the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, entered into a contractual agreement with Atlas Material Testing Technology, a global leader in accelerated weathering instruments and weathering testing services, allowing for the expansion of the Atlas 25+ photovoltaic (PV) module durability test program.
SGS to Enhance Atlas 25+
The Atlas 25+ test program has been helping manufacturers determine the long-term durability of photovoltaic modules since 2009. Combining state-of-the-art accelerated instrument and outdoor exposure testing, Atlas 25+ complements short-term IEC qualification tests with long-term durability and reliability assessment to support warranty and performance claims. A comprehensive battery of tests, the original Atlas 25+ program integrates laboratory and outdoor environmental exposures to focus on the long-term product “wear-out” period that can result in declining module performance or complete module failure.
With the Atlas / SGS collaboration, the standard Atlas 25+ exposure and testing procedure will be enhanced with a six-month streamlined “basic” program offering faster results and a twelve-month wider-ranged “premium” program to include additional climate factors and performance measurements. SGS clients will be able to access Atlas 25+ singularly or as an optional addition to the larger SGS PV performance tested certification which includes options for corrosive gas (e.g. NH3), salt mist, fire and potential-induced-degradation (PID) resistance to name a few. Modules passing these tests along with Atlas 25+ will receive SGS-PV performance tested ratings.
SGS to Expand Atlas 25+ PV Module Durability Certification
Because SGS is accredited as a National Certification Body (NCB) and is one of only five German Certification Body testing laboratories (CBTL) within the IECEE certification scheme for photovoltaics, SGS is permitted to issue internationally recognized CB testing reports and certificates. With this partnership, Atlas may offer the three versions of Atlas 25+ testing programs (basic, standard, premium) with international certification via SGS involvement.
SGS Renewable Energy
Rödingsmarkt 16
20459 Hamburg
Germany
website: www.sgs.com/wind
Email: industrial.pr@sgs.com
