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About VeraSol

Where can I buy the products listed on the Product Database?

We recommend reaching out directly to manufacturers to get more information on their processes for procurement. All solar energy kits include the manufacturer’s contact information on their product’s page. For off-grid appliance Global LEAP Awards Winners and Finalists, you can refer to the Buyer’s Guides for TVs (2016 and 2017), fans (2016 and 2017), refrigerators (2017 and 2019), and solar water pumps (2019) for manufacturers’ contact information. Mangoo Marketplace also sells some of the appliances featured on VeraSol Product Database.

How can I get my product featured on the Product Database?

To submit your product for testing and to be featured on Product Database, please fill out this contact form.

How do I contact the VeraSol test lab partners?

If you would like to contact someone from the VeraSol test lab network or are interested in learning more, please contact us so we can connect you with the appropriate person or provide you with more information on the test labs.

How do I get in touch with the VeraSol team?

For general inquires, contact info@VeraSol.org. As, always, the best way to receive notifications about changes to the quality assurance program is to subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

Where can I find information about the Lighting Global program?

More information about the Lighting Global program may be found on their website.

 

What is Efficiency for Access?

Efficiency for Access is a global coalition working to promote high performing appliances that enable access to clean energy for the world’s poorest people. It is a catalyst for change, accelerating the growth of off-grid appliance markets to boost incomes, reduce carbon emissions, improve quality of life and support sustainable development.

 

What are the Global LEAP Awards?

The Global LEAP Awards is an international competition that identifies the world’s best, most energy-efficient off-grid appliances. The Global LEAP Awards aims to drive innovation and performance in early stage product markets, while also building valuable technical and commercial market infrastructure.

 

What is the Schatz Energy Research Center?

Schatz Energy Research Center is an affiliate energy research center at Humboldt State University’s Environmental Resources Engineering program. The center’s mission is to promote the use of clean and renewable energy. Schatz Energy Research Center leads technical aspects of VeraSol.

What is CLASP?

CLASP is an international non-profit organization that improves the energy and environmental performance of the appliances and equipment we use every day, accelerating our transition to a more sustainable world. CLASP manages VeraSol’s operations

 

How is VeraSol funded?

Foundational support is provided by the World Bank Group’s Lighting Global program (supported by The Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and The Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land, and Sea), UK aid, the IKEA Foundation, Good Energies Foundation, and others.

Have the IFC and World Bank discontinued their support of quality assurance?

No, the IFC and World Bank have not discontinued their support for quality assurance. It was always the World Bank Group’s intention to grow the quality assurance program into a standalone program under the leadership of CLASP. The IFC and World Bank will continue to work closely with VeraSol by proving foundational support and strategic guidance.

Will the transition to VeraSol affect the Lighting Global program?

No, Lighting Global will continue to operate as a market development program offering business development services to companies. Lighting Global will continue to work in close coordination with CLASP and the Schatz Energy Research Center to support a smooth transition from Lighting Global Quality Assurance to VeraSol.

Lighting Global Quality Assurance was well established in the off-grid solar energy sector. Why change the name to VeraSol?

The off-grid solar energy industry has grown and changed since Lighting Global Quality Assurance was created. Off-grid companies now make, distribute, and sell products beyond basic lighting solutions. A new name and brand will allow VeraSol to serve a more diverse range of market actors and product categories, including off-grid appliances and productive uses.

What is VeraSol?

VeraSol, an evolution of Lighting Global Quality Assurance, builds upon the strong foundation laid by the World Bank Group and merges it with comparable product data for off-grid appliances and productive use equipment currently housed under Equip Data. VeraSol is managed by CLASP in collaboration with the Schatz Energy Research Center at Humboldt State University.

About the Product Database

How do I use the Product Database?

The VeraSol Product Database is a freely available digital tool that enables market actors to search, sort, filter, compare the performance and quality of hundreds of off-grid solar solutions. To learn how to use the Product Database, please visit our Product Data Sharing page.

 

Am I permitted to use and share the data in the Product Database?

Yes, we encourage users share and use our data for business and personal use. If you use data in the VeraSol Product Database for any publications or reports, please use the following citation: VeraSol Product Database. 2020 Washington, D.C.: VeraSol. Available online at: data.verasol.org

 

Will the Product Database include any additional product types in the future?

Yes, VeraSol team is constantly observing and surveying the market to identify high-priority and high-impact products to be included in the testing and certification services. If there are other products you would like to see included in VeraSol Product Database, please let us know.

Does the Product Database provide any tools for analysis?

No, to meet the various needs of users, the Product Database does not include additional tools for analysis. However, we give users the option to perform their own analysis by downloading the entire data set. This feature gives users the flexibility to conduct their own analysis and tailor the data for their needs.

Can I download the entire dataset for each product category?

Yes, downloading the entire dataset for a product category is simple. Learn more.

What if the data presented in the Product Database are not accurate?

The VeraSol team uses a multi-step approach to ensure all data presented the Product Database are accurate. However, small errors may happen from time to time. If you believe there are any inaccuracies, please contact us so we can work with you correct the data.

