The US laboratory, based in Tempe, Arizona, is TÜV Rheinland PTL, LLC, a leading provider of safety and performance testing, and market certification serving every sector of the photovoltaic marketplace, from the supply chain through installation.

TÜV Rheinland PTL is a unique partnership between Arizona State University, an institution with more than 50 years of research on solar energy and extensive solar testing know-how, and TÜVRheinland, a $1.5 billion global provider of independent testing, assessment, and certification services.