WUXI, China, December 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), one of the world's largest producers of solar panels, today announced that its solar modules have passed the Blowing Sand Test based on DIN EN 60068-2-68 LC2 by SGS, the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. The SGS test result confirms that Suntech's solar modules are suitable for solar installations in desert regions.
"As solar energy proliferates around the world, it is critical to develop solar modules that can perform optimally in different terrains and environments. For our customers, passing the Blowing Sand Test confirms that Suntech's solar modules are well-suited for desert regions and can withstand high-velocity sand and windy conditions," said Dr. Stuart Wenham, Suntech's Chief Technology Officer. "Quality assurance is an integral part of Suntech's value proposition, and we pride ourselves on rigorous testing procedures to ensure that our customers have a product that can operate for 25 years anywhere on the globe."
Dr. Daniel Deng, Technical Manager for SGS said, "SGS follows an internally developed test procedure and can customize specifications like sand homogeneity, sand concentration, sand shape and wind speed according to single selected deserts. We were extremely impressed with the quality of Suntech's solar modules and their ability to withstand the Blowing Sand Test that replicates the conditions of a heavy desert sandstorm. Endurance testing is critical in order to understand the reliability and longevity of solar panels in real world conditions."
To determine the effects on solar panels of dust and sand suspended in air, SGS's Desert Dust Test simulates the erosion effects of high-velocity sand particles within dust chambers. Pulses of compressed air are blown through a manifold located in the bottom of a collection trough, forcing dust up and over the solar module. Suntech solar modules passed the maximum power determination, the insulation test and the wet leakage current test.
State-of-the-art manufacturing and quality testing lies at the core of Suntech's business, which enables it to deliver high-quality solar products to customers at an affordable price. Suntech's quality control program features 52 tests and checks throughout the cell and module manufacturing process. Once fully assembled, all Suntech modules undergo a final performance test and are categorized based on power and current production. In addition, Suntech solar panels undergo the Combined Cycle Testing at its advanced testing laboratories that simulate long-term environmental stress conditions. Suntech's rigorous review process ensures that it delivers only the highest quality products to our customers.
To learn more about Suntech's commitment in quality control, please visit the Suntech Connect blog, like us on Facebook, or follow us Twitter @Suntech_Connect for regular updates.
About SGS
SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 70,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,350 offices and laboratories around the world.
About Suntech
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) produces solar products for use for residential, industrial and utility purposes. With regional headquarters in China, Switzerland and the United States, and gigawatt-scale manufacturing worldwide, Suntech has delivered more than 25,000,000 photovoltaic panels to over a thousand customers in more than 80 countries. Suntech's pioneering R&D creates customer-centric innovations that are driving solar to grid parity against fossil fuels. Suntech's mission is to provide everyone with reliable access to nature's cleanest and most abundant energy source.
For more information on Suntech's people and products, please visit www.suntech-power.com
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "plans to", "expects to," "anticipates," "future," "intends to," "optimistic," "plans," "believes," "considers" and similar statements and includes Suntech solar modules well-suited for desert regions with sand and high winds. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Suntech's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Suntech does not undertake any obligation to update any forward- looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.
Media inquiries, please contact:
Shashin Surti
Weber Shandwick for Suntech
Tel: +86 21 2411 0046
Email: Suntech@webershandwick.com
