TUV Rheinland PTL Launches New Solar Thermal Services at Greenbuild

Nov. 10, 2009 - PRLog -- NEWTOWN, CT – TÜV Rheinland PTL, LLC, North America’s largest solar and photovoltaic testing center, will unveil its Solar Thermal and Combined Heating Power (CHP) Systems services, including domestic and international testing and certification, at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, taking place in Phoenix, Ariz. from Nov. 11-13.

The Solar Thermal Service includes inspection and quality assurance for the manufacture, fabrication, installation and in-service examination of solar thermal collectors and associated subsystems.  TÜV Rheinland PTL can test and certify systems slated to be sold in the European Union or North American markets.

“Modern solar thermal technology has very high conversion efficiency and can displace electricity usage effectively,” said Matthias Heinze, Director of Technology at TÜVRheinland.  “Testing within the state of Arizona, which has more than 300 days of sunshine per year, enables us to test on an accelerated schedule.  TÜVRheinland guarantees competent, unbiased and independent verification of data important to consumers, investors and commercial users. This is why TÜVRheinland is the most trusted name in solar testing.”

Testing services using the latest in innovative solar testing technologies assures Solar Thermal, PV, CPC, Sterling and CSP Systems comply with electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements.  To help companies achieve available incentives and subsidies, TÜV Rheinland PTL also provides third-party verification of long-band, short-term performance data.

“Harnessing the power of the sun to generate electricity and heat has become a part of the national agenda,” said Rich Bozicevich, vice president of Business Development at TÜV Rheinland PTL.  “Several U.S. states are giving businesses and homeowners financial incentives for installing solar panels and other collection devices.  Yet, some products do not last their 25-year warranties.  Assuring these devices operate according to specification has become a powerful stamp of approval for many manufacturers.”

For companies wanting to export their products to the European Union, TÜV Rheinland PTL offers Solar Keymark certification services.  Solar Keymark is a voluntary certification scheme that shows the product complies with European Standards. The Keymark is supported by the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation and is a valid CEN certification mark. As a European Notified Body, TÜV Rheinland PTL can also test to the applicable IEC, EN, ANSI, ISO, UL or ASHRAE standards.

TÜVRheinland® is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) and is certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) to perform solar thermal testing and performance verification required by the North American market.

For unlisted equipment, Field Evaluation Services can be provided at the installation site in North America, and EC-Type Certification can be provided for EU-installed equipment.

TÜV 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. TÜV Rheinland PTL tests and certifies renewable energy products including solar, wind, hydrogen and storage technologies.  Today, the laboratory, in tandem with TÜVRheinland’s global network of solar laboratories, test about 50 percent of the world’s solar conversion devices.

For more information about TÜVRheinland®, call 1-TUV-RHEINLAND (888-743-4652).

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 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 TÜVRheinland®, a $1.5 billion global provider of independent testing, assessment, and certification services.  With an international network across six continents, TÜVRheinland® maintains the largest network of Solar Energy Laboratories worldwide, with five major laboratories on three continents. For more information, visit www.tuvptl.com.



About TÜVRheinland®
TÜVRheinland® delivers premier independent testing, assessment, and certification services to help companies gain access into global markets. Boasting an international network across six continents, the company’s in-country experts ease the path to compliance with cost-effective pricing and quick turnaround times. The $1.5 billion corporation is comprised of an international network of more than 13,300 employees in 61 countries and serves most industry sectors and markets worldwide. For more information, visit www.us.tuv .com.

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TÜVRheinland® delivers premier independent testing, assessment, and certification services to help companies gain access into global markets.