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TÜV Thüringen e. V. and the Erfurter CiS-Forschungsinstitut für Mikrosensorik und Photovoltaik GmbH (Research Institute for Micro-sensory Devices and Photovoltaics) have opened a news accredited testing and certification facility for photovoltaic modules with their SolarTestLab joint venture. Construction of the SolarTestLab and the certification office was primarily funded by the Thuringia Ministry of Economy, Technology and Work in addition to the Thuringia Foundation for Technology, Innovation and Research (STIFT).

"The time was right" said Bernd Moser, Chief Executive of TÜV Thüringen. "The Middle Germany solar location has now got its own test centre for PV modules with the accreditation of the SolarTestLab. We have found the perfect partner for carrying out module tests in the CiS Forschungsinstitut für Mikrosensorik und Photovoltaik. Under the ‘blueTÜV by TÜV Thüringen’ brand-name we can now offer our service expertise in the strongly growing solar market in the renewable energies sector in our certification office."

The new facility undertakes tests for prototype certification of photovoltaic modules in accordance with international standards and provides support in quality control and development monitoring.

The lab is intended to help alleviate bottlenecks in receiving certification, especially in the ‘Solar Valley’ region, where a large number of PV manufacturers are located.