German module manufacturer, Centrosolar, has now received Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation for its thin-film solar modules. This qualification follows the company’s receipt of MCS recognition for its entire crystalline solar module range in October this year.
MCS certification, which was awarded to Centrosolar’s thin-film modules by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) in November, serves as a seal of quality and is a prerequisite in order to sell photovoltaic systems in the UK under the feed-in tariff (FiT) scheme.
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 located in Paderborn, Germany. Being five meters in length, these thin-film modules are ideal for large roof spaces which are unable to take the weight of a large-scale crystalline installation.
“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,” said Simon Gerrard, Managing Director of Centrosolar UK.
Thin-film solar modules are capable of producing efficient power, even when installed on flat roofs and in other unfavourable positions, such as uneven surfaces. They also work with diffuse sunshine, such as a cloudy sky.
With the award of MCS, BBA has confirmed the quality and performance of the modules, which were subject to extensive testing, including an inspection of the production facility.