UpdateWebinar on IEC Quality Standards for Pico-Solar & SHS KitsThe International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) will soon publish quality standards for pico-solar products and solar home system kits. These standards will replace the Lighting Global Quality Standards.To prepare for this transition, VeraSol hosted a webinar about the new IEC standards on Thursday, May 7 at 13:00 GMT. Participants learned how the IEC standards differ from the Lighting Global Quality Standards and received guidance on how public and private actors can successfully transition to using the new standards.IEC adoption of the Quality Standards opens the door to the widespread use of a proven and robust quality assurance framework for off-grid solar products that protect consumers and promote market growth, ultimately improving energy access.Achieving these benefits while avoiding negative market disruption will require a coordinated transition to the IEC standards. As Lighting Global product certifications expire, manufacturers will re-certify their products according to the new IEC standards. Governments and programs are encouraged to accept both Lighting Global quality-verified products and those that meet the IEC standards.ResourcesMay 7 presentation slides & recordingMay 7 webinar questions & answersTechnical Note 32Summary of Requirements in IEC TS 62257-9-8:2020Change Log for Quality StandardsMore Articles Harmonising Quality Assurance for Solar Energy Kits in the ECOWAS RegionIn early 2022, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) adopted IEC test methods and quality standards for solar energy kits. To support standard implementation efforts in the region, the VeraSol team delivered a series of regional capacity-building workshops in Nigeria, Togo, Niger, and Ghana in April and May 2023. Learn More Papua New Guinea Adopts IEC Quality Standards for Solar Energy KitsIn April 2023, Papua New Guinea adopted the IEC quality standard and test methods for solar energy kits up to 350 watts. VeraSol worked closely with the National Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology (NISIT) and other key stakeholders to facilitate the adoption of the national quality standards for solar energy kits. Learn More Pricing Adjustments for VeraSol Certification ServicesAn updated pricing table for VeraSol certification services will take effect on August 1, 2023. Learn More