TÜV Rheinland, the international market leader for testing and certifying solar systems, has opened the world’s most state-of-the-art test centre for solar modules in Cologne, a step that constitutes another important milestone in its investment programme to create new laboratory capacities. TÜV Rheinland has invested around 4 million euros not only in this new building in Cologne but also in state-of-the-art technical equipment for checking the safety, quality and energy efficiency of photovoltaic modules and solar collectors. The Solar Energy Assessment Centre was opened in Yokohama in Japan in the middle of June 2009, which means that TÜV Rheinland currently runs five test centres for solar systems on three continents. Around 70% of all solar module manufacturers worldwide have their products tested in these laboratories to obtain international market licences.

The inauguration of the new test centre in Cologne was attended by around 300 representatives from the worlds of politics, economics and science. The ceremony was hosted by the CEO of the TÜV Rheinland Group, Professor Dr.-Ing. Bruno O. Braun, and the Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, Dr. Jürgen Rüttgers. "The use of solar energy is becoming increasingly important and we want to do our bit too. As the number of manufacturers and users increases, so too does the importance of independent quality, safety and efficiency testing. We are investing directly in the future of sustainable energy usage as well as promoting transparency and reliability on the market", says Professor Braun.

Minister-President Dr. Jürgen Rüttgers continues: "The millions of euros invested by TÜV Rheinland in state-of-the-art testing facilities for renewable energies are absolutely crucial for safeguarding our future as an industrial and energy-generating state. Furthermore, these investments are essential for protecting our climate."