TÜV SÜD's Thresher Test provides robust information on the safety and power-output performance of PV modules in the long term. The first certificates were issued to three leading Chinese solar module manufacturers.

"Conventional certification of PV modules covers the provisions of the IEC 61730 and IEC 61215 standards", says Robert Puto, Global Head of Photovoltaics at TÜV SÜD's Product Service division. "However, these international standards do not provide sufficient insight into failure mechanisms and power performance of PV modules in the long term. Thresher Test is TÜV SÜD's response to this challenge.

The new test program is based on extended IEC sequences with some additional tests, providing measures of the degradation patterns of the main safety and perfomance parameters. Thresher Test is a useful evaluation tool benefiting all PV market players, delivering more quantitative and qualitative information on the long-term perfomance of PV modules", commented Robert Puto, Global Head Photovoltaics for TÜV SÜD Product Service.

"Our new certification improves market transparency", emphasises Robert Puto. "Thresher certification is in high demand, which shows that high-quality module manufacturers and other PV market players do see an added informative value in it." TÜV SÜD has now issued Thresher certificates to three leading Chinese manufacturers.