Enhancing Solar Energy Kit Standards Implementation Through Conformity Assessment Training in KenyaEnhancing Solar Energy Kit Standards Implementation Through Conformity Assessment Training in KenyaQuality assurance remains a top priority as the global off-grid solar market continues to evolve and deliver energy services to more households and businesses. The Kenyan government has adopted KS IEC 62257-9-8 as a mandatory standard for pico-PV and SHS kits to protect consumers from low-quality products. The soon-to-be gazetted solar PV regulations will implement the quality standards through Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programs.On July 20 and 21, 2022, VeraSol held an off-grid quality assurance training session for representatives from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) quality assurance team and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). The training aimed to prepare the KEBS and EPRA teams, who will have a crucial role in enforcing KS IEC TS 62257-9-8 through the regulations, to understand the requirements of the standards to enable them during the product registration phase of compliance.Topics covered during the session included:History of Quality Assurance for Off-grid Solar ProductsIntroduction to the Quality Standards for Pico-PV and Solar Home System Kits (KS IEC TS 62257-9-8:2020)Structure of the Test Methods for Pico-PV and Solar Home System kits – IEC 62257-9-5Valid evidence for assessing conformity with KS IEC 62257-9-8 – Indicators of the validity of a lab test reportThe training was well received, with the participants identifying more avenues for collaboration between KEBS and EPRA on PVoC and between EPRA and UON-LL for market tests once the regulation comes into place.Learn more about VeraSol’s technical assistance services and how we leverage international harmonisation of the off-grid solar quality standards to boost the effectiveness of national conformity assessment programs.More Articles ECOWAS Adopts New Regional Quality Standard for Solar Energy KitsOn March 30th, the Industry Ministers of ECOWAS approved a new regional quality standard for solar energy kits up to 350 watts, which aligns with the IEC TS 62257-9-8 standard for VeraSol certification. This new standard is expected to improve the quality of solar energy products and increase energy access across all 15 ECOWAS member states. Learn More VeraSol Stakeholder Survey Reveals Pandemic Challenges, New Opportunities for CertificationIn 2022, VeraSol surveyed stakeholders and partners to gauge how VeraSol's quality assurance services are used and what our team can improve. Read on to find out the key insights from the manufacturer's responses. Learn More Request Free Copies of IEC TS 62257-9-8 and IEC TS 62257-9-5 in Chinese-LanguageLimited free copies of the Chinese-language versions of the International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC) IEC TS 62257-9-8 and IEC TS 62257-9-5 are available. Learn More