Certification and testing services for the Photovoltaic (PV) Sector

TÜV SÜD offers testing and certification services which ensure that your products meet stringent performance and safety requirements according to European and international regulations.

In the race to satisfy our ever-growing energy needs, solar energy is rapidly emerging as one of the most viable options currently available. Europe currently represents the largest PV market, with predictions that solar energy will represent 15% of the EU’s electricity power demand by 2020.

TÜV SÜD supports PV Manufacturers, investors, importers and installers with a comprehensive range of testing and certification services that span the entire value chain. Our international recognised certification marks engender confidence in professional purchasers and consumers, and increase the marketability of your products the world over.
 

PV Manufacturers

To gain entry to global markets, manufacturers need a certificate issued by a reputable third-party authority stating both performance and safety qualification of their products. TÜV SÜD supports PV manufacturers with design qualification. Created from expert industry knowledge, our testing and certification services conform to international standards. The solutions cover:

PV Modules

• IEC/EN 61215 (c-Si, performance)
• IEC/EN 61646 (thin-film, performance)
• IEC/EN 61730-1,-2 (c-Si & thin-film, safety) 

PV Electrical Components

• Junction Box: DIN V VDE V 0126-5:2008
• Connectors: EN 50521:2008
• Cables: Draft DIN VDE AK 411.2.3:2008
  

PV Materials

• Back sheet: Partial Discharge Test, IEC 61730-2 (IEC 60664-1)
• EVA: peel test, gel content of lamination

Balance of System (BOS) Components

• Inverters: IEC 62109, EN 50178
• Sun Trackers: Safety Test Protocol (combination of IEC standards)

Other Services

• R&D testing: standard or extended environmental tests
• Electroluminescence, thermography
• Consultancy on PV laboratory requirements
• PV laboratory qualification for External Testing Programmes with TÜV SÜD

PV investors, importers and installers

TÜV SÜD supports all your partners right across your value chain with a comprehensive suite of services. We provide standard or customised quality programmes such as:

• Comparative testing & supplier evaluation
• Factory audits
• Pre-shipment inspections
• Standard or extended reliability testing

PV plants operators

• Feasibility study
• Initial site assessment
• Energy yield prediction
• Technical due diligence
• Onsite inspection
• Monitoring system validation
• Performance ratio evaluation

Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is the independent government backed scheme that certifies microgeneration products such as photovoltaic panels in accordance with consistent standards. If a householder or an organisation purchases a MCS-certified product, government grants are available to the purchasers and, from April 2010, it will be possible for them to sell any excess electricity generated back to the National Grid. This is part of the government funded ‘feed in tariff’ programme and is an element of the UK’s overall effort in meeting EU 2020 Renewable Obligations targets. 

For you as a manufacturer of photovoltaic panels or as a custom fabricator, the MCS is essential for enabling your customers to gain Government grants and sell their excess electricity back to the National Grid.

TÜV SÜD is an accredited MCS certification body and one of the world’s leading certification bodies, whose global brand is widely respected. You can benefit from a global network of auditors competent in the certification of Photovoltaic products. 

Download PV brochure: The future is bright
Download TÜV SÜD application form - Declarations to be submitted Form
Download TÜV SÜD application form - Supplier Change Declaration Form
Download TÜV SÜD application form - Client Data Registration Form
Download TÜV SÜD application form - Module Detailed Specifications Form
Download TÜV SÜD application form - Electrical Ratings Form
Download TÜV SÜD application form - Structural Diagram Form
Download TÜV SÜD application form - Product Similarity Declaration Form