Choosing amongst the dozens of brands of solar panels on the market might be a challenge. Understanding the numerous certifications granted to solar panels, as well as the terminology that go with them, is one thing that can help you navigate this area.
The distinction between a “standard” and a “certification” is the first thing you should understand. Standards are written by organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), whose acronyms make more sense in other languages. When a solar panel is certified, it indicates that it has been examined by a recognized, accredited lab to ensure that it satisfies particular requirements.
Consider the UL 1703 standard as an example. UL 1703 is a set of safety standards for flat-plate PV Modules that was officially released by Underwriters Laboratories (aka the commonly used solar panels with the glass on the front). In the United States, cities and counties will only issue installation permits for solar panels that have received the UL 1703 certification. This means that solar panels must be examined by a Nationally Recognized Test Laboratory (NRTL) such as Underwriters Laboratories, Intertek, TUV, or the CSA Group. If the solar panel passes the test, the lab will provide a certificate stating that it meets the UL 1703 standard. This is known as UL listing, and when a solar panel receives official certification, the manufacturer can claim that it is UL Listed. A solar panel that has been UL Listed will have a unique appearance “The NRTL that certified it put a “mark” on its label.
While the UL 1703 Listing is required, solar panel producers can up their game by having the lab test for other standards such as IEC 61215 for durability and performance for standard monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV modules. The IEC 61646 is a set of thin film PV module durability and performance specifications. There are also very specific standards, such as IEC 61701, which includes salt mist corrosion tests (which you should look for if you’re installing solar panels on your beach house) and IEC 62716, which includes ammonia corrosion tests (which you should look for if you’re installing solar panels on your beach house) (in case you are installing your solar panels in agricultural environments).
There are also certification systems, such as the DNV GL PV Module Reliability Scorecard, that examine numerous aspects of a PV module’s performance and endurance over time. Financial institutions that engage in solar leasing and large solar farm products look for certifications such as DNV GL to ensure that the products are safe “the “bankability” of a specific solar panel
Solar panel manufacturers can also obtain certification for their manufacturing facilities, providing you with additional peace of mind. Because you’d think that quality facilities would yield quality products, factory accreditation for ISO 9001 Quality Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management standards is prevalent in solar brochures.
So now you know what all the different solar panel certifications represent and how to choose which solar panels to buy. The sooner you make your decision, the sooner you will see a reduction in your utility expenses.
Is UL certification required for all electronics?
A lot of testing goes into bringing a new product to market. As a result, as a producer, you may be wondering whether your product requires UL certification.
In the United States, there is no requirement mandating UL certification. However, it may be required by commercial building and electrical rules, as well as merchants. And if you’re making a product that needs to fulfill certain safety standards or poses a potential safety hazard, you’ll need to test it. This is because it aids in the protection of both you and the retailer in the event of a liability claim.
As a result, there’s no reason not to seek UL certification if you’re already making a product that fits specific requirements. Furthermore, the UL mark is instantly recognizable by consumers. When utilized according to the manufacturer’s directions, it acts as a visual assurance that the product fulfills US (and typically Canadian) safety requirements.
It is important to know that certifications issued in Europe or other nations are not accepted in North America. Certifications from North America are not recognized in other countries. As a result, if you want to sell abroad, you’ll need the appropriate certifications. As a result, UL has procedures in place that allow you to conduct all global testing through them.
Is it possible to have solar panels that are not connected to the grid?
There is probably no greener technology more accessible and efficient than solar panels when it comes to making and supplying your own electricity.
Going off-grid with solar panels is, for the most part, a no-brainer. It is, however, only one element of the puzzle.
You’ll need somewhere to store all of the solar energy generated by your solar panels if you want to live an off-grid lifestyle for a long time.
Solar batteries/solar power stations are the very finest technology for storing your off-grid solar energy, just as solar panels are the most accessible and efficient for electricity production.
So, with solar panels and some form of storage mechanism, you can effectively go off-grid.
What methods are used to certify solar panels?
To become an MCS accredited installer, you must first pass a rigorous assessment and then submit to annual audits to verify that standards are maintained. Deege Solar’s commitment to quality installations and compliance is demonstrated by being an MCS accredited Solar PV installer.
What is the difference between a Class A and a Class C solar panel?
Air conditioners, for example, necessitate huge battery systems and inverter/chargers.
Unless a storage bay can be sacrificed, battery capacity is restricted by what fits under the step.
The following step-by-step guide will walk you through the various options and design considerations involved in creating a unique power system.
What happens if a product isn’t UL-listed?
UL certification has an impact on our daily lives, frequently to a significant degree, without most of us realizing it. UL has been guaranteeing the safety and accountability of electrical items in ordinary American life for over 125 years.
It is not necessary for a product to be UL recognized and tested in order for it to spontaneously combust. It simply indicates that it hasn’t been independently tested and verified to meet certain safety criteria in terms of performance and safety.
So, just because your product does not have a UL certification does not mean it is unsafe. When designing new devices and appliances, it’s never a bad idea to look for UL certification.
Even if it costs a little more or takes a little longer to test, UL gives a consumer peace of mind and a brand a substantial marketing boost. Third-party certifications from a reputable source will only benefit your company in the long term. UL Certifications can help your brand become more accountable and improve its reputation over time.
Hopefully, you’re more familiar with that little UL logo now, and you understand what it signifies and why it’s significant to you and your company. When a company is UL certified, it demonstrates their dedication to quality and safety.
Are you ready to add UL-certified parts and products to your home or office? Browse our entire selection of devices, switches, and other electronics, or contact us for more information.
Is it required to have UL certification?
It is not legally required to have a UL listed certified unit. However, because many large organizations will only acquire equipment that has passed the UL safety tests, this is a typical practice. Only selling products with a NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories) label is likewise standard business practice in the United States. It doesn’t have to be UL, but it should have a recognized marking. If a product has a cULus Listing, it signifies that it has been tested to meet Canadian and US standards by UL. A tested product demonstrates that it complies with a nationally recognized safety standard.
This provides you with all of the information that certain inspectors may require when the UL documents are necessary. This includes, but is not limited to, UL licensing numbers, UL forms demonstrating that the phase converter meets UL safety requirements, and other phase converter documents. To avoid downtime, it’s best to know exactly what you’ll need before you start installing anything.
Is UL certification needed by law?
UL certification is a complex, time-consuming, and expensive process. Each component of a product will need to be evaluated independently to check its durability and safety, as well as whether it satisfies the design goals. This can entail putting things through rigorous testing procedures that include:
Any changes to a product’s design may also necessitate retesting or the use of pre-tested components.
Do You Need UL Certification to Sell in the USA?
Anyone planning to sell things in a retail store should be aware that most stores will not stock anything that aren’t UL approved. Though there are no statutory safety regulations for consumer electronics in the United States, for example, guaranteeing a product’s safety is critical.
When a product has the UL stamp, it acts as an insurance policy for both the producer and the retailer. To prevent liability risks, most businesses opt for UL-listed products. You should also conduct additional study into your market or sector to see if UL is anticipated.
Do You Need UL Certification to Import Products?
Compliance with UL standards is often not required by law when importing products. Importers, on the other hand, are responsible for ensuring that a product is safe, and the best way to do so is to adhere to the UL criteria.
Although UL certification is not needed by law, it is requested by many retailers in order to sell to them. Some merchants won’t sell products that aren’t UL certified.
What does it mean if something isn’t UL listed?
This product is Non UL, which means it has not been approved by Underwriters Laboratories, which sets standards for cable and wiring. Low-voltage goods are exempt from UL inspection.
