14 Nov 2011

Manufacturers can now meet new mounting and tracker system requirements to satisfy industry demand

Lake Forest, California — Intertek (LSE: ITRK) a leading international provider of testing, inspection and certification services, is now offering manufacturers the ability to test and certify solar photovoltaic (PV) mounting systems and clamping devices for flat-plate photovoltaic modules. This new service will help to align solar PV mounting manufacturers with the changing industry standards and requirements for solar PV products. Schletter Inc., one of the leading U.S. manufacturers of solar PV mounting systems, recently received ETL Mark Classification for its FS System to UL Subject 2703.

“In order to remain competitive, racking manufacturers must have the ability to ensure that their products are compliant — specifically as safety and grounding requirements are enforced across the PV industry,” said Sunny Rai, Vice President, Renewables. “Intertek is not only helping manufacturers to remain compliant with ever changing safety codes and laws, but this move is critical to supporting the rapidly expanding solar market as it must keep up with customer demands.”

Intertek tested Schletter Inc.’s FS System™ for ground mount solar photovoltaic panels to the mounting system requirements of UL Subject 2703. The FS System met the new requirements, and is eligible to bear the Classified ETL Mark. Schletter began production of its FS Systems with the ETL Mark in the early part of November, 2011.

“Schletter continues to experience growth in the PV industry and continues to support its customers by ensuring that all of the company’s products are in compliance with the latest safety requirements,” stated Wolfgang Fritz, Vice President of Engineering for Schletter Inc. “We recognize Intertek’s unique testing expertise, and see this project as a commitment to the industry and a reinforcement of the need to provide outstanding safety to all PV equipment, now and in the future.”

In addition to UL Subject 2703 the solar industry has recently issued the first safety requirements for solar trackers for PV applications. The new tracker requirement, UL Subject 3703 includes a complete construction, risk assessment and performance review. Intertek laboratories can now test to these new solar safety requirements without causing interruption in business or a slowdown in production. Additional solar accessory requirements Intertek is now testing to include UL Subject 3730 for junction boxes, UL Subject 9703 for wiring harnesses, UL Subject 6703 for connectors and IEC 62109-2 for inverters.

Intertek’s expanded scope of solar testing and certification services also includes additional capabilities for bankability assessment services, Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV), Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV), performance testing, solar thermal testing, field labeling for PV products, and more. Learn more about our Photovoltaic Racking System Testing and Certification Services.

For Media Inquiries:
Cassie Biscanin
PR Manager, Intertek Group, Americas Region
Direct: 713.543.3775
Email: Cassandra.Biscanin@intertek.com

For Market Inquiries:
Nicole Monaco
Marketing Manager,
Intertek Commercial and Electrical
Direct: 847-871-1029
Email: Nicole.Monaco@intertek.com

About Intertek
Intertek is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and 30,000 people in over 100 countries around the world. Intertek Group plc (LSE: ITRK) is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Visit: www.intertek.com