New service gives investors and installers a uniform basis for comparing installation performance.
DNV GL Mounting System Test Facility
DNV GL, a leading global energy advisory and independent testing authority, announced today at Intersolar 2014 the launch of a new service addition to its PV module Product Qualification Program: Mounting System Installation Efficiency Testing.
DNV GL delivered its first standardized assessment to a leading mounting system provider. The testing is the first of its kind offered for independent solar mounting system installation evaluation.
“Our solar customers asked us to step forward and provide standardized, independent testing,” said Ray Hudson, DNV GL global solar service line leader. “This helps them establish and evaluate their decisions based upon a common set of metrics for racking installations.”
The new service helps financiers, developers, engineering, procurement and construction providers, independent power producers, and installers lower risks and make more accurate labor projections in solar panel installation.
“We have a standardized methodology in place and an expanded testing site at our facility,” said Jenya Meydbray, DNV GL head of qualification and component testing and former CEO of recently acquired PV Evolution Labs. “We are able to conduct both commercial and residential testing.”
The standardized process begins with trained PV technicians performing an installation at the DNV GL test facility, which is captured on time-lapse cameras for review. Expert DNV GL engineers assess installation times, efficiencies and areas for improvement. “This gives mounting system vendors and downstream partners an ‘apples to apples’ comparison to make decisions,” said Meydbray.
DNV GL will be at Intersolar 2014 booth #7444 with more information and materials on the Mounting System Installation Efficiency Testing. Follow the conversation #DNVGLSolarTesting on Twitter to see more about this new service.