The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) this week announced $4.4 million in funding over five years to a Central New York-based testing laboratory to establish renewable energy test and research centers in New York that will be among the first of their kind in the nation.
The funding will allow Intertek (Cortland) and a consortium of partners to establish solar photovoltaic (PV) and small wind test centers throughout the State. They will use rigorous real-life testing scenarios to measure safety, performance, reliability, durability, and longevity. Currently, there is only one accredited small wind and four accredited PV test centers in the country.
“These new testing centers demonstrate New York’s leadership on renewable technology development and will give consumers and investors the most accurate information possible on clean technologies,” said Francis J. Murray, President and CEO of NYSERDA. “By serving as a proving ground for the latest renewable energy technologies, these centers will help bolster New York’s clean energy economy and our renewable technology infrastructure.”
“Intertek’s additional test facilities for renewable energy technologies will provide needed testing capabilities,” said Brian Kramak, Director, Energy Services at Intertek. “Buyers of wind and solar products will have access to reliable third-party safety and performance verification for small wind and PV systems. Sellers of renewable energy products will be able to demonstrate compliance to regulatory requirements and incentive program requirements. Combining these certification aspects with coordinated research capabilities will help to advance renewable energy in New York State.”
The clean technology test centers also will improve the ability to predict the output of wind and solar energy, which will help to maximize the production potential of these renewable resources. Coupled with a better understanding of wind and solar performance in real-world situations, the centers will help developers in optimally siting small wind and PV technologies and improve the state’s efforts to achieve Governor David Paterson’s “45 by 15” clean energy objectives.
The wind and PV test centers also will help educate the next generation of clean energy workers by collaborating with New York State higher education institutions to provide real-world training and proficiency in solar and wind technologies that will help attract PV and wind industries to New York.
Intertek’s regional partners in this NYSERDA-funded initiative include AWS Truepower, Clarkson University, Rochester Institute of Technology, SUNY Canton, Alfred State, Binghamton University, and the Syracuse Center of Excellence.
Currently, small wind technology and components are tested and certified at the National Renewable Energy Lab in Colorado. The PV test center will be the fifth accredited center to open in the United States and the second to open on the East Coast.
The location of each PV and small wind test center will be determined by Intertek and the consortium over the coming months. Each center will bring jobs and new renewable energy businesses to several locations throughout New York.
About Intertek:
Intertek is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace.
Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 24,000 people in more than 100 countries around the world. For further information, visit www.intertek.com/renewable
