GSE of Italy Approves TÜV Rheinland PTL to Perform Design Qualification Testing of Photovoltaic Products
01-06-12Tempe, AZ
TÜV Rheinland PTL, North America’s largest solar and photovoltaic (PV) testing company, is approved by Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE) of Italy to perform design qualification and type approval testing of PV modules and systems. Specifically, the company will test crystalline silicon flat-plate PV modules according to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61215 standard; thin-film flat-plate PV modules according to IEC 61646; and concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies according to IEC 62108.
GSE promotes the development of renewable energy sources in Italy by granting support for and organizing awareness campaigns on environmentally sustainable and responsible use of electricity.
Any PV module or system used in Italy needs to comply with the IEC design qualification requirements. The products may only be tested and certified by the laboratories accredited in accordance with standard UNI CEI EN ISO / IEC 17025 or who have established mutual recognition agreements with European co-operation for Accreditation or the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation.
TÜV Rheinland PTL tests and certifies systems slated for sale in the European Union, Asian and North American markets to assure that solar thermal, PV, CPV, and concentrated solar power systems comply with electrical, mechanical, and environmental requirements for both product quality and product safety.
About 70% of all solar module manufacturers have their products tested by TÜV Rheinland to obtain national and international market licenses. TÜV Rheinland operates test laboratories for solar modules and systems in six locations worldwide: Cologne, Germany; Shanghai, China; Taichung, China; Yokohama, Japan; and Bangalore, India, as well as a U.S. facility in Tempe, Arizona at TÜV Rheinland PTL. Hundreds of experts specializing in solar technologies work at the existing test centers.
For more information, visit www.tuvptl.com or call TÜV Rheinland toll-free at 1-TUV-RHEINLAND (888-743-4652).
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About TÜV Rheinland PTL, LLC
Based in Tempe, Ariz., TÜV Rheinland PTL, LLC is a leading provider of safety and performance testing and market certification serving every sector of the photovoltaic and solar thermal marketplace, from the supply chain through installation. TÜV Rheinland PTL is a unique partnership between Arizona State University, an institution with more than 50 years of research on solar energy and extensive solar testing know-how, and TÜV Rheinland®, a $1.5 billion global provider of independent testing, assessment, and certification services. With an international network across six continents, TÜV Rheinland® maintains the largest network of Solar Energy Laboratories worldwide, with five major laboratories on three continents. For more information, visit www.tuvptl.com .
About TÜV Rheinland
Founded in 1871, TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in independent testing, inspection, certification, and consulting services. The company inspects technical equipment, products and services; oversees projects; and helps to shape processes for U.S. companies seeking entry to worldwide markets. With 16,000 employees, TÜV Rheinland maintains a presence in approximately 500 locations in 61 countries. In addition, it encompasses an international network of approved labs, testing facilities and education centers, and its experts train people across a wide range of industries. For more information, visit www.tuv.com/us .