Standards and Certification for solar thermal
Summary
Ensuring a high quality of solar thermal products is important for the industry. Standard test methods exist to check durability, safety and performance. These procedures are specified in European Standards (EN). The Solar Keymark certifies that a solar thermal collector or a factory-manufactured system complies with the relevant European Standard. ESTIF is involved in the development of EN standards and the Solar Keymark.
European standards for solar thermal products
Introduction
European Standards were published in 2000 for solar thermal collectors (EN 12975) and factory-manufactured systems (EN 12976). A draft standard exists for custom built systems (ENV 12977). These standards specify how a product should be tested to assess its durability, safety and performance. Test results from an accredited test laboratory are often required by financial incentive schemes to ensure good quality products. And increasingly a Solar Keymark certificate is requested to attest to the compliance of a solar thermal product with the relevant EN standard. On the Solar Keymark website, we provide further information on the solar thermal EN standards.
How to obtain the text of EN standards
Because of copyright restrictions, you must purchase copies of EN standards. You can order EN standards from the national members of CEN (European Committee for Standardisation).
EN standards are important - ESTIF is involved in their development
EN standards are often referenced in financial incentive programmes and building regulations. Existing standards need to be updated, and new standards for other solar thermal products could be developed. From its inception, ESTIF has been involved in the development of EN standards, having gained official liaison status with CEN, the European Committee for Standardisation. The European Commission has often co-funded these important activities, see the projects Solar Keymark, NEGST, and SolarKeymark-II.
One European certification scheme - the Solar Keymark
Introduction
A test performed according to the solar thermal EN standards can prove that a certain sample complies with the standards. The Solar Keymark certification scheme goes a step further: It ensures that the product available on the market complies with the standards as well. The Solar Keymark was developed by ESTIF in co-operation with CEN and with the support of the European Commission's ALTENER programme. It is recognised in most national support schemes for solar thermal in Europe. Our Solar Keymark brochure answers frequently asked questions
Benefits of the Solar Keymark
Benefits to the manufacturer/trader - in one sentence: Reduces admin and testing costs! The Solar Keymark gives immediate access to most solar thermal support programmes in Europe. It saves time and money otherwise needed for re-testing or local certification.
Benefits to governments: Quality requirements in solar thermal support programmes and building regulations do not need to be newly developed. The Solar Keymark is an established certification mark, which can be used for this purpose.
The Solar Keymark certification process
The process starts by contacting one of the empowered certification bodies. To obtain the Solar Keymark for the first time:
- Selection of test sample by a Test Laboratory inspector
- Collector/System type test at Test Laboratory to EN 12975 or EN 12976
- Inspection of manufacturing Quality Management System
To maintain the Solar Keymark for the product:
- Annual check of manufacturing Quality Management System documentation
- Every 2 years, physical inspection of Keymarked product selected from production or stock by Test Laboratory inspector
Find more information, please visit the Solar Keymark website, where we also provide an up-to-date list of accredited test laboratories.
