In the Task 43 “Solar Rating and certification” scheduled from 2009 – 2012, very good progress was made - especially with respect to solar collector test procedures: A major step forward was done when the new EN/ISO 9806 standard for collector testing was drafted. This standard has now been approved by ISO/CEN and will be available before the end of 2013.
It has been decided to extend the Task 43 with another 2 years (July 2013 – June 2015), with the main aim of initiating a “global collector certification scheme” based on the EN/ISO 9806 with the dual purpose of:
- reducing testing and certification costs for the global solar collector industry
- increasing quality of solar collector production throughout the world
The concept for “Global Collector Certification” will be an “Umbrella Concept”: Certification schemes - fulfilling certain minimum requirements - will be accepted under the “Global Collector Certification Umbrella”. Collectors certified by a certification scheme which is under the umbrella, can be certified by other certification schemes under the umbrella without any re-testing and re-inspection.
Within the extended period of Task 43 the “certain minimum requirements” mentioned above will be elaborated and a framework for operating and promoting the “Global Collector Certification” will be established.
Furthermore the task will support the ISO TC180 (Solar Energy) in promoting the new ISO standard for collector test methods in promising solar thermal markets - and support the development of worldwide accepted standards for solar water heaters.
Already now, an informal “Global Solar Thermal Network” has been establish with members from 5 continents.
During the first half of 2014 the “Global Solar Thermal Network” will be established as a legal body, and the rules and requirements for Global Collector Certification will be elaborated and approved, making then in principle global collector certification available already before the end of 2014.