A photovoltaic testing laboratory in Taiwan is now fully accredited by the California Energy Commission, a milestone that will help Taiwan’s solar panel manufacturers tap the North American market, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said Aug. 25.
“The Certification Body Testing Laboratory, which is run by the state-funded Industrial Technology Research Institute, became a one-stop domestic test and certification service provider that facilitates the process for Taiwanese solar panel manufacturers,” the MOEA said, adding that it will help bring them more business opportunities.
Local solar cell module makers can now market their products worldwide once they pass the lab’s tests, saving much time and cost undergoing testing abroad, according to the MOEA.
With CEC certification, they can also apply for the solar energy subsidy program provided by California and join the New Solar Homes Partnership, it added.
The ITRI’s lab, established 2009 in line with government policy to promote the photovoltaic industry, was awarded the CEC accreditation in April after meeting a series of rigorous criteria that include passing the evaluation of the U.S. Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation.
The lab is also operating in accordance with international standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission to offer the most comprehensive test and certification services for Taiwanese solar cell makers.
Taiwan is the world’s second largest solar panel producer, behind only mainland China. The nation’s solar energy companies generated NT$177 billion (US$6.1 billion) in revenues in 2010 with a total output of 3 gigawatts.
