TEMPE, AZ and NEWTOWN, CT, March 9, 2010

TÜV Rheinland PTL, LLC, North America’s largest solar and photovoltaic testing company, was certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) to perform solar thermal testing and performance verification. The testing company launched its Solar Thermal and Combined Heating Power (CHP) Systems services, including domestic and international testing, at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Phoenix this past November.

TÜV Rheinland PTL was audited to SRCC Standard 100–Test Methods and Minimum Standards for Certifying Solar Collectors. This standard and the ISO 98060-1, 2, and 3 standards are included in the companies’ current ISO 17025 accreditation scope. Many U.S.-based rebate and incentive programs require solar thermal technology to have SRCC certification.

In addition, TÜV Rheinland PTL performs combined solar thermal and PV system testing and certification as well as solar keymark testing, including concentrating and nonconcentrating applications.

The Solar Thermal Service includes inspection, safety tests, and quality assurance for the manufacture, fabrication, and installation of residential and commercial systems. Additionally, the testing center performs in-service examination of solar thermal collectors and associated subsystems. TÜV Rheinland PTL tests and certifies systems slated for sale in both the European Union and North American markets.

Testing services using the latest in innovative testing technologies assure that solar thermal, PV, CPV, and CSP systems comply with electrical, mechanical, and environmental requirements for both product quality and product safety.

TÜVRheinland® is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) and accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). The company is recognized by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration to provide safety testing to a multitude of U.S. standards. In addition, TÜVRheinland works closely with states and local jurisdictions on safety and code-enforcement issues.

TÜV Rheinland PTL tests and certifies renewable energy products including solar, wind, hydrogen, and storage technologies. Today, the laboratory, in tandem with TÜVRheinland’s global network of solar laboratories, tests more than 50% of the world’s solar conversion devices. TÜV Rheinland PTL is a unique partnership with Arizona State University, an institution with more than 50 years of research on solar energy and extensive solar testing know-how.

For more information, visit www.tuvptl.com or call TÜVRheinland at 888-743-4652.

About TÜV Rheinland PTL, LLC
Based in Tempe, AZ, 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 and TÜVRheinland.

About TÜVRheinland
TÜVRheinland is a leader in market access, helping businesses gain international approvals in more than 200 countries. The company delivers independent certification, testing, and assessment services for many industry sectors. The $1.5 billion corporation is comprised of an international network of more than 13,300 employees in 61 countries in six continents. www.us.TUV.com