New Suntech testing lab gets UL stamp of approval

China’s Suntech Power Holdings (NYSE:STP) has opened the country's first photovoltaic module testing laboratory to be awarded a witness testing data program certificate from Camas, Wash.-based Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Suntech’s PV modules have been tested under the supervision of UL personnel and subsequently awarded certification that should allow Suntech to bring its solar products to market faster, the company said. UL is an independent product safety certification organization that evaluates more than 19,000 types of products, components, materials and systems annually.

Suntech, the world's largest crystalline silicon PV module manufacturer, said the new testing facility is located at its headquarters in Wuxi. It offers 1,300 square meters (13,993 square feet) of indoor and 7,000 square meters of outdoor testing space. Financial details about the site were not disclosed.

The facility’s testing equipment includes pulse and continuous solar simulators, walk-in climate chambers, mechanical load and hail testers, electroluminescence testers, and infrared cameras to evaluate module quality and performance, according to a news release.

Suntech recently announced plans to build the largest grid-connected solar installation in Jiangsu Province. The 1.5-megawatt system is expected to be completed by October in HuaiAn City, on about 19,000 square meters (204,500 square feet) of industrial rooftop (see Suntech kicks off largest solar project in Jiangsu).

The Chinese solar cell and panel maker is also on the hunt for a U.S. location to start manufacturing its crystalline silicon PV modules, representing the company’s strategy to maintain a long-term presence in the States. The facility is expected to supply 10-MW solar projects, service a national dealer network, and provide system design and installation support (see Chinese solar giant Suntech seeks base for US production).