NEWTOWN, CT-TÜVRheinland has opened a test laboratory for the inspection of photovoltaic devices in Cologne, Germany.

The Cologne location is dedicated to the inspection of photovoltaic modules and solar thermal collectors and systems. It includes six climate chambers and five sun simulators, as well as two stations for mechanical load testing. The facility is three times larger than the previous Cologne test site, which could no longer meet the requirements of the growing solar energy market. The company also operates two external facilities-one in Cologne and another in Italy-for testing modules under real-weather conditions.

“Approximately 70% of all manufacturers of solar modules worldwide have their products tested in TÜVRheinland laboratories in order to obtain international market licenses and gain the recognition of both users and investors,” says Stephan Schmitt, president and chief executive officer of TÜV Rheinland North America Holding Co. “Our newest test lab in Cologne demonstrates our leadership position and further solidifies our stronghold in the solar testing arena.”

For more information, visitwww.us.tuv.com.