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TÜV Rheinland has opened a state-of-the-art test center for solar photovoltaic modules in Cologne, Germany. The company has invested around €4 million in the new 1800m² building as well as a suite of technical equipment for checking the safety, quality, and energy efficiency of PV panels and solar collectors.

The expanded Cologne lab brings to five the number of solar test centers run by TÜV Rheinland, in locations on three continents. The new facility joins the recently inaugurated Solar Energy Assessment Center, which opened in Yokohama, Japan, in mid-June, as well as TÜV Rheinland PTL in Tempe, AZ, the world's largest PV module testing facility.

Around 70% of all solar module manufacturers worldwide have their products tested in these labs to obtain international market licences, according to the company.