Underwriters Laboratories (UL) says it plans to build a photovoltaic testing and certification facility in the Silicon Valley. The new 16,000 square-foot facility is intended to increase testing capacity for the renewable energy industry and get UL-Listed PV products to market faster.
UL says it plans to begin construction in early 2008, expects to hire approximately 25 technicians and staff over the next five years, and will offer a full portfolio of pre-certification services, including research and development and training.
‘UL recognizes that renewable energy is an important growth area and fully intends to provide global market access services that complement our core expertise in safety testing and certification,’ says Bill Colavecchio, vice president and general manager of UL's global industrial products sector.
UL also announced it is working with the Silicon Valley Leadership Group on its SolarTech Initiative to help reach as many solar product manufacturers as possible. The partnership will provide the opportunity for introduction of a safety-related discipline during the early stages of product development in the PV supply chain and contribute to providing an end-to-end solution for PV companies.
