First PV Module Testing Lab in China to be Awarded Underwriters Laboratories Witness Testing Data Program Certificate

SAN FRANCISCO and WUXI, China, June 18 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer, today announced that it has opened the first state-of-the-art PV module testing laboratory in China to be awarded the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Witness Testing Data Program (WTDP) Certificate.

Located at Suntech's headquarters in Wuxi, the world-class PV module testing facility is the largest in China with 1400sqm and 7000sqm of indoor and outdoor testing space, respectively. The cutting edge test equipment includes pulse and continuous solar simulators, walk-in climate chambers, mechanical load and hail testers, electroluminescence testers, and high precision infrared cameras to evaluate all aspects of module quality and performance. All the equipment and testing procedures accord with the stringent standards of UL1703, IEC61215 and IEC61730-2. Through UL's WTDP, PV module tests may be conducted under the supervision of highly experienced UL personnel and subsequently awarded certification enabling Suntech to bring solar products to market faster.

Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO said, 'This new state-of-the-art PV module testing laboratory reflects Suntech's goal of producing the highest quality and most reliable solar panels in the industry. Underwriters Laboratories has exceptional, globally recognized expertise in quality testing, and it is an honor to be the first solar company in China to be awarded with the Witness Testing Data Program certificate. In close collaboration with UL, this witness testing program will enable us to accelerate the testing and qualification of Suntech PV modules so that we can bring the latest solar technology to our customers as fast as possible. In the current environment, we believe that there is a flight to quality module producers and that customers value our commitment to ensuring the reliability of our products.'

Scot Webster, UL's SVP of CAS Engineering and Laboratory Operations said, 'It is excellent to see the world's largest crystalline silicon module manufacturer taking the lead in module quality with the establishment of this world-class test laboratory. Suntech has already garnered a reputation for producing premium quality solar products and this new lab will no doubt enhance customer confidence in Suntech products.