Failure is not an option. Photovoltaic modules are designed to meet reliability and safety testing standards. Read this comparative paper on PV module failure to learn more about national and international standards. Qualification testing is a short-duration, (typically, 60-90 days) accelerated testing protocol, and may be considered as a minimum requirement to undertake reliability testing. The goal of qualification testing is to identify the initial, short-term reliability issues in the field, while qualification testing/certification is primarily driven by marketplace requirements. Safety testing, however, is a regulatory requirement where modules are assessed for prevention of electrical shock, fire hazards, and personal injury due to electrical, mechanical, and environmental stresses in the field. This paper examines recent reliability and safety studies conducted at TUV Rheinland PTL’s solar module testing facility in Arizona.        

TUV Rheinland: Company Profile

TUV Rheinland PTL tests and certifies renewable energy products including solar, wind, hydrogen, and storage technologies. Today, the laboratory, in tandem with TUV Rheinland’s global network of solar laboratories, tests over 50% of the world’s solar conversion devices. TUV Rheinland PTL is a unique partnership with Arizona State University, an institution with more than 50 years of research on solar energy and extensive solar testing know-how.

As a truly global company, TUV Rheinland has the local language, presence, and knowledge to provide the most current testing and certification requirements for more than 85% of all the world’s countries. We understand the challenges companies face in reaching world markets. In fact, many of the world’s busiest and advanced companies use our services to keep them on the cutting edge of an expanding global market. Our technical experts are trained to deal with worldwide certification issues and obtain the required certification in a timely fashion.  For more information on TUV Rheinland PTL or to start a project, please visit www.tuvptl.com or call us toll-free at 1-888-743-4652 (USA).