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Underwriters Laboratories Introduces New Certification Programs For Solar Industry Programs

October 27, 2009 by Jeff Shepard

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) announced the introduction of its Master and Fast Track Certification Programs. These new service offerings are designed to help photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturers and production equipment manufacturers get products to market faster by using an innovative approach to certify complete turn-key solution production lines. Program participants are able to supply PV module manufacturers with pre-certified designs, greatly reducing project turnaround time, and offering greater efficiency due to the avoidance of redundant testing and thus, fewer submitted product samples.

These programs will test to both national and international UL International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards including UL1703, UL 61730, IEC 61215, IEC 61646 and IEC 61730, and will be made available to global markets in North America, Europe and Asia.

"The Master and Fast Track Certification Programs demonstrate UL’s ongoing commitment to solar industry innovations," said Jeff Smidt, Vice President and General Manager of UL’s Global Energy Industry. "We strive to develop and enhance our service offerings to meet the needs of today’s demanding renewable energy marketplace."

"The solar industry continues to look to third-party certification companies to provide customized services that will save time and resources," said Smidt. "UL plays a leading role in this transformation through process enhancements and investments in innovative safety testing and programs to bring solar energy solutions to market faster."