Are all the products listed in the Product Database certified?

No, only pico-solar products and solar home system kits listed are certified by VeraSol, meaning they meet minimum international quality standards. VeraSol also shares third-party, test results for standalone off-grid TVs, fans, refrigerators, and solar water pumps. There is currently no certification process for these products, so these products may not be considered certified.

Understanding the Data on Appliances

Why are some of the brands or model numbers marked as “Not Stated”?

In off-or weak-grid markets, it’s common to find generic products that do not have a brand name or model number listed on the product’s packaging or other consumer-facing materials. If the brand name or model number is not included on any consumer-facing information, it is marked as “Not stated”.

What do the sample locations mean?

The sample locations refer to the place where the products are sampled or procured. If sample locations are listed as a city and country, it means the products were randomly sampled and purchased from that location, either from manufacturers or from retail shops. If the sample location is listed as “Manufacturer’s Warehouse”, it means the product was randomly sampled directly from the warehouse.

Why are some of the same models listed twice of multiple times?

The same model is listed twice for one of two reasons. The first is that the VeraSol team occasionally tests the same product sampled from different years to understand how product performance changes over time. The second is that when we engage with a new test lab, the VeraSol team conducts round robin testing (i.e. working with various test labs to test the same product models and compare results to ensure data consistency). The results produced by various test labs through round robin testing are all shared on the VeraSol Product Database.

Why are some fields listed as “Not Tested”?

A field is marked as “Not tested” for one of two reasons. The first is that the original test method did not include that specific test, and so certain tests were not performed for some of the earlier products. The second is that it is not applicable to the product (e.g. ceiling fans do not undergo a drop test).

Why are some retail prices marked as “N/A”?

The retail price is included where possible to provide a reference for what a consumer might pay for a product in a given market. For some of the products sampled directly from manufacturers, companies provide the “Free On Board (FOB)” or wholesale pricing which may not include import duties, mark-ups, and other additional costs that can influence the final retail pricing. Depending on which market the products are sold, the difference between FOB and retail price can vary significantly, making it difficult to compare the two. Additionally, when appliances are sold with a solar home system, we cannot isolate the price of the appliance from the whole system package price. For these cases, the products are marked as “N/A”.

Which performance metrics are most important to evaluate a given product?

The performance metrics that are most important for evaluation will depend on what aspects are most significant for your work (e.g. warranty may be more important than power consumption). These metrics also vary between the different product types (e.g. the performance metrics for TVs include on mode power consumption, average on mode power consumption per unit of screen size, etc.) The most common performance metrics used for evaluating a product are organized by energy performance, quality & durability, and safety & consumer protection. Please contact us to learn more about the most important metrics to use when evaluating specific product categories.

What do the metrics mean?

VeraSol covers a number of product attributes or “metrics” defined by test methods. There are two main categories of metrics: energy performance, quality & durability, and safety & consumer protection, and each list of metrics varies for each product type. These metrics are important to understand when comparing models. Please contact us to learn more about the most important metrics to use when evaluating specific product categories.

How can I buy or source the off-grid appliances listed on the Product Database?

We recommend reaching out directly to manufacturers to get more information on their processes for procurement. For off-grid appliance Global LEAP Awards Winners and Finalists, you can refer to the Buyer’s Guides for TVs (2016 and 2017), fans (2016 and 2017), refrigerators (2017 and 2019), and solar water pumps (2019) for manufacturers’ contact information. Mangoo Marketplace also sells some of the appliances featured on the VeraSol Product Database. Please also contact the VeraSol team if you are unable to find a manufacturer’s contact information.

Understanding the Data on Solar Energy Kits

What is a solar energy kit?

A solar energy kit consists of a series of components including: a PV module, a charge control unit, a battery, cables, switches connectors and protective devices to connect the components, lighting, and optional appliances such as a TV, fan or radio.

What types of solar energy kits are on the Product Database?

VeraSol currently certifies pico-solar products (≥10 Watt peak) and solar home system kits (<10-350 Watt peak). All products listed on the Product Database are currently certified by VeraSol.

Are all solar energy kits in the VeraSol Product Database certified to the Lighting Global Quality Standards?

Yes, all solar energy kits listed on the Product Database meet the Lighting Global Quality Standards. Later this year, VeraSol will begin certifying products to the IEC standards (IEC TS 62257-9-8). The Product Database includes information on which standards (i.e. Lighting Global Quality Standards or IEC standards) a given product was evaluated to.

What are Standardized Specification Sheets and Verification Letters?

The Standardized Specification Sheets and Verification Letters are the main certification documents for products that are certified through VeraSol. The Specification Sheets provide clear, verifiable, and accurate information on quality and performance to potential buyers. Verification Letters are the main document used to provide confirmation that a product has met the quality standards.

Why aren’t the retail prices of individual products listed?

The database for solar energy kits does not include information on retail prices because its main purpose is not to sell products. VeraSol shares performance data and information on products that meet the quality standards. If you are interested in purchasing a given product or want a price quote, please reach out to the contact person provided on that product’s page or on the Standardized Specification Sheet or Verification Letter.

