Kiwa launches a register for solar panels and inverters

Kiwa has launched a register in which manufacturers and suppliers of solar panels and inverters can register their products if they demonstrably meet certain requirements. End users can use this register to see whether solar panels and inverters really do what they should do: produce money-saving energy in a safe and environmentally-friendly way. From March 2013, the register will also include assembly systems. Thanks to the subsidy for solar panels which the Dutch government has made available, the Dutch solar panel market is currently experiencing a peak. Extensive research, however, has shown that approximately half of the products available in the Dutch market do not demonstrably meet the legislation. Consumers then run the risk that the solar panels and inverters do not reach the expected lifespan of 20 years and that the energy they produce does not benefit the environment or the consumer’s wallet. To distinguish yourself as a manufacturer or supplier in the market, Kiwa offers you the possibility to have your products or systems included in the register. Until 1 January 2013, this will be free of charge. On Kiwa’s website www.registerzonneenergie.nl, consumers can check whether the solar panels and inverters that they are considering to purchase or that they have already purchased meet the legislation. “As a result of the lack of clear requirements, it seems as if the Netherlands is becoming a dumping ground for products which look nice, but which are of poor quality. This is due to the wrong use of materials which are essential to determine the lifespan of the product and the production of energy”, said Kiwa’s Leendert van der Marel. Joern Carstensen of Conergy said, “A solar power installation should work for 20 years or more. High quality standards are essential. That is why Conergy supports Kiwa’s project. Full documentation and a high-quality product result in benefits to both companies and end users.” Michiel van Schaik of Centrosolar said, “The register shows which suppliers are actually able to prove they have used good materials and employ well-managed processes. Centrosolar applauds this because it benefits the end user.” Stephan Schröder of Schüco said, “For products such as solar panels and inverters, in particular, the extensive activities concerning quality control pay for themselves. The benefits are often only visible after a number of years and that is why we see the excellent added value of the register.” About Kiwa Kiwa is an independent, highly qualified organisation and its core business is certification. This work is supported by inspection, testing, technology, training and data services. Kiwa is a National Certification Body for photovoltaic systems in accordance with the globally recognized IECEE–CB scheme (www.iecee.org). More information For more information, please contact Kiwa’s Corporate Communications department: George Mentjox Tel.: +31 (0)70 414 4711 E-mail: gm@kiwa.nl Or see www.registerzonneenergie.nl.
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