TÜV Rheinland announced that it is 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 1,800m² 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.
"Approximately 70% of all manufacturers of solar modules worldwide have their products tested in TÜV Rheinland 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, TÜV Rheinland states that it 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.
