The solar thermal testing facility, now called TestLab Solar Thermal Systems, is authorised by the German certification authority DIN CERTCO, the Portuguese certification authority CERTIF and the American Solar Rating and Certificate Corporation SRCC.

The Fraunhofer ISE solar thermal testing lab has four trackers, one of which has capacities extending well beyond those necessary for standard measurements. For example: greater degree of freedom (e.g. for façade collectors) and precise control and measuring techniques.

Two further measurement stations using quasi-dynamic characterisation methods have been added to the solar thermal testing facilities. As opposed to the four test stations using the stationary method, the collectors tested at these two stations do not track the sun’s position.

Solar hot water

Up to four complete solar hot water systems can be tested in parallel at the test stand for solar thermal systems. At the end of 2009, the new test stand for solar storage underwent the last validation measurements and enhanced the solar thermal test facilities by providing the most modern measurement capabilities available in this increasingly important area.