There are currently eight labs in the VeraSol Test Lab Network, four of which can test solar energy kits:

• SMQ in Shenzhen, China
• Intertek in Hong Kong, China
• Schatz Energy Research Center in California, USA
• The University of Nairobi in Nairobi, Kenya

The first three of these four labs can conduct the testing needed to certify new products, but demand exceeds their current testing capacity. As a result, QTM testing is taking longer than usual. If you want to get a solar energy kit certified, we recommend that you start early to allow time for delays and ask the lab for a time estimate when you contact them.

We are providing technical support to help SMQ increase their testing capacity. We are also assisting the University of Nairobi to obtain the equipment needed to conduct QTM testing. The Energy and Resources Institute in New Delhi (TERI) recently left the lab network, though they may return in the future.

We look forward to welcoming new labs to the network next year. In partnership with Lighting Global, we are equipping and training three labs in Ethiopia, Nigeria and Zambia to test solar energy kits. This work is made possible by funding from UK aid under the Africa Clean Energy (ACE) Programme. We are also expanding global capacity to test solar water pumps and other solar-powered equipment using the Global LEAP test methods.