Transition to IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024 and IEC TS 62257-9-8:2025
Learn about VeraSol's transition to the latest editions of the test methods and quality standards for solar energy kits.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) published new editions of the test methods (IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024) and quality standards (IEC TS 62257-9-8:2025). These technical documents serve as the foundation of the quality assurance framework used by VeraSol to certify pico-PV products and solar home system kits with power ratings of up to 350 Watts.
The updates in the new editions are designed to streamline the testing and certification process while maintaining rigorous, reliable standards for solar energy kits. Full changes are described in the resources linked below, but major changes that will affect companies include:
- Lengthened certification validity from two years to three years
- Reduced test sample size to 2 units for all tests
- Lowered minimum product stock requirement of 150 units for all tests
- Tightened truth-in-advertising tolerances to 10% for all metrics except light output, which remains 15%
VeraSol has initiated the transition process to prepare for the implementation of new editions of test methods and quality standards. In 2025, the VeraSol team is updating our program policies incrementally to align with the new editions and preparing our partner test labs to transition testing to the new methods and requirements, enabling a smooth process for partners and companies to adopt the latest international best practices.
VeraSol expects to fully transition to implementing the new editions of test methods and quality standards on July 1, 2025. Prior to July 1, 2025, companies may choose whether to have their products tested and certified to the previous editions of the methods and standards or new editions. During the transition, some materials may be outdated and potentially inaccurate. Please reach out to testing@verasol.org for more guidance about certification and review VeraSol policies and resources.
Download the new editions of test methods and quality standards from the IEC webstore:
- IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024: Renewable energy off-grid systems – Part 9-5: Integrated systems – Laboratory evaluation of stand-alone renewable energy products for rural electrification.
- IEC TS 62257-9-8:2025: Renewable energy off-grid systems – Part 9-8: Integrated systems – Requirements for stand-alone renewable energy products with power ratings less than or equal to 350 W.
VeraSol is preparing some guidance documents to help stakeholders understand the changes to the test methods and standards. Please see the materials linked below. Additional materials will be uploaded here when available.