PV Systems Investments Protected by CB Certification

The growth of the photovoltaics market has been driven by the demand for greener power sources and by increased government subsidy. To justify the subsidies given, governments require certified testing of photovoltaic modules for safety and quality. The incentive to improve performance could not be greater.

Photovoltaic Module Certification

The growth of testing laboratories testifies to the importance of quality, safety and proven performance in the manufacture of photovoltaic modules. Certified PV modules reach the market with both a proven life span and the guarantee of a lack of defects that could potentially have a detrimental effect on performance. The testing of PV modules is also now as quick and thorough as it has ever been.

CB certification is recognized by all CB Scheme member countries and often offers a shortcut to other national approval marks. Thus the benefits of certification are increased through CB certification and in addition, the CB certified PV module can enjoy the good reputation and greater market access that the CB Scheme (http://www.ee.sgs.com/cb-scheme.htm ) offers to CB qualified products.

Protecting PV Systems Means Assuring Quality

Other services apart from PV module certification assure the high quality of PV systems (BOS) - these include quality testing, pre-qualification testing and the certification of facilities and large systems.
It stands to reason that pre-qualification testing can help identify potential design flaws for manufacturers in the vital, early stages. Design flaws impede progress, increase customer frustration and often affect manufacturer reputation. For importers and distributors, quality testing along the supply chain is integral to the control of and monitoring of liability. In addition, pre-shipment controls and load and unload inspections are essential in the country of manufacture in order to ensure the compliance of the products for shipping with the quality of certified samples.

PV Systems Standards and Safety Tests

PV systems are subject to three standards: IEC 61730 part 1 and 2 are the safety standards for all module technologies; IEC 61215 is specific to polycrystalline silicon module performance and type qualification; and IEC 61646 covers Thin Film modules’ performance and type qualification.
Safety tests verify critical features of PV modules, including dielectric resistance as well as resistance to current surges and leakages. Other safety critical components that undergo rigorous testing include access to elements under tension, grounding, and the measurement of insulation for both humid and freezing conditions.

Performance testing (http://www.ee.sgs.com/sgs-photovoltaic-certification.htm#performance) focuses on efficiency and durability, so for example, power efficiency, UV resistance, resistance to breakage caused by persons, objects or adverse weather conditions such as hail and so on are all measured. Compliance with directives such as RoHS and REACH is considered very important and PV systems can also certify for conformity with these pieces of legislation.
If PV modules are to be utilized under severe weather conditions, customers are advised to seek additional performance certifications and guarantees, including for example, ammonia resistance, heavy snow load or desert resistance. In addition, if the PV module is to be installed in a coastal region, tests against salt mist corrosion resistance are also highly recommended.

One Stop Quality Assurance

SGS can support the manufacturers, importers and distributors of PV modules throughout the entire life cycle of PV modules and systems (http://www.ee.sgs.com/solar-testing-services.htm ). SGS offers various PV testing laboratories in key locations and markets, with all being ISO 17025 accredited and all offering the full range of PV testing and certification services. The SGS Solar Test House (http://www.ee.sgs.com/sgs-solar-test-house.htm ) in Dresden, Germany is a particularly fine example of SGS’ expertise in PV module testing services.

Power inverters are covered by IEC 62109-1 and SGS-CEBEC offers safety testing for these as well as large PV systems. SGS can also offer ‘connection/disconnection from grid’ certification, ensuring that voltage fluctuations remain within required limits when connection is made to networks of medium voltage. Through its SSC (Systems and Services Certification) division, SGS also verifies electrical installations that have adopted or added photovoltaic systems or have undergone other such major adaptations.

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognised as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With 64'000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1'250 offices and laboratories around the world.

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Jörn Brembach
Business Manager Photovoltaics, CTS Microelectronics & Photovoltaics, Solar Testhouse
Zeisigweg 13, 01737 Hartha, Germany

t: +49 35203 390 910
E-mail: joern.brembach@sgs.com
Website: http://www.ee.sgs.com/solar-testing-services.htm

This release was published on openPR.