Fraunhofer ISE and VDE expand cooperation - new test center for PV modules in Singapore

Freiburg, Germany - In the face of the boom in the photovoltaic industry an increasing amount of Asian countries are joining in on the production. Often they first concentrate on export, since no appreciable national market exists.

According to Fraunhofer ISE with the increasing competition, manufacturers get under more pressure to ensure the quality of their products through accredited testing and certification procedures. The VDE Institute and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have realized picked up this demand. In cooperation with the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore SERIS, they have opened up the first testing and certification center for PV modules in South East Asia.

In the cooperation, the new Joint Venture company VDE-ISE Pte. Ltd., founded by VDE and Fraunhofer ISE, is under the leadership of Henry Paetz. The company is responsible for the customer service, certification and safety tests according to IEC 61730, while the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore SERIS under the leadership of Prof. Joachim Luther carries out the various performance tests.

Source: IWR Online, 26 Feb 2010