TÜV Rheinland ptl initiates creation of new ansi standards, seeks industry participation in working groups

Stakeholders Include Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Utilities, Photovoltaic Power Plants, Solar PV Module Manufacturers, Inverter/Converter Manufacturers & Government Agencies

Tempe, AZ — May 16, 2013 — TÜV Rheinland PTL, a standards developing organization (SDO) for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), has successfully initiated the creation of three new American National Standards and is seeking the industry participation in the respective standards working groups. The new standards are


· TUV-R 71930: Integration and Construction Requirements of Power Conversion Systems for Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Power Plants,

· TUV-R 71830: Microinverters and Microconverters - Design Qualification and Type Approval, and

· TUV-R 71730: Photovoltaic (PV) Modules Under the Effects of Inhomogeneous Snow Loads - Design Qualification and Type Approval.

TUV-R 71930 addresses safety and general requirements for assemblies of power conversion systems for utility-scale renewable energy power plants (RE PCS). The standard defines the minimum requirements for the design and fabrication of RE PCS for protection against electrical, fire, mechanical and other hazards. The products covered by these requirements are intended to be installed in accordance with NFPA 70: National Electrical Code®.

TUV-R 71830 addresses the design qualification and type approval requirements for microinverters and microconverters for long-term operation in general open air climates. The standard aims to determine minimum requirements for quality and reliability of the microinverters and microconverters and to show that they are capable of withstanding prolonged exposure in open air climates.

TUV-R 71730 describes requirements for the design qualification and type approval of PV modules under the effects of inhomogeneous snow loads suitable for long-term operation in climates where snow is prevalent. These specifications describe a test method for determining the direct load-bearing capability of PV modules under these snow conditions.

As North America's largest solar and PV testing company, an OSHA accredited NRTL and an active ANSI SDO, TÜV Rheinland PTL has proposed the above standards to strengthen the U.S. marketplace position in the global economy while helping assure the product quality and the safety and health of consumers and protect the environment. TÜV Rheinland tests and certifies solar products, systems and plants in the European Union, Asian and North American markets to assure that solar thermal, PV, CPV, and concentrated solar power systems comply with electrical, mechanical, and environmental requirements for both product quality and safety.

To get involved in TÜV Rheinland's standards working groups, contact Jerry Novacek, SDO Manager at TÜV Rheinland PTL, at 480-966-1700 or jnovacek@tuvptl.com.

For more information, visit www.tuv.com/us/ptl or call TÜV Rheinland toll-free at 1-TUV-RHEINLAND (888-743-4652).

About TÜV Rheinland PTL, LLC

Based in Tempe, Ariz., TÜV Rheinland PTL, LLC is a leading provider of safety and performance testing and market certification serving every sector of the photovoltaic and solar thermal marketplace, from the supply chain through installation. TÜV Rheinland PTL is a unique partnership between Arizona State University, an institution with more than 50 years of research on solar energy and extensive solar testing know-how, and TÜV Rheinland®, a $2 billion global provider of independent testing, assessment, and certification services. With an international network across six continents, TÜV Rheinland® maintains the largest network of Solar Energy Laboratories worldwide, with five major laboratories on three continents. For more information, visit www.tuv.com/us/ptl.

About TÜV Rheinland

Founded in 1872, TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in independent testing, inspection, and certification services, ensuring quality and safety for people, the environment and technology in nearly all aspects of life. The company maintains a presence in 500 locations spanning 65 countries, employs 17,000 people and has an annual revenue of $2 billion (€1.5 billion). TÜV Rheinland inspects technical equipment, products and services, oversees projects and helps to shape processes for a wide variety of companies through its worldwide network of approved labs, testing facilities and education centers. Since 2006, the company has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption. For more information, visit www.tuv.com/us.

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