The French Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB) (English: Scientific and Technical Centre for Building) as the responsible certification authority for construction related energy application is also responsible for assessing and certifying BIPV projects in France. Although manufacturers, installers and operators of BIPV systems are not specifically required to have their system certified by the [...]
What is the CSTB? The Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB) (English: Scientific and Technical Centre for Building) is the French national organisation focusing on research, testing, consulting and certification services regarding the construction industry. The CSTB was founded  in 1947 to support the reconstruction of war-torn France. Administratively, it is placed under the Ministère de [...]
What is Conformité Européenne (CE)? The Conformité Européenne (CE) mark is placed on products to state conformance with European Union regulations. It is the Authentication Certificate. CE is a mandatory conformity mark on many products that are consumed in the European Economic Area (EEA): all 27 countries of the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey. [...]
What is NRTL? In the US, your need a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory mark (NRTL). There are many Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories, such as Underwriting Laboratories (UL). Although the UL mark is not required by law, it may be extremely difficult to sell solar panels without an UL Mark. Why? Without a NRTL mark you: Are not allowed to [...]
What is the Clean Energy Council (CEC)? With 200,000+ rooftops and over 300MW installed, Australia definitely benenfits from independent (solar) association Clean Energy Council. The Clean Energy Council is the peak body that repesents Australia’s clean energy sector. This industry association covers a network of 580 member companies operating in the fiels of renewable energy [...]
What is the MCS certification mark? The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a scheme that certifies microgeneration products and installers in the UK accordance with a range of MCS standards. MCS is developed to maintain one standard certification for microgeneration products in the UK. The certification simplifies the choice, and reduces product risk for the [...]
About UL 1703 UL 1703 covers flat-plate photovoltaic modules and panels that comply with the National Electric Code (NEC), OSHA, the National Fire Prevention Association, and will be readily accepted by local inspectors. The UL 1703 standard also means that the performance of the panels has been tested and has been found to perform to [...]
About the International Electro Technial Commission (IEC) certifications The International Electro technical Commission (IEC) certifications are widely recognized quality standard certifications throughout the solar industry. Following an explanatory overview on the various solar-related IEC certifications IEC 61215 / EN 61215 IEC 61215 Ed. 2 – Ageing of PV modules The IEC61215 covers the parameters which [...]
