As demand for clean, renewable energy continues to grow, PV module manufacturing has become a vital part of the global energy market. This growth has, in turn, led to increased competition as more players enter the renewable energy space.
In this increasingly competitive market, meeting industry standards and certification requirements is crucial for any solar manufacturer.
This article discusses the significance of certifications and regulations in the solar energy industry, covers the major certification bodies and their standards, and explores both the benefits and challenges of obtaining them.
Why Are Certifications Required for PV Module Manufacturing?
Certifications serve as official recognition that a product meets specific industry standards. Their legal or contractual necessity depends on the product, market and application. A certificate covers a defined assessment scope; it is not a guarantee against every failure.
For manufacturers, meeting these standards and certification requirements is crucial for several reasons.
- Certifications act as badges of quality, demonstrating a manufacturer’s commitment to producing high-quality products.
- They assure customers that they are purchasing a product that meets industry standards and is safe to use.
- In some cases, certifications can give manufacturers a competitive edge by differentiating their products from the competition.
Major PV Module Certification Standards
Standards, certification bodies and recognition schemes have different roles. IEC publishes standards; certification bodies evaluate products against defined requirements; the IECEE CB Scheme supports acceptance of test evidence between participating bodies. None is a universal permission to sell a module in every market.
The IEC is a global organization that develops and publishes international standards for electrical and electronic technologies, including solar PV. It has established several key standards for the industry, such as IEC 61215, IEC 61646, IEC 61730, IEC 62108, IEC 61701, and IEC 62716.
UL is an independent certification organization providing safety and quality certifications for various products, including those used in solar cell manufacturing. UL Solutions describes the transition from UL 1703 to UL 61730. New products are evaluated to UL 61730; the status of an older listing and any design change must be checked with the certification body. Do not specify an old standard as the default route for a new product.
The CB Scheme is a global certification system that allows manufacturers to obtain product certifications that are recognized in multiple countries.
IEC Standards for Solar Panels
Some of the most common standards for solar cells are set by the International Electrotechnical Commission, a nonprofit that establishes international assessment standards for electronic devices, including solar modules.
To obtain certifications, manufacturers must comply with several key IEC standards. These include:
IEC 61215: This core testing standard for solar panels specifies the requirements for design qualification and approval of crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic modules, especially for non-US countries.
IEC 61646: This is a historical thin-film module standard. The IEC catalogue marks IEC 61646:2008 as replaced and lists technology-specific parts of IEC 61215. Ask the laboratory which current parts and editions apply to your design.
IEC 61730: This standard specifies the requirements for the safety qualification of photovoltaic modules.
IEC 62108: This standard specifies the design qualification and type approval of concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies.
IEC 61701: This standard specifies the requirements for salt mist corrosion testing.
IEC 62716: This covers ammonia corrosion testing, not potential-induced degradation (PID). Match any additional environmental test to the intended application; it does not replace the core design and safety assessment.
While these are some of the most important certifications, the list is not comprehensive; other regional and country-specific standards also exist. Therefore, it’s critical to consider the target market for the solar panels.
General Standards and Regulations for Solar Manufacturing
In addition to solar-specific standards, manufacturers must also comply with broader regulations that apply to PV module manufacturing. These include:
CE marking: The manufacturer must identify the EU legislation applicable to the particular product, complete the required assessment and documentation, and affix CE marking where required. The European Commission explains that CE marking is not approval by an EU authority and is not required for every product. Do not treat it as an independent quality certificate.
Electronics and communications: Check the requirements for the equipment actually supplied, including any inverter, optimizer or radio device. Do not copy a blanket FCC certification requirement onto every passive PV module. Have the target-market conformity route confirmed for the specific product.
The CB Scheme is an international system for the mutual acceptance of product safety test reports and certificates for electrical and electronic equipment, devices, and components. It is an international program operated by the International Electrotechnical Commission for Electrical Equipment (IECEE).
Location-Specific Regulation and Certification
In addition to global standards, solar manufacturers must also comply with location-specific regulations and certifications.
For Europe, check the scope and exclusions of the relevant legislation rather than assuming that RoHS applies to every PV product. The Commission describes RoHS scope and exclusions. For the United States, distinguish product listing from the electrical and building rules adopted at the installation location. Confirm both the product and the intended application with a qualified local adviser.
It’s important for manufacturers to research their target market to fully understand the required certifications.
Check the certificate against the module you will sell
A certificate number is only the start of the check. Before committing to a customer specification, ask the issuing body to confirm the following:
- Product identity: Does the certificate cover the exact model family, electrical ratings, construction and manufacturing location?
- Scope and edition: Which standards, editions, national differences and additional tests were evaluated? An ammonia test does not demonstrate PID resistance.
- Changes: How are substitutions of cells, encapsulant, backsheet, glass or junction box assessed before release? A similar-looking module is not automatically covered.
- Series production: Who controls incoming materials, process settings, test records and nonconforming modules? IEC 62941 addresses the manufacturing-quality framework beyond the initial type tests.
- Market acceptance: Does the customer or local authority accept this evidence for the planned use? Record any missing requirement before quoting a delivery date.
Keep a dated register with certificate reference, covered design, factory, restrictions and responsible owner. Use it alongside production quality control and the separate factory permit register. A successful routine test, a site permit and a product certificate answer different questions.
Benefits of Certification for Solar Module Manufacturers
Certifications play a crucial role in the reputation and brand management of solar PV production companies. They demonstrate a commitment to quality, helping to build trust and credibility with customers.
Furthermore, since certifications are a legal requirement in some markets, they can grant manufacturers access to new customers and renewable energy markets.
Challenges in Obtaining Certifications and Regulations
While essential, obtaining the necessary certifications can be challenging for solar module manufacturers. The process is often time-consuming and expensive, requiring products to meet strict industry standards.
Location-specific regulations add another layer of complexity, as manufacturers must comply with different requirements for each market.
Conclusion
Nearly every industry is governed by regulations or minimum standards that its players must follow. In this sense, solar PV module manufacturing is no different from construction, consumer products, or even service industries like tax consultancy.
Although obtaining certifications can be a hurdle, it is a necessary step for producing and marketing solar products.
Certification not only provides a competitive advantage but is also mandatory in some cases. It is therefore essential to research the standard requirements for a target market before beginning PV manufacturing.
Use the source links above to confirm current requirements. Earlier downloadable summaries may not reflect the corrections and scope distinctions in this article.