VeraSol works closely with market actors to help them make, source, and support quality off-grid solar solutions.
We define how product quality is measured, providing a common language for making performance claims.
We help determine and set the baseline level of product quality for consumer protection.
We standardize off-grid appliance testing, enabling consistent product comparisons.
We certify products that meet international standards through independent evaluation.
We improve global testing capacity through laboratory training and knowledge dissemination.
We generate comparable data to showcase quality products and drive faster decisionmaking.
We assist governments in the development and adoption of standards and policies.
We communicate to the market about the importance and need for quality assurance.
An effective quality assurance program catalyzes off-grid solar markets and brings power to the world’s most vulnerable communities by delivering quality products that perform as advertised.
By prioritizing quality, all sector actors can help build a competitive global market where durable, high-performing off-grid solar solutions are the default option.
Quality assurance helps catalyze off-grid solar markets and bring reliable energy services to the world’s most vulnerable communities through high-performing products.
VeraSol's trusted, rigorous, and widely-applicable quality assurance program supports a wide range of stakeholders, from manufacturers to consumers.
Signal your commitment to quality, gain entry into key markets, and attract the attention of professional buyers.
Millions of people around the world have benefited from using certified solar energy kits.
Help shape the QA program! VeraSol regularly aggregates feedback from a diverse range of stakeholders. We use this information to inform our policies and procedures.
An evolution of Lighting Global Quality Assurance, VeraSol supports high-performing, durable off-grid solar products that expand access to modern energy services.
VeraSol is an evolved quality assurance program that builds upon the rich history of Lighting Global Quality Assurance.
The VeraSol team holds a rich technical and programmatic background in quality assurance coupled with a commitment to provide neutral, high-quality service to the sector.
VeraSol brings together a diverse network of organizations, institutions, and programs to improve the quality and availability of modern off-grid solar solutions worldwide.
VeraSol builds global testing capacity to evaluate off-grid solar solutions and generate high-quality test data.
VeraSol maintains a growing library of resources on off-grid solar quality assurance. Browse our publication library, view previously certified products, and explore frequently asked questions about our program and core services.
Publications, Technical Notes, policies, and resources about off-grid solar quality assurance.
Learn more about VeraSol, the testing or certification process, and how to use our Product Database.
A complete list of products that were supported by VeraSol, but no longer have active certification letters.
Browse current and past programs, results-based financing mechanisms, open tenders, bulk procurements, and other initiatives looking for VeraSol-certified solar energy kits.
View hundreds of independently tested and certified off-grid solar solutions.
Companies with questions about their certified products should contact VeraSol.
Pico-solar products and SHS kits must be tested by an authorized testing laboratory from, and then certified by VeraSol to be listed on the certified product list.
Is an internationally recognized baseline measure for product quality, durability, and truth in advertising that all market actors can trust.
Product certification demonstrates that companies are committed to quality and integrity. It affirms that products have passed specific performance and quality assurance tests. What’s more, a growing number of key stakeholders (i.e. investors, distributors, microfinance institutions, international development agencies, governments etc.) recognize the value of quality certification for due diligence processes and smart purchasing decisions.
VeraSol’s rigorous quality assurance (QA) framework is grouped into six categories: (1) test methods & quality standards, (2) technical capacity building for test laboratories, (3) public listings of quality products, (4) testing and quality certification services,(5) technical assistance to governments, and (6) engagement with market actors.
VeraSol quality-certifies pico-solar products and SHS kits according to IEC standards, adopted from the Lighting Global Quality Standards.
Companies wishing to certify a Pico PV and/or SHS Kit first contact the VeraSol QA team to develop a certification plan including cost, timeline, and necessary resources. Second, companies ship the required randomly selected product samples to an authorized testing laboratory for testing. If the product meets the Quality Standards, the company receives a Standardized Specification Sheet and VeraSol certificate, and a listing on VeraSol’s certified Product Database.
The Quality Test Method (QTM) is the full test method used to verify comprehensive product quality and performance. Results from QTM testing are used to determine if a product has met the Quality Standards. Random selection of the product samples that are to be sent to the test lab is required and must be arranged in advance through VeraSol’s QA team.
Actual testing time depends on the test methods used, and the type of product that is being tested. For many products being submitted for QTM testing, the time estimate is can typically be 15 –22 weeks from start of testing.
Companies that wish to have their products certified through VeraSol must pay a program services fee. These services include designing a test plan, reviewing packaging and user manuals prior to testing, coordinating random sampling, overseeing testing, reviewing the test report, and if the product meets the Quality Standards, creating a VeraSol Certificate Letter, Standardized Specification Sheet, and adding the product to VeraSol’s Product Database. Testing costs not included and these are determined by independent testing laboratories.
Approved testing laboratories must test Pico PV and SHS kits and provide valid test results for VeraSol according to IEC/TS 62257-9-5.
Laboratories seeking to apply to become part of VeraSol’s lab network must follow the steps described in the Test Lab Accreditation Requirements document.
The IEC/TS 62257-9-5 test methods are available here.
QTM results are valid for two years and may be renewed for an additional two years using the Initial Screening Method (ISM) with a sample size of two. Random selection of the product samples that are to be sent to the test lab is required and must be arranged in advance through the VeraSol QA team.
The VeraSol certified product list is a public-facing, searchable database of pico-solar products and SHS kits that have been tested and certified through the VeraSol Quality Assurance Program.
If your pico-solar product and/or SHS kit are listed on the VeraSol certified product list, then these have been certified through the VeraSol Quality Assurance Program. The certified product list is updated, at minimum, once per week.
