FSEC Photovoltaic Testing Laboratories Recommended for Accreditation

source: press release 2002.01.11

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) has been accredited as a quality laboratory
for testing and certifying the power rating of photovoltaic modules, testing and
certifying stand-alone photovoltaic systems and certifying grid-tied photovoltaic
systems. FSEC becomes the first U.S. laboratory approved to offer stand-alone and
grid-tied photovoltaic system design review certification.

The recommendation for FSEC accreditation came from the PowerMark Corporation (PMC)
Accreditation Committee following their formal audit of FSEC in December.

PowerMark Corporation is the sole U.S. agent for the Photovoltaic Global Approval
Program (PV-GAP) and the only U.S. photovoltaic testing and certification program
meeting the requirements for international reciprocity. PMC's certification program
is based on both U.S. and international standards.

The testing of photovoltaic modules will result in certifying performance at
prescribed conditions. These ratings will help improve system designs and provide
consumers with realistic expectations of energy production. They will also be used
in determining rebates for grid-tied system installations.

The testing of small packaged stand-alone photovoltaic systems will help improve
their performance and reliability and will help the U.S. industry compete in the
international marketplace. Certification tests will be used for both performance
evaluation and design verification.

Grid-connected system designs must use photovoltaic modules that have been tested
and the power rating certified. In addition, the design review requires that the
designs must be properly documented and reviewed for compliance with the National
Electrical Code, IEEE and UL standards and use of accepted design practices.

In their letter recommending approval of FSEC laboratory accreditation, the
PowerMark committee commented on the professionalism of the staff, the high quality
of the facilities, the good design and execution of the laboratory quality system,
and the organization and management structure.

The Florida Solar Energy Center, a research institute of the University of Central
Florida, is the largest and most active state-supported energy research center in
the country. Current research activities include photovoltaics, distributed
generation, solar water heating and pool heating, energy-efficient buildings,
alternative transportation systems, hydrogen fuel, and other energy areas. For more
information, call the FSEC Public Information Office at 321-638-1015 or go to
www.fsec.ucf.edu.