Evergreen Solar receives certification qualifying String Ribbon solar panels for UK market

MARLBORO, USA: Evergreen Solar Inc., a manufacturer of String Ribbon solar panels with its proprietary silicon wafer technology, has received the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certificate from the United Kingdom's British Board of Agrément, qualifying the company's ES-A series panels for solar projects supported by the Renewables Cash-Back Scheme.

The ‘Renewables Cash-Back Scheme’ has been active in the UK since April 2010. Homeowners and communities who install low carbon electricity, including solar panels, are paid for the electricity they generate, even if they use it themselves. Solar projects are required to use MCS certified panels installed by MCS accredited installers to be eligible for funding.

In May 2010, Evergreen Solar announced that its ES-A series panels received IEC 61701 salt mist certification making the panels ideal for coastal installations. Given the fact that the UK has more than 31,000 kilometers (19,000 miles) of coastline, Evergreen Solar's ES-A panels are well-suited for UK-based projects.

"The MCS certification is a major step forward in expanding our business in the UK and a testament to the quality and workmanship of Evergreen’s solar panels which are known for delivering more electricity with less impact on the environment," said Peter Rusch, Evergreen Solar’s VP of Sales for Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

"Given the fact that many UK solar projects will be installed on or near the coast, our IEC 61701 salt mist certification is likely to make the ES-A series the panel of choice for these projects."

The MCS is an internationally-recognized quality assurance scheme which demonstrates the quality and reliability of products by satisfying rigorous standards. Product certification involves testing of products and an assessment of the manufacturing processes, materials and staff training.