Which metrics are most commonly used to evaluate or compare products?

VeraSol provides a list of the most common metrics or features that stakeholders can use to evaluate or compare products on the product filters. These include metrics such as number of light points, PV module peak power (Watts), available daily electrical energy (Wh/day), and more. If you are unsure what metrics to use when evaluating a product, please contact us.

Why are some fields listed as modular?

A family of products is a set of interchangeable components which combine to make two or more complete kits. Some product families have ‘modular’ listed for certain fields because the data varies from model to model.

Appliance Testing

How current is the appliance data listed on the VeraSol Product Database?

VeraSol is constantly testing new appliances and sharing testing results.Each product listing in the VeraSol Product Database has a testing completion date.

Where are the products tested?

VeraSol works with a global network of five International Standards Organization (ISO)-accredited labs to test appliances. The testing location of each product is listed on its individual listing in the VeraSol Product Database. Learn more about our test lab network and what products they test for VeraSol.

How were the test methods developed?

The Global LEAP Awards collaborates with off-grid energy industry stakeholders, appliance manufacturers, policymakers, and test facilities to develop test methods that evaluate the quality, durability, energy performance, and off-grid market appropriateness of TVs, fans, refrigerators, and solar water pumps. The test methods are developed through a rigorous research, consultation, and review process. Global LEAP Awards leverages other existing, widely adopted international test methods (e.g. International Electrotechnical Commission as the foundation and modified, when necessary, the test methods to better evaluate product performance when being used and operated in off-gird and weak-grid conditions (e.g. voltage fluctuations, solar day simulations).

Which test methods being used to test and measure product performance, quality and durability?

Equip Data uses the Global LEAP Test Methods for Off-Grid TVsFansRefrigerators and Solar Water Pumps to evaluate products.

Learn more

Where are how are the products sourced?

VeraSol sources products either directly from manufacturers or from retail shops in off-grid markets. To ensure more impartial results and that no bias is introduced from preferential pre-selection of products when choosing products from manufacturers’ warehouses, VeraSol randomly samples products for testing. Learn more about our sampling process.

How do you decide which models to test?

For products sourced from retail shops, the VeraSol team typically selects 2-10 models of each appliance type in each market for testing to provide a baseline understanding of product availability. Models are chosen for testing based on their size, power supply type, rated power consumption, and market share. Product manufacturers and distributors are also encouraged to suggest and submit products for testing. VeraSol currently provides financial support to facilitate product testing as determined on a case-by-case and on available funding. Product models sourced through this pathway are Product models sourced through this pathway are determined by the manufacturer.

What does it mean for an appliance to be “off-grid”?

VeraSol defines “off-grid appliances” as products that are intentionally-designed for end users living in energy-constrained environments, and advertised for use with a PV module, a solar home system, or mini-grids.

How do you decide which appliance types to test?

VeraSol selects appliance types for testing based on their potential for impact and demand of off-or weak-grid consumers. To identify priority appliances, our partner program Efficiency for Access conducts surveys of energy access professionals to assess the expected demand for and impact of off-grid, solar-powered appliances including household, small-medium enterprise (SME), and clinical application. TVs, fans, refrigerators, SWPs for household and lite commercial use are identified to have potential high consumer demand and impact.

How can I get my appliance featured on the Product Database?

To submit your product for testing and to be featured on VeraSol, please reach out to us with the model number and any specification sheets available about the product you would like to test.

How much does it cost to test my appliance?

The testing costs vary based on the quotes provided by test laboratories and the product types. VeraSol provides full or partial subsidies on product testing to select product manufacturers and distributors pending available program funding. To learn more about whether your product qualifies for discounted testing or to get a quote for testing, please contact us.

Certification

Who do I contact with questions or concerns about the VeraSol certified product list or if my product listing is incorrect?

Companies with questions about their certified products should contact VeraSol.

 

How do I get my pico-solar and/or SHS kit listed on the VeraSol certified product list?

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.

What is VeraSol certification?

Is an internationally recognized baseline measure for product quality, durability, and truth in advertising that all market actors can trust.

Why is product quality certification important?

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.

What are the main components VeraSol’s quality assurance framework?

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.

Is my product within the scope of the VeraSol certification?

VeraSol quality-certifies pico-solar products and SHS kits according to IEC standards, adopted from the Lighting Global Quality Standards.

How are Pico PV and SHS kits certified?

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.

How are products tested for quality certification?

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.

How long does product testing take?

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.

How much does the VeraSol certification cost?

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.

What is the role approved testing laboratories for this certification program, and how do organizations apply to become part of VeraSol’s lab network?

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.

Where can I find the latest edition of the test methods used for testing pico-solar and SHS kits?

The IEC/TS 62257-9-5 test methods are available here.

How long does the VeraSol QA certification last?

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.

What is the VeraSol certified product list?

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.

How can I check if the pico-solar and/or SHS kit I am using is certified, and how often is the VeraSol certified product list updated?

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.

How do I get my pico-solar and/or SHS kit listed on the VeraSol certified product list?

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.