Solar America Board for Codes and Standards Releases New Policy Recommendation

Las Cruces, NM – February 9, 2010 – Today, the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar ABCs) has released a new policy recommendation addressing the use of qualification and reliability standards for photovoltaic (PV) modules. The recommendation is for the U.S. to adopt three international standards that establish quality manufacturing standards. Currently, there is no qualification or reliability testing required for PV modules in the U.S. marketplace. As a result, the U.S. marketplace may be flooded with lower quality PV modules.

This policy recommendation is important because it sets a minimum standard that will restrict poorer quality PV modules from being sold in the U.S. marketplace. "Without the use of this recommended policy, consumers of PV "modules will be negatively impacted," said Mr. Larry Sherwood, Project Administrator, Solar ABCs,"we are dedicated to developing recommended policies that address the current consumer and industry concerns and are committed to creating high standards that support the growth of the U.S. PV market."

Meeting qualification standards is considered to be a minimum requirement for any module procurement. Photovoltaic modules sold or installed in the U.S. shall be independently tested and certified. Therefore, the Solar ABCs is recommending that consumers of PV modules adopt the policy to require that all PV modules pass qualification testing based on the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61215, 61646, and 62108. Standards organizations such as the IEC have developed and successfully implemented various PV standards to help protect consumers and support the growth of the PV industry. More information on the IEC standards can be found at www.iec.ch.

The Solar ABCs will also address the use of standards for PV module performance and safety in future recommended policy statements.

About Solar ABCs
The Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar ABCs) is a collaborative effort among experts to formally gather and prioritize input from the broad spectrum of solar photovoltaic stakeholders including policy makers, manufacturers, installers, and consumers resulting in coordinated recommendations to codes and standards making bodies for existing and new solar technologies. The U.S. Department of Energy funds Solar ABCs as part of its commitment to facilitate widespread adoption of safe, reliable, and cost-effective solar technologies.

For more information contact: Mr. Larry Sherwood, 303-413-8028, larry@sherwoodassociates.com

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