Photovoltaics: TÜV SÜD certifications secure funding

Munich. In future, operators of photovoltaic systems (PV) to generate energy will benefit not only from the sun's power, but also from state funding. Many countries are now accelerating their solar energy programs. State subsidies are an important factor for manufacturers, importers, installers, investors and operators, and must be considered at a timely stage and the necessary certificates obtained. As an international operator in the PV sector, TÜV SÜD provides consulting on funding and subsidy opportunities and acts as a partner in the certification process. Trade visitors can find out more at Intersolar, the specialist exhibition held in Munich from 9 to 11 June 2010. TÜV SÜD will be represented at the exhibition with its cooperation partner Photovoltaik-Institut (PI) Berlin (Hall B5, Stand 159).

Europe, USA or Asia: TÜV SÜD's photovoltaic specialists are familiar with state subsidy programs and national specifications. In Germany, TÜV SÜD supports manufacturers and importers with the rapid provision of inspections, tests and certification to enable them to respond flexibly to the enormous fluctuations on the German market – a current issue being the reduction of feed-in tariffs. In the UK, a special programme, the "Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)" governs awards of subsidies and photovoltaic feed-in specifications. TÜV SÜD is the only international inspection service provider to hold authorization as a Certification Body to undertake certification of modules and other components under MCS. The MCS logo is critical for manufacturers, importers and installers, enabling their end-customers – such as home-owners or companies – to benefit from the UK's subsidy programme. In Japan and China the TÜV SÜD certificate for PV components and modules serves as recognition of tests already completed in the national certification process, thus saving time and costs in obtaining certification for these target markets. "Production for global markets is an increasing priority for German manufacturers too, as a method of spreading the risks of different regionally and nationally subsidised markets in future", says Andreas Faißt from TÜV SÜD Product Service. "Partnership with a globally recognized service provider like TÜV SÜD saves time and money."

The interdisciplinary teams of experts at TÜV SÜD have a clear overview of the entire network of standards and subsidies. This enables, say, energy-intensive companies in Germany to receive an eco-tax rebate under specific circumstances if they can deliver proof of their functioning energy management system (EMS) – for example, based on EN 16001 – in compliance with the German Renewable Energies Act (EEG). "An energy management system helps companies to achieve continuous long-term improvements in their energy use efficiency", says Karsten Stuchels of TÜV SÜD Management Service. Working with an EMS offers an array of concrete benefits; power, gas and other forms of energy can be purchased more cheaply, energy efficiency in production processes can be increased or an eco-tax rebate can be obtained. Ultimately, warns Stuchels, a company can only increase its energy efficiency in an effective and targeted manner if the theme is regarded as a management task and all employees are involved in the process.

At the Intersolar exhibition, TÜV SÜD will present the full scope of its portfolio of services related to energy efficiency and photovoltaics – from EMS certification and feasibility and financial studies for PV farms to inspection and certification of technical components to all widespread standards. Classic standards in this respect include IEC/EN 61215 (performance of crystalline silicon PV modules), IEC/EN 61646 (performance of thin-film modules), IEC/EN 61730 (safety of crystalline silicon and thin-film). In addition, the specialists have in-depth familiarity with all specifications for special components – such as EN 50548 for junction boxes.

At Intersolar from 9 to 11 June 2010, TÜV SÜD will be represented at Stand 159 in Hall B5 with its cooperation partner, Photovoltaik-Institut (PI) Berlin. 

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