Certification Statement
The certification mark certifies that the solar photovoltaic panels and related products provided have met applicable quality, performance and/or safety standards compliant with all or specific sections of one or more international and national test standards including: IEC 61215, IEC 61730, UL 1703, UL 61730, CSA C61215, IEC 61853, IEC 62670, ASTM E1036, ASTM E2527, ASTM E2848, IEC 61724. SolarPTL performs various performance, quality and safety tests of solar photovoltaic products, including perovskite modules. The tests include indoor accelerated quality tests, indoor accelerated safety tests, indoor performance tests, outdoor performance tests, outdoor quality tests and outdoor safety tests. All these tests are performed in compliance with one or more of the test standards identified above. As a follow-up service, throughout the lifetime of a SolarPTL certification, SolarPTL regularly audits a manufacturer’s production facilities and products to determine continued compliance with the applicable test standards’ requirements, accreditors’ requirements and SolarPTL’s requirements.
SolarPTL is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) by OSHA. SolarPTL is also accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), certificate #0921.01 and certificate #0921.02.
As of July 2021, SolarPTL is accredited by IECEE as an Issuing and Recognizing National Certification Body (NCB) and a CB Testing Laboratory (CBTL) within the IECEE Scheme.
On the basis of the favorable assessment and evaluation of test and audit reports, SolarPTL may issue the following marks as appropriate:
The test mark, also referred to as the “cPTLus” mark, demonstrates that the product has been tested and certified by SolarPTL, a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) by OSHA. The PTL mark with the “C” and “US” adders signifying that Canadian and US cross-certification applies. The PTL marks show that the product carrying the Marks have been tested and certified by an independent accredited third-party laboratory, SolarPTL. SolarPTL tests a product sample and conducts repeat factory inspections to assure continued compliance. The PTL mark with or without the “C” and “US” adders demonstrates that the product has been tested and certified by SolarPTL for quality and/or safety depending on the product category and type of test standard.
Standards for Photovoltaic Modules
Standard for Safety – Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels
⦁ SolarPTL is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) by OSHA.
⦁ SolarPTL provides construction evaluation, testing, and certification to UL 1703 / UL 61730 and IEC 61730.
⦁ Manufacturers whose products meet these requirements are authorized by SolarPTL to apply the appropriate PTL Certification Mark.
⦁ Product manufacturing is then audited through a program of factory Follow-Up Inspection services.
⦁ To counter-check products bearing the PTL Certification Mark to see if they continue to meet safety requirements, field representatives make frequent, unannounced visits to production facilities worldwide.
⦁ The manufacturing facility is audited with a “Follow-Up Service Procedure”. This Procedure authorizes the manufacturer to use, under specific controls, the appropriate PTL mark on their products. The Procedure also describes in detail the product as it was constructed when it was originally examined and tested
International Standard for Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules – Design Qualification and Type Approval
⦁ An international design qualification test standard for crystalline silicon and thin film PV modules
Recommended Practice for Design Qualification and Type Approval of Concentrator Photovoltaic (PV) Modules and Assemblies
⦁ An international qualification test standard for concentrator PV modules and assemblies
PV module tests conducted at SolarPTL
IEC Qualification Standard
IEC 61215 is a quality standard for design qualification and type approval of terrestrial, flat-plate photovoltaic modules. A typical IEC 61215 program takes 60-90 days from module receipt to completion. Typically, ten modules are needed for IEC qualification testing.
Sandia Module Characterization
Sandia National Laboratories’ PV module characterization procedure was transferred to PTL in 2006. This effort was intended to meet industry requests for independent module performance testing that provides the parameters (coefficients) required by the Sandia performance model. The performance model and outdoor measurement procedures, developed by Sandia, have been validated by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and PTL.
Long-Term Outdoor Exposure
SolarPTL also performs long-term Outdoor Exposure for many manufacturers. The lab enjoys an average daily insolation of 6.5 kWh/m2/day at latitude tilt. In a typical program, modules are mounted at latitude tilt and measured quarterly, near the Equinoxes and Solstices. A year-long program includes the module setup, weather data, initial performance measurement with temperature coefficient determination, and quarterly IV’s.
Performance testing for IEC 61853 and local incentive programs
SolarPTL can test PV modules at multiple-temperature and multiple-irradiance levels per IEC 61853 standard. SolarPTL can test the modules outdoors to determine its power output at Standard Test Conditions (STC), Nominal Module Operating Temperature (NMOT) and low irradiance (200 W/m2); and can determine the temperature coefficients associated with the module in its operating range. These measurements can be generated into a report for use by organizations like the California Energy Commission for its incentive programs.
Accelerated Environmental Stress
SolarPTL has environmental chambers capable of performing thermal cycling (-40°C to 85°C, dry air), damp heat exposure (85°C, 85% RH), UV radiation exposure (at 60°C typical), and humdity freeze (-40°C, dry to 85°C,85% RH). Thermal cycling and damp heat stress tests take about 45 days. Humidity Freeze test takes 10 days.
PV Module Safety Testing
Photovoltaic Safety Testing for North American Marketplace
SolarPTL offers a time and cost-effective procedure to test and certify your products to the safety standards of photovoltaic technology in the US market. With the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the US Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. Solar Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory (SolarPTL) in Tempe, Arizona has a long history of being the leading test service provider for those standards. Manufacturers and multiple certification listing organizations have relied on the SolarPTL for their US based safety testing.
Why choose Solar PTL as your testing laboratory?
