TÜV Rheinland developed completely new test program for solar power systems with stationary storage facilities

Cologne, Germany, 20-1-2014 — /EuropaWire/ — The independent testing service provider TÜV Rheinland has developed a completely new test program for solar power systems with stationary storage facilities similar to those used in single-family detached homes, for example. The test method takes into account existing test standards for batteries and electric components, inverters and modules as well as regulations that form a basis for funding the German Reconstruction Credit Institute (KfW). This is due to the fact that the existing state funding program of the KfW is set to be continued in the coming year in order to further expand the storage and flexible use of solar energy. Prerequisites for funding include certain criteria relating to the safety and commissioning of the storage system.

TÜV Rheinland’s tests relate to individual components of the overall system, aim in particular to ensure the safe and reliable interaction of all components and make certification in accordance with the criteria of the GS mark for tested safety a possibility. “The new standard incorporates all current approaches for safety and testing standards in the world. In our tests, we consider aspects relating to the performance of storage systems as well,” says Ralf Martin Müller, Head of the Solar Energy division at TÜV Rheinland.

When developing the test program, the experts from TÜV Rheinland took into account the requirements for the safe transportation of batteries (UN 38.3) as well as the safety standards in accordance with EN 50272-2 for battery storage systems, EN 62040 and EN 60950-1 for the safety of photovoltaic storage systems and the test specifications of the Battery Safety Organization, “BATSO.” The primary focus here is on the protection against fire, moisture and other harmful environmental influences. The tests include an overcharge test, vibration and shock tests and climate tests involving extreme temperature changes and cover the aspects of self-discharge and cycle stability in particular as performance tests. Inverters are tested with respect to safety and grid conformity in accordance with standards such as EN 62109-1/2 and VDE-AR N 4105, VDE 0124-100 as well as the application rules for FNN storage systems. “The technical development in the area of photovoltaic and storage systems for single-family detached homes is in full swing. The tests will likewise be further changed and adapted accordingly in the future. However, with the current basis for testing and certification, we are comprehensively reflecting the state of the art,” says Müller.

Contact for media inquiries:
Frank Dudley
+49 221 806-3273
Write an e-mail