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.
We regularly check and confirm that off-grid solar products in the market continue to meet quality standards.
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.
Explore over 1,500 appliance policies across more than 130 economies, including for off-grid products.
Explore publications, videos and technical notes to better understand Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) for off-grid solar products.
View hundreds of independently tested and certified off-grid solar solutions.
Distributors, development institutions and investors around the world use VeraSol to identify and confirm the quality of pico solar products and solar home systems.
Initiating the certification process is easy. Simply fill out a short form and a member of our team will be in contact with you shortly.
VeraSol certifies pico-solar products and solar home system (SHS) kits with photovoltaic (PV) modules rated up to 350 watts. Contact our team to learn more about the testing process and determine whether your product is appropriate for certification. Read the VeraSol Program Rules for details on the primary due diligence process.
Key notes to consider: To know the likelihood of your product meeting the quality standards you can opt to have the product tested according to the Initial Screening Method (ISM). To receive quality certification, products must be tested according to the Quality Test Method (QTM) as specified in Edition 4 of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Technical Specification 62257-9-5, and found to meet the requirements in the quality standards. QTM tests are valid for two years from the original test report date. To maintain product certification for another two-year period, products may undergo Renewal testing according to our Policy for Renewing Test Results.
If you are interested in having multiple products tested, please review the following policies:
After confirming interest in having a product tested, you will work with the VeraSol team to compile and evaluate the required company and product data and documentation.
Random selection of the product samples undergoing QTM and Renewal testing is required. The VeraSol team arranges this process after companies complete the following steps:
After the necessary information for sampling is received, the VeraSol team sends a sampling request with instructions to a third-party agent who will contact you to formally schedule a sampling date. The sampling agent randomly selects the required number of product samples from a specified stock number, following the procedure laid out in the Product Sampling Policy.
Once samples are selected, the company ships the samples to the selected test lab and pays all associated shipping fees, duties, and taxes.
The selected test lab leads product testing
Test report review led by VeraSol team
After the test report review is complete, VeraSol provides the test results and a detailed explanation of whether the product meets the quality standards.
If your product meets the Quality Standards, it will be featured on the VeraSol Product Database with its Specification Sheet and VeraSol Certificate.
Test results are valid for two years. During that time, the product may be subject to Market Check Testing.
During the two-year validity of test results, companies may make ongoing, incremental changes to their product(s). Companies must inform the VeraSol team when these occur. If the changes to performance are small, no further testing will be required to maintain certification. Large changes (generally, greater than 10% difference in performance) may require targeted re-testing. After two years, products may undergo Renewal Testing.
Optional and abbreviated test method that can offer key feedback to product designers, manufacturers, and brand owners and indicate whether the product is likely to meet the Quality Standards.
Optional and faster alternative to Quality Test Method (QTM) testing. Companies must meet certain eligibility criteria.
Used to maintain a product’s certification status. To be performed within two years after meeting the Quality Standards.
Performed on certified products at VeraSol’s discretion. Samples are collected from the marketplace. This process ensures that the quality of products sold in the market matches what was measured at initial quality certification testing. Initial MCM testing is paid for by VeraSol. If product fails initial MCM, companies can submit the product for retesting at their own expense within a reasonable time frame.
PAYG-enabled systems should meet the same requirements as standard systems. To understand how certain requirements in the Quality Standards apply to PAYG systems, please read our policy on Quality Assurance for Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) Energy Systems.
The PAYG – MCT method is used to confirm basic PAYG functionality of solar energy kits sold in the market if concerns arise regarding the function of a product’s PAYG system. The procedure tests features specific to the PAYG system that are only functional in the intended location of use, and could not be tested during a typical Market Check Test.
VeraSol offers providers of solar energy kits high-quality certification services at a competitive rate.
VeraSol maintains a set of policies that govern how the certification process is implemented. These describe what is expected of companies submitting products for certification and what they can expect from the VeraSol team. The policies cover the entire process ranging from sampling for testing to guidance on renewing a product’s certification status.
Manufacturers new to the certification program are advised to read through our program rules and procedures, which outline the screening procedure used to assess a manufacturer's eligibility for the certification program.
Other Program Policies
Submit your product for testing or certification
View hundreds of independently tested and certified off-grid solar solutions