Singapore, 18 January 2010

VDE-ISE Pte Ltd - a joint venture between the Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (VDE) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) - and its  partner, the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS), today celebrated the inauguration of their solar module testing and certification laboratories.

The partnership brings together one of the largest technical and scientific associations in Europe, VDE, the well renowned solar energy research institute Fraunhofer ISE, and Singapore’s  solar energy research institute SERIS. Their combined expertise enables the offering of a full range of testing and certification services for solar photovoltaic modules of all technologies.

These services arrive in the midst of the rapid growth of Asia’s solar manufacturing capacity. The competitive environment of the solar manufacturing industry has increased the demand for product certification in order to achieve a level of differentiation from other competition.

The partnership provides a complex range of services that include active testing of solar modules and module components, lifetime testing, and performance measurements. It also offers safety testing. Clients have the flexibility to choose full test packages or tailored tests for specific components.

Prof Joachim Luther, CEO of SERIS, stated: “With SERIS’ know-how in the field of solar energy we are able to offer performance testing of PV modules according to international standards. These tests and certification for the industry will qualify modules for the market. SERIS’ testing services support the improvement of new technologies, materials and devices. The presence of SERIS and VDE-ISE Pte Ltd in the heart of South-East Asia provides significant and timely support for the growth of the solar market and industry in Asia.”

From left to right: Mr Henry Paetz (VDE-ISE Pte Ltd), Mr Wilfried Jaeger (VDE), Prof Joachim Luther (SERIS), Dr Hans-Martin Henning (Fraunhofer ISE) and Mr Kenneth Goh (SERIS)

“The continuation of the solar energy market growth after a phase of industry consolidation, combined with the increasing level of competition, makes it necessary for companies to develop their own unique selling propositions. This can be done through a high level of innovation and the qualification and certification of their products by leading, well-recognized and efficient certification agencies,” said Dr Henry Paetz, Managing Director of VDE-ISE Pte Ltd.

We are delighted that VDE Institute and Fraunhofer ISE have jointly established the first solar module testing and certification lab in Southeast Asia.  In line with our goal to position Singapore as an innovative Clean Energy hub for global markets, this key project will help solar manufacturers in Singapore and the region reduce their time-to-market. We also welcome VDE and Fraunhofer to develop in Singapore new standards and testing capabilities aimed at the tropical sunbelt,” said Mr Tan Choon Shian, Deputy Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board.

About VDE-ISE Pte Ltd:

VDE-ISE Pte Ltd expands the extensive network of the VDE and ISE to the Asian region through its main hub located in Singapore. Solar companies in the region will benefit from the expertise and practical experience of the consortium. Fast testing and short certification times will help reduce the time to market for companies that have yet to certify their products, while the option of choosing particular test packages will help them to keep their costs within budget.

About SERIS:

SERIS is Singapore’s national institute for applied solar energy research. The institute conducts industry-oriented research and development as well as use-inspired basic research in the field of solar energy conversion. The institute collaborates closely with industry. The mission of SERIS is to conduct research and development for a sustainable energy supply based on solar resources. SERIS focuses on the development of materials, components, processes and systems for photovoltaic electricity generation and energy efficient buildings. SERIS is globally active but focuses on technologies and services for tropical regions, in particular for Singapore and South-East Asia.

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