Dec 16 2010
The way is paved for unlimited market access in Great Britain: In November, Centrosolar was certified for its thin film modules in accordance with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
The British Board of Agrément (BBA) certified the company's crystalline solar modules in October. The MCS certificates serve as a seal of quality and are a prerequisite in order to sell photovoltaic systems in Britain.
The certified solar modules TF Plate Professional and TF Membrane Professional consist of thin film laminates produced by U.S.-based United Solar Ovonic. Centrosolar uses these laminates to manufacture solar modules at the company's in-house production facility in Paderborn, Germany. These thin film modules are over five meters in length, making them suitable for large roof spaces primarily. Compared to crystalline solar modules, with a weight per unit area of five and nine kg/m squared, these modules are extremely lightweight and are therefore highly suited to roofs with low loading weights. "Our thin film solar modules are suited for buildings with roofs that are not built to accommodate heavy, crystalline modules. Particularly in industries where the roofs have a low loading capacity, this solution offers great potential," says Simon Gerrard, Managing Director of Centrosolar UK Ltd. Thin film modules are capable of producing efficient power, even when installed on flat roofs and in other unfavourable positions. They also work with diffuse sunshine - for example, a cloudy sky - and are extremely reliable, meaning that even in countries such as Great Britain, clients can count on a good solar yield.
Thanks to the MCS certification, British system operators who choose Centrosolar modules can profit from the feed-in tariff for 25 years. With this certificate, the issuing body, BBA, confirms the tested quality and performance of the modules. Before the certificates were issued, the modules were subject to extensive testing, including an inspection of the production facility.
With its own module production facility, Centrosolar is one of Europe's leading providers of solar energy systems. The company has been represented in Great Britain by a subsidiary since September.
Source: http://www.centrosolar.com/