TUV Rheinland Group and Arizona State University (ASU) have launched TUV Rheinland, a 40,000 square-foot facility for testing and certification of solar energy equipment.

TUV Rheinland PTL, a new private venture, significantly upgrades the technology and know-how of the former ASU Photovoltaic Laboratory (PTL) and moves to a strategic location in Tempe, Arizona. With a new facility and additional human resources, the lab more than doubles its previous capacity.

Companies can take advantage of full system testing for all photovoltaic system components, including inverters, grid-tied electronics, controllers, motion and tracking devices, and wireless control electronics. In addition, clients can get technical direction and testing on standards for newly emerging technologies such as concentrating photovoltaic, concentrating solar power, and building-integrated photovoltaic.

"Our facility in Tempe serves as a cornerstone of TUV Rheinland Group's strategy for a global network of photovoltaic testing and certification services," said Stephan Schmitt, president and CEO of TUV Rheinland North America Holding, Inc.

Arizona Public Service (APS) worked with the new venture by providing five acres of outdoor testing space at its Solar Test and Research (STAR) Center for use in conducting outdoor endurance testing. Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) also worked closely with TUV Rheinland and ASU in helping strengthen the university's research infrastructure.