Intertek Doubles Its Solar (PV) Testing Capacity in Asia

09 Dec 2010

New facilities and equipment improve industry-leading turnaround time and help manufacturers deliver products to global markets faster.

Intertek, a leading international provider of quality and safety solutions, recently announced the relocation and expansion of its Shanghai Photovoltaic (PV) Lab from Pudong’s Jinqiao Development Zone to the Dragon Park. This new laboratory significantly increases local testing capacity and adds state of the art equipment including a new environmental test chamber, transient state simulator and a light aging simulator. It effectively doubles Intertek’s local photovoltaic testing capacity and significantly shortens the testing period, providing the local enterprises with faster solutions for global access.

The photovoltaic industry is positioned for new development opportunities. Statistics show that the export demand for photovoltaics grew in the first quarter of 2010 by nearly 100%. The estimated annual growth for total PV exports will exceed the previous year by 15%. With expanded facilities and new equipment, Intertek will provide manufacturers with the fastest possible turnaround and broadest scope of services in the industry.

"China's Photovoltaic industry has seen explosive growth in recent years," said Gregg Tiemann, Chief Executive, Intertek Commercial & Electrical, at the PV Lab’s relocation ceremony. "With such growth and volume capacity, local PV testing and certification capacity is a requisite for the China market to be an effective global hub. Intertek will continue adding facilities and engineering investments in China to ensure local testing and certification are aligned with PV research and development, and production volume requirements." As the only laboratory in Asia Pacific that can offer testing and certification for both European and American markets today, Intertek provides testing and certification services to meet various market entry requirements, such as the ETL Mark for North America, CE Marking for Europe, the PV GAP Mark, CGC-SOLAR certification, and CB test reports.

As the first full-service laboratory for solar energy components in China, Intertek’s Shanghai lab was established in December 2008, and received CBTL status in December 2009. The lab is also accredited by JET (Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories) and CGC (China General Certification Center). In addition to the Shanghai PV lab, Intertek provides PV testing and certification services through its laboratories in Lake Forest, CA and through partners in Europe.

“Intertek’s Shanghai lab is committed to meeting our customers’ needs in this rapidly evolving marketplace,” said Frank Pan, President, Intertek Commercial & Electrical Asia Pacific. “The expansion, optimization and service improvements in this lab will help regional PV enterprises stand out in the industry while jointly advancing the development of the Chinese PV industry.”

Media Contact:

Grace Feng
Marketing Director, Intertek Commercial & Electrical Asia Pacific
Telephone: +86 21 6127 8220
Email: grace.feng@intertek.com

Business Contact:
Sean Zhu
PV Manager, Intertek Commercial & Electrical
Telephone: +86 21 6127 8245
Email: sean.zhu@intertek.com

About Intertek Intertek is a leading international provider of quality and safety services to a wide range of global and local industries. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers’ products and processes, supporting their success in the global market place. Intertek has the experience, expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its extensive network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 26,000 people in more than100 countries around the world.

For further information, visit www.intertek.com/solar.