Market’s demand for quality control particularly high
Berlin/Delhi – The Photovoltaik-Institut Berlin (PI Berlin) has created a subsidiary based in Delhi, India. In one of the most important markets worldwide for photovoltaics, there is particularly high demand for PI Berlin’s services, such as laboratory tests for modules and quality assurance in the planning, construction and operation of photovoltaic plants. The newly created company can now offer these services directly from a local base. It will be managed by Steven Xuereb, Head of the PV Systems Business Unit at PI Berlin, together with Dr Saurabh Kumar, who will act as local coordinator for sales and customer service.
Great potential in the Indian market
“India is a young solar market experiencing dynamic growth. We see great potential here for the provision of services and consultation relating to the planning, construction and operation of solar power plants,” says Saurabh Kumar. The Indian government has announced its goal to have 100 gigawatts of installed photovoltaic capacity by the year 2022. “This long-term goal gives the players in the market the security they need to make investments,” says Kumar.
To protect investments in photovoltaic plants as feed-in tariffs continue to fall, it’s crucial to inspect plant components at every stage along the value creation chain. Errors made during plant planning, module production, transport or installation can be directly identified and remedied with the consultation and monitoring provided by PI Berlin. Continuous inspection makes it possible to remedy damage at an early stage and identify the origin before the power plant comes into operation.
High demand for quality control
For projects on the subcontinent, which is home to both arid deserts and tropical forests, inspection of components and system design to ensure optimal long-term operation of PV plants is particularly challenging.
Most of the modules used in India are currently sourced from China. “Our lab in Suzhou allows us to provide quality inspections for the Indian market directly in the country of manufacture, so it’s a fast and straightforward process,” says Steven Xuereb. Offering Indian module manufacturers consultation on production and quality improves the ability of these local producers to stand out from the competition in the market.
The Indian government has also announced plans to improve module quality by introducing its own standard for modules which can be sold in India. “We will be able to help businesses inspect and implement large projects here too”, says Xuereb.
Steven Xuereb, managing director of the new subsidiary, will be happy to meet interested parties for talks at Intersolar India in Mumbai from 5–7 December and at RE-INVEST in Greater Noida from 7–9 December: xuereb@pi-berlin.com
About PI Berlin
The Photovoltaik-Institut Berlin provides independent, expert advice on designing, constructing and operating PV power plants worldwide. With its experienced team of researchers and engineers, the institute offers a wide range of design and test services with a focus on quality assurance in complex PV projects. PI Berlin has already provided support for projects with a total rated output of over two gigawatts (GW) worldwide.
The institute also has an IEC-accredited test laboratory at its Berlin site for checking the performance, reliability and resistance of solar modules. Another test laboratory is located in Suzhou, China. The modules are tested according to strict criteria that exceed IEC standards.
The institute was established ten years ago by PV experts Prof. Dr Stefan Krauter, Sven Lehmann and Dr Paul Grunow, who was also one of the founders of Solon and Q CELLS.
Source: pi-berlin
