Tripartite partners VDE, Fraunhofer ISE and SERIS today held an inauguration ceremony for new facilities at IQuest@IBP, for solar industry-oriented research, technology development, and testing. This is the first solar module testing and certification lab in Southeast Asia. In line with our goal to position Singapore as a innovative cleantech hub for global markets, this key project will help solar manufacturers in Singapore and the region reduce their time-to-market. The tripartite partnership between VDE, Fraunhofer ISE and SERIS will reinforce Singapore's unique strengths and commitment to grow a comprehensive clean energy industry. VDE and Fraunhofer will also help develop in Singapore new standards and testing capabilities aimed at the tropical sunbelt.

VDE Institute, an international accredited, independent institution which tests and certifies electrical appliances, components and systems, and Fraunhofer ISE, one of the world's leading research institutes in solar energy technologies announced a joint venture in Oct 2008. The JV between both companies created the first SEA hub for solar PV testing and certification to provide support and service to the PV sector. The JV also works closely with the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) in terms of industry-oriented research and technology development and testing the viability of commercial photovoltaic modules.