Suntech's quality lab certified for PV module VDE test data acceptance program

WUXI, CHINA: Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd, the world's largest crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer, announced that it is the first solar company in Asia to be awarded the VDE Test Data Acceptance Program (TDAP) certificate in accordance with all the requirements of IEC 61215.

The award is further recognition of Suntech's strong commitment to implementing world-class quality processes to ensure solar panel performance.

Dr. Qiang Han, General Manager of VDE Shanghai said: "We are impressed by Suntech's comprehensive quality testing processes, a number of which exceed IEC certification requirements. As a leading global solar company, Suntech is setting a fantastic example of how to ensure consistent, high quality production."

As part of the program, VDE will regularly send experienced personnel to witness the implementation of key quality tests and procedures at Suntech. Participation in the TDAP is expected to accelerate Suntech's ongoing IEC certification process from approximately seven months to four months, enabling Suntech to bring the latest solar products to market faster.

Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO, said: "We view quality as key to the long-term success of the solar industry. Suntech's commitment to reliability, represented in our industry-leading quality control teams, state-of-the-art product testing infrastructure, and our track record of over 1.5GW of installed solar products, gives customers the confidence and performance they need to generate decades of sustainable and clean energy. We will work closely with VDE and other internationally respected quality organizations to guarantee current and future generations of solar technology."

Suntech's world-class PV module testing facility is the largest in China with 1,400sqm and 7,000sqm of indoor and outdoor testing space, respectively. The cutting-edge test equipment includes a walk-in UV light chamber, a walk-in salt mist chamber, a water vapor test, pulse and continuous solar simulators, walk-in climate chambers, mechanical load and hail testers, electroluminescence testers, and high precision infrared cameras to evaluate module integrity.

All the equipment and testing procedures meet or exceed the stringent standards of UL1703, IEC61215 and IEC61730-2. In June 2009, Suntech's PV module testing facility became the first in China to be awarded the Underwriters Laboratories Witness Testing Data Program certificate.