VDE, a Germany-based certification body, has established a U.S.-based wholly owned subsidiary called VDE Americas.
One of the subsidiary's first key activities is the introduction of a set of products for the testing and certification of complete large-scale PV systems with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.
The new quality mark – VDE Quality Tested for PV Power Plants – verifies the complete certification of solar photovoltaic power plants, including quality, performance and safety.
‘There is enormous potential for growth of PV installations worldwide, and with increasingly competitive price levels, there is a strong need to ensure the safety and performance of the system as a whole,’ explains Prof. Eicke R. Weber, director of Fraunhofer ISE.
The CFV Solar Test Laboratory in Albuquerque, N.M., will also support the quality assurance services being offered by the partners.
