The International Standards for Solar Thermal Collectors and Components as a Medium of Quality Assurance

Abstract

Within this publication, a detailed overview of the national and international solar thermal standards is made. The various tests are described and a cross-reference list for comparing the different standards is given. Moreover, a certification model is presented and the advantage of third-party assessment is carried out. The requirement for a solar thermal test laboratory to conduct independent third-party assessment by means of an ISO/IEC17025 accreditation is given. Finally, the concept of a quality system for solar thermal markets is explained and major advantages are outlined.
Solar thermal systems and their components are described in various national and international standards. In Europe, the standard EN12975 defines the regulations and requirements for solar thermal collectors. The standard EN12976 is established for the
evaluation of factory-made solar thermal systems. T e EN12977 is the state of the art standard for the evaluation of custom build systems. Nowadays in Libya the standard ISO9806 for solar collectors and the standard ISO9459 for domestic water heating systems def ne the regulations and requirements for solar thermal collectors and systems. In the meanwhile, the empowered Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Certif cation Body is under construction. T is body is working now to set the minimum requirements of the testing facilities of solar thermal systems.
The international standard for collector testing is ISO9806 and the standard ISO9459 Part 2, 4, 5 for domestic water heating systems. Within the year 2013, a revision of the ISO9806 will be published and, for the first time, a consistent harmonized standard for the main solar thermal markets will be set in force. Besides the various standards for solar thermal products, a meaningful element for quality assurance and customer protection is third party certification. Third party certification involves an independent assessment, declaring that specif ed requirements regarding a product are fulfilled. In a certification process based on specif ed certification rules an authorized certification body is confirming that a solar thermal product has passed performance tests, reliability tests and further requirements according to the standards. In Europe, a certification body holds an accreditation according to EN45011. At the international level the standard ISO/IEC17065 is in force.
Test results as a basis for product certification are determined by solar thermal test laboratories. The implementation and the business operation of such a solar thermal test laboratory is an important element within the national / regional solar thermal market. To ensure the quality of the products and to attend the role of an observer on the market, the test facility has to fulfill a number of requirements. Besides the necessary technical equipment and the implementation of tests in accordance with the various national and international standards, the laboratory shall realize a quality management system to guarantee the quality
of tests and services. Based on the technical equipment, the testing scope and an implemented Quality Management System (QMS), the test laboratory can achieve an accreditation according to ISO/IEC17025 as basis for independent third party testing. Independent testing and evaluation of solar thermal collectors and components like hot water stores and controllers off ers an important medium for quality assurance. To guarantee a high degree of product quality and consumer protection a quality system for the solar thermal market is necessary. Core of the quality assurance of a functioning solar thermal market are the national standards body, which is developing standards and regulations as a working basis in technical committees, the national metrology institute that guarantees the traceability of measurements on fundamental and natural constants, and finally the national accreditation body which ensures the conformity of the various actors to a specif c standard.
Laboratories work closely with the certification authorities and apply the developed specif c norms and standards. The certification bodies must ensure the conformance of their test laboratories with the standard ISO/IEC17025, which includes the quality standard ISO 9001:2008 and also include additional requirements.
T e traceability of the metrics of solar thermal testing laboratories is usually made with the help of calibration laboratories that are specialized in certain measurements. Those are also accredited and ensure the traceability of their measurements to the national meteorology institute. Other stakeholders are the group of importers and exporters and foreign investors who are on the national market in entrepreneurial activities, as well as the group of consumer organizations that represent the interests of customers. By means of good networking of stakeholders and focusing on the quality process, a high-quality and flourishing solar thermal
market can be created.