Underwriters Laboratories expands its Photovoltaic Technology Center of Excellence

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) announced today its intent to begin expansion immediately of its Photovoltaic Technology Center of Excellence. This is North America’s biggest photovoltaic testing and certification facility, which happens to be located in Silicon Valley, CA. The announcement comes only four months after the facility’s grand opening in order to meet the increasing demand for solar innovation, testing, and certification. UL is the only accredited National Certification Body for PV product testing in North America. 

“The expansion of our current facility is necessary to help drive the innovation and future technological advancements within the solar marketplace and a demonstration of our dedication towards the renewable energy sector,” said Bill Colavecchio, Vice President and General Manager of Underwriter’s Global Industrial Products Sector.

Underwriters Laboratories will add 13,550 square feet to their facility so that they can provide 35 percent more space to UL’s current photovoltaic testing operations. The expansion will also include a 31 percent year-over-year increase in project capacity. It will house six more test chambers, bringing the grand total to 20, and include another solar simulation room. An added incentive of the expansion will be the creation of new jobs in order to supply the demand for the increase in technical positions

Underwriters Laboratories notice of their expansion comes just a few days after TÜV Rheinland Group and Arizona State University publicized their plans for a private venture to build a testing and certification facility in Tempe, Arizona.

By Syanne Olson