The ASU Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory has been "spun off." There's 
more to it than that, which isn't being shared, but it, the only lab in 
the United States accredited for PV Design Qualification and Type 
Approval, was just sold to TUV Rheinland & will be moved from east Mesa 
to Tempe, into a much larger facility, before the end of the year.

Mani, the director, pointed out how photovoltaic modules in the United 
States are only required to be safe, while in Europe they are required 
to be safe & work. He pointed out that 80% of all solar modules in 
climates like Florida will fail within 7 years, & that it wasn't much 
better here in AZ. He said that solar modules sold in the USA are 
designed to pass the minimum tests, then 80% of them fail. On the other 
had, he also pointed out that one solar module that is available like 
all the rest, degrades so little that even after 100 years it wouldn't 
have lost any more than 2% of its initial efficiency.

Group member Dr. Mark Edwards will be giving a presentation on Wednesday 
about algae.