March 23, 2009, Phoenix, AZ — Atlas Material Testing Technology is pleased to announce two new services focused on the solar market, Solar Simulator Classification services and I-V Curve tracing services. Both services are offered by Atlas’ Solar/PV center of excellence in Phoenix, AZ. As the world leader in material weather- durability testing, Atlas is excited to expand its service offerings to help companies in the solar industry substantiate product warranty and efficiency claims.

Photovoltaic (PV) testing standards require the use of specific classes of solar simulators to determine performance measurements. Atlas uses a portable, high speed, multi-channel OL 770 device - measuring between 380 and 1100 nm to verify that customers testing instruments meet the requirements of the standards that classify solar simulators for PV testing. These critical measurements should be a regular part of all simulators service and maintenance schedules. Atlas’ classification service meets the requirements described in IEC 60904- 9, Photovoltaic – Solar Simulator Performance Requirements for qualifying solar simulation for IEC 61215 testing.

In addition to solar simulator classification services, Atlas can now provide accurate I-V curves for a single PV module up to a 50-kilowatt PV system. Atlas uses a portable, self contained Daystar DS-100C I-V curve tracer which auto-scales to 600 Volts and has 10, and 100 Ampere current ranges. The DS-100C includes tools to normalize, plot, analyze, and print the I-V curves. It also includes an Auto-Curve mode that will capture and store I-V curves when certain pre-set conditions are met. Because this equipment is portable Atlas technicians can perform measurements in the field on your modules or arrays any where in the world.

Atlas' comprehensive Consulting Solutions, Standard Test Equipment, Custom Systems and Testing Services have over 30 years of testing and measurement experience supporting the solar industry. For more information on any of our solar energy services, visit www.solardurability.com or contact us at info@atlas-mts.com.