Shenzhen, China, December 1, 2021 – The off-grid solar energy market has changed dramatically since 2007. Advancements in technology and consumer affordability have pushed the market toward larger solar systems that enable the use of higher-power appliances and productive uses. As consumers climb the energy ladder, the need to expand quality assurance beyond lighting grows.

Launched in 2020, VeraSol is an evolution of the Lighting Global Quality Assurance program. Built upon the strong foundation for quality assurance laid by the World Bank Group, VeraSol strives to make safe, affordable, and durable off-grid solar products the default option in the market. VeraSol is the answer to the off-grid solar energy market’s evolving needs, providing services for a growing suite of off-grid appropriate technologies.

VeraSol currently lists over 200 certified products on the online product database and continues to add more each month. In the past year, our team has provided certification services to over 40 companies providing solar energy kits to many markets around the world. Companies with VeraSol-certified products also gain entry into important markets (including Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania) and are eligible for many bulk procurements, results-based financing schemes, working capital facilities, and other initiatives.

China is one of the world’s largest manufacturing bases for many solar products, and over the years, we have increasingly seen more Chinese companies engaging with our quality assurance services. To deepen our engagement and enhance our communications efforts towards the Chinese off-grid solar community, VeraSol now launches an official WeChat channel. Along with VeraSol’s website and newsletters, the WeChat channel will serve as an essential channel for Chinese-speaking stakeholders to access VeraSol announcements and offerings, including:

• Cross-cutting news and publications from the VeraSol program, our core services and the industry
• Updates on VeraSol program policies and technical documents
• Monthly product database updates that keep you up to date on the latest certified solar energy kits and tested appliances
• Tender, bulk procurement, RBF and other business opportunities

• Training, capacity building, roundtable, webinar and other event information

Moving forward, VeraSol looks forward to providing more quality assurance support to the Chinese off-grid solar community through collaboration with SMQ and Shenzhen Technology University, in addition to the current technical support and testing services offered.

To connect with us on WeChat, scan the QR code below.

https://verasol.org/solutions/certification.

For media inquiries, please contact Lisa Kahuthu at lkahuthu@clasp.ngo.

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About VeraSol

An evolution of Lighting Global Quality Assurance, VeraSol supports high-performing, durable off-grid products that expand access to modern energy services. VeraSol builds upon the strong foundation for quality assurance laid by the World Bank Group and expands its services to encompass off-grid appliances, productive use equipment, and component-based solar home systems. VeraSol is managed by CLASP in collaboration with the Schatz Energy Research Center at Humboldt State University. Foundational support is provided by the World Bank Group’s Lighting Global program, UK aid, IKEA Foundation and others.