Intertek opens solar thermal test lab

CHICAGO — Intertek, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification services, announced the addition of solar thermal testing capabilities to its Dallas facility. The laboratory, accredited by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC), A2LA and Standards Council of Canada, tests solar thermal equipment to safety and performance standards including SRCC SD 100, CSA F378-87 and EN 12975-1. Compliance to these standards is required for manufacturers to receive SRCC Certification and the ETL Listed Mark for North American market access.

Solar thermal energy systems provide a cost-efficient solution to reducing greenhouse gases by using the sun’s energy to heat water. Increases in state and federal rebates and incentive programs is driving consumer demand and moving manufacturers to bring new products to market faster. The new test facility is equipped with the “Solar Tracker” system, which can simultaneously test multiple samples to expedite the test completion and enable the manufacturer to get the product to market faster.

“The opening of Intertek’s new solar thermal lab in Texas, combined with our existing lab in Guangzhou, China, provides manufacturers with fast, expert certification solutions to demonstrate compliance to safety and performance criteria,” said Sunny Rai, program director, Photovoltaic & Semiconductor at Intertek. “As an OSHA recognized Nationally Recognized Testing Lab (NRTL) with established expertise and facilities for testing building products, HVAC/R equipment and photovoltaic panels, Intertek is uniquely positioned to support the needs of solar thermal manufacturers.”

Certification of solar thermal systems benefits manufacturers, contractors, consumers, and government agencies by establishing credibility and acceptance; standardized methods for measuring product performance; and durability and certification standards as a rational basis for qualification to tax credit programs.

Intertek is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world, including auditing, inspection, testing, quality assurance and certification. Intertek supports its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 26,000 people in more than 100 countries. Additional information is available at www.intertek.com/solar.