VDE Americas, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the globally recognized certification body VDE Institute, and First Solar, Inc. announced on September 11th the establishment of a strategic relationship that significantly raises the industry bar for technical bankability and risk reduction for PV power plant operators, investors and financial entities.

For years, First Solar — a global enterprise in PV solar power system and module manufacturing quality and reliability — has relied on module-level testing and manufacturing processes that went well beyond currently established international standards. Working with third-party independent certification body VDE, First Solar has now set a benchmark for the higher levels of quality and reliability for entire PV solar power systems.

The "VDE Quality Tested" mark for PV power plants was designed by VDE together with its partner, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), an applied research institute in the field of solar energy. The testing portfolio delivers significant advantages in four key areas: electrical and mechanical safety of the system; system performance (through a highly accurate energy yield report); proper system operation; and independent verification for investors, lenders, insurance companies and other stakeholders by highly competent and reputable independent experts.

"VDE has been engaged with First Solar for many years in the certification of modules and manufacturing processes. We're pleased that First Solar will be leading the industry by implementing our new VDE Quality Tested mark for their PV solar power systems," commented John Sedgwick, President of VDE Americas. "VDE and our partner Fraunhofer ISE are committed to reducing the technical risk often associated with PV power plant investments. We will continue to work closely with industry players to help raise the standard for the solar sector."