Atlas Material Testing and SGS form alliance

qiangzi

Friday, June 15, 2012

Linsengericht, Germany - Atlas Material Testing Technology, a global leader in accelerated weathering instruments and weathering testing services, has entered into an alliance with SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, allowing for the expansion of the Atlas 25+ PV module durability test program. From its inception in 2009, the Atlas 25+ test program has helped manufacturers determine the long-term durability of their photovoltaic modules. By combining state-of-the-art accelerated instrument and outdoor exposure testing, the Atlas 25+ program complements short-term IEC qualification tests with long-term durability and reliability assessment to support warranty and performance claims. Consisting of a comprehensive battery of accelerated tests, the original Atlas 25+ program integrated both laboratory and outdoor environmental exposures targeting the long-term product “wear-out” period that can result in declining module performance or outright failure. As a result of the Atlas-SGS collaboration, the standard Atlas 25+ exposure and testing protocol will be enhanced beginning July 2012 with the availability of two new versions of the program - a six-month streamlined “basic” program for those needing faster results, and an expanded 12-month “premium” offering that includes additional climate factors and performance measurements. SGS will offer Atlas 25+ as both a stand-alone program and as an optional part of its larger “SGS - PV Performance Tested” scheme which includes options for corrosive gas (e.g., NH3), salt mist, fire and potential-induced-degradation (PID) resistance, among others. Modules passing these tests, including Atlas 25+, will be entitled to the SGS – PV Performance Tested marks.