Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a world leader in safety testing and certification, has announced that photovoltaic modules produced by Applied Materials SunFab Thin Film Line are the first to qualify…
Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a world leader in safety testing and certification, has announced that photovoltaic modules produced by Applied Materials SunFab Thin Film Line are the first to qualify for UL“s Master Certification Program for the solar industry. The SunFab Thin Film Line is an automated, glass-in/panel-out manufacturing line for amorphous and microcrystalline silicon-based thin film PV manufacturing, which produces one of the world“s largest and most powerful solar panels available today at 5.7 sq.m. The Fast Track programme, which was introduced in 2009, is an enhanced service offering with streamlined testing and certification procedures allowing manufacturers to greatly reduce the time and cost to certify the modules produced on their SunFab lines. The Master and Fast Track Programs and UL certification are critical to SunFab line customers working in the U.S. solar market, which is expected to grow from generating 400 megawatts to nearly two gigawatts of solar energy during the next two years, said Kirk Hasserjian, corporate vice president, Applied Materials. Having an established, independent third party like UL validate the safety and performance of the SunFab line-produced modules helps our customers more rapidly take advantage of key market development opportunities. Two of our customers have already successfully certified their SunFab production line modules using the UL Fast Track Certification Program. Customized test fixtures and equipment have been designed to handle the large-sized SunFab modules, which is essential in order for the products to undergo the rigorous test sequence at UL“s PV Technology Center of Excellence in San Jose, California, where the products“ safety and performance is validated in compliance with published UL and IEC standards. The laboratory also remains North America“s most comprehensive commercial solar testing facility of its kind since its 2009 expansion. UL is committed to supporting the PV industry and continues to expand our solar testing capabilities to help customers meet their individual needs – large and small – as well as the demands of the growing marketplace, said Jeff Smidt, general manager and vice president of UL“s Global Energy business unit. Our recent work with Applied Materials is a perfect example of how the Master and Fast Track Certification Programs reduce project turnaround times and increase speed to market, which is vital for our customers.