The Photovoltaik-Institut Berlin (PI Berlin) has created a subsidiary based in 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 in Delhi. 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.
To protect investments in photovoltaic plants as feed-in tariffs continue to fall, it is 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, a release from PI Berlin said.
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. 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 release added.
Featured photograph shows “climate chambers” at the testing lab of PI Berlin at Berlin, Germany.