Multi National PV Test Facility
CFV Solar Test Laboratory, a PV certification test company jointly owned by CSA Group, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, the Fraunhofer USA Center for Sustainable Energy Systems CSE, and VDE Testing and Certification Institute today announced that they will locate their new solar module testing laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico. CFV Solar Test Laboratory will be located within the Mesa del Sol development of Albuquerque at 5600 University Blvd, SE, close to the airport, Sandia National Labs, the University of New Mexico, and other major players in the PV supply chain. The new facility will start operations in late 2010 and will test products for certification to North American and International PV-Test Standards.
"The decision to place this new solar testing facility in New Mexico puts us in the epicentre of the PV installation market in the U.S." said Randall W. Luecke, President, CSA International. "The conditions, from a business and testing perspective, made choosing Albuquerque a strategically smart move that will allow for market growth and excellent outdoor test conditions."
In addition to the CFV Solar Test Laboratory, Fraunhofer CSE and Fraunhofer ISE will operate a R&D facility at Mesa del Sol, focussing on long-term reliability, decreased cost and increased performance of PV modules.
CFV Solar Test Laboratory and Fraunhofer USA will create 30 - 40 highly qualified jobs in the PV industry, a key part of the emerging green economy. They will establish a state-of-the-art facility implementing the latest advances for PV performance and safety testing.
"As we build a thriving solar industry in New Mexico, it is important that we attract all aspects of the industry. That is why I am pleased to announce the establishment of the CFV Solar Test Laboratory and the Fraunhofer R & D facility," Governor Bill Richardson said. "Today's announcement shows that our renewable energy policies and pro-business attitude continue to draw international interest and investment."
The new location was chosen by CFV Solar Test Laboratories after a thorough evaluation process. "The top officials of the State of New Mexico, Bernalillo County, and the City of Albuquerque are very committed to developing the solar industry in their region, and have given us the necessary support to make this project possible" says Nolan Browne, Managing Director of Fraunhofer CSE. "I also want to recognize the invaluable assistance we received from U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman and Albuquerque Economic Development, whose interest and support for the project have helped us make this decision."
"The decision to locate this unique solar testing lab in Albuquerque offers further evidence that New Mexico is fast becoming the West's clean energy manufacturing hub. I'd like to be among the first to welcome Fraunhofer to our state. I am confident that our weather and our workforce will serve you very well," said Bingaman, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.