- Single-source entry to both US and global markets
- Local experts and in locations across the globe
- Shortened time to market testing programs to improve return on investment
- State-of-the-art test facility and top level staff to test and certify your technology
Better, Faster, More Cost-Effective
Given today’s volatile economic conditions, constrained budgets and tight development timelines, your choice is testing laboratories is critical. Today, more than ever, you need to your regulatory compliance to add value to your operations. SolarPTL is your best choice to make this happen.
ANSI/ UL 1703 Construction Evaluation for Photovoltaic Module:
ANSI/UL1703 North American Safety Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels. – This standard covers flat-plate photovoltaic modules and panels intended for installation on or integral with buildings, or to be freestanding (that is, not attached to buildings), in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, and Model Building Codes. These requirements cover modules and panels intended for use in systems with a maximum system voltage of 600 V or less, and cover components intended to provide electrical connection to and mounting facilities for flat-plate photovoltaic modules and panels. For more information on this standard, and other energy marketplace standards, please contact Solar PTL.
IEC 61730-1 Requirements for Construction of Photovoltaic Module:
Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification – Part 1: Requirements for construction. – This standard describes the fundamental construction requirements for photovoltaic modules in order to provide safe electrical and mechanical operation during their expected lifetime. The standard addresses the prevention of electrical shock, fire hazards, and personal injury due to mechanical and environmental stresses. Pertains to the particular requirements of testing and is to be used in conjunction with IEC 61215 or IEC 61646. For more information on this standard, and other energy marketplace standards, please contact Solar PTL.
IEC 61730-2 Requirements for Testing for Photovoltaic Module:
Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification – Part 1: Requirements for testing. – This standard describes the fundamental testing requirements for photovoltaic modules in order to provide safe electrical and mechanical operation during their expected lifetime. The standard addresses the prevention of electrical shock, fire hazards, and personal injury due to mechanical and environmental stresses. Pertains to the particular requirements of testing and is to be used in conjunction with IEC 61215. For more information on this standard, and other energy marketplace standards, please contact Solar PTL.
Bankability
In spite of deployment well over 50 GW of cumulative solar electric capacity, the prices of solar system remain high due to “soft costs”; i.e. the cost of inefficient business transactions, including perceived high financial risks and complex grid integration procedures.
According to this NREL analysis of 2012, soft cost accounted for 64% of the total residential system price, 57% of the small (less than 250 kW) commercial system price, and 52% of the large (250 kW or larger) commercial system price.
Historical solar assets production data can help develop a more accurate pricing of risk, thus lowering the cost of capital. Without such data, investors would attach high risk premium to these assets.
Solar PTL can help reduce these perceived financial risks by increasing data accessibility; including blinded access to PV installation data, production and reliability data, and financial performance data.
Performance Testing
IEC 61215 for design qualification and type approval of terrestrial, flat plate photovoltaic modules. A typical IEC 61215 program takes 60-90 days from module receipt to completion. Typically, ten modules are needed for IEC qualification testing.
Sandia National Laboratories’ PV module characterization procedure was transferred to PTL in 2006. This effort was intended to meet industry requesrs for independent module performance testing that provides the parameters (coefficients) required by the Sandia performance model. The performance model and outdoor measurement procedures developed by Sandia, have been validated by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and PTL.
SolarPTL also performs long-term Outdoor Exposure for many manufacturers. The lab enjoys an average daily insolation of 6.5 kWh/m2/day at latitude tilt. In a typical program, modules are mounted at latitude tilt and measured quarterly, near the Equinoxes and Solstices. A year-long program includes the modeule steup, weather data, initial performance measurement with temperature coefficient determination, and quarterly IV’s.
SolarPTL can test PV modules at multiple-temperature and multiple-irradiance levels per IEC 61853 standard. SolarPTL can test the modules outdoors to determine its power output at Standard Test Conditions (STC), Nominal Module Operating Temperature (NMOT) and low irradiance (200 W/m2); and can determine the temperature coefficients associated with the module in its operating range. These measurements can be generated into a report for use by organizations like the California Energy Commission for its incentive programs.
SolarPTL has environmental chambers capable of performing thermal cycling (-40°C to 85°C, dry air), damp heat exposure (85°C, 85% RH), UV radiation exposure (at 60°C typical), and humdity freeze (-40°C, dry to 85°C,85% RH). Thermal cycling and damp heat stress tests take about 45 days. Humidity Freeze test takes 10 days.
Solar Mounting Racks and Trackers
Come to the Solar Experts for Full-Service Testing
SolarPTL is the world leader in solar product testing and certification, offering vertically-integrated testing services from materials qualification thru product and system certifications. An exciting addition to the technical capabilities includes the qualification and certification of solar mounting racks and trackers to existing and emerging industry standards, codes and guidelines. As a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), SolarPTL provides integrated safety testing programs that provide independent third-party proof of conformance needed for successful market entry and regulatory acceptance.
Emerging North American Compliance Requirements
Navigating the requirements for installing a solar power system in North America has traditionally been hampered by the lack of clear standards and the different expectations of local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs). Recent publications of UL 2703 (PV Mounting Racks) and UL 3703 (Solar Trackers) have helped provide needed guidelines for manufacturers and other stakeholders.
SolarPTL provides third-party proof of conformance to these draft standards as well as compliance testing for other international safety requirements. By assessing the relevant standards, codes and guidelines, SolarPTL develops appropriate robust and efficient testing programs to help reduce the risk for investors, designers, EPCs, utilities, inspectors, and other project stakeholders