The solar photovoltaics (PV) industry is experiencing a global boom, offering a promising solution to contemporary challenges such as climate change and universal electricity access. The success of PV plants hinges on their quality and performance, making them integral to a sustainable future.

Untapped Solar Potential and Global Energy Disparities

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), achieving universal electricity access is a prerequisite for any net-zero pathway. Astonishingly, nearly 700 million people worldwide lack access to electricity, with many lacking stable power for essential services like healthcare facilities. Paradoxically, the sun provides over 200,000 times the energy the world currently generates daily, with more than 80% of those without electricity residing in Sub-Saharan Africa—where sunlight is abundant.

Solar PV: A Catalyst for Change

Solar PV emerges as one of the most cost-effective ways to generate electricity globally. In 2022, solar PV generation witnessed a remarkable 26% annual growth, surpassing all other renewable energies. Projections indicate its continued ascent, set to exceed coal by 2027. This growth is a positive sign, especially considering the imperative to meet climate targets, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure electricity access for all.

The IEA asserts that by 2040, electricity generation must constitute almost half of total energy consumption to achieve net-zero targets by 2050. With electricity currently comprising only 20% of global energy consumption, solar PV stands as a transformative opportunity for the century.

Expert Insights into PV Industry Dynamics

Roger Taylor, a PV industry expert, underscores the significance of PV plant investment in quality products, design, and construction processes. He emphasizes the low operating costs of well-built PV plants, with sunlight being a free and abundant resource.

PV solar power plants are intricate systems comprising thousands of components. Taylor stresses that the safety and reliability of these plants depend on the complex interplay of various stages, including development, design, engineering, construction, operation, and maintenance, along with cybersecurity measures.

Standards: Ensuring Quality and Safety

IEC International Standards play a pivotal role in enabling solar PV installations to meet globally agreed requirements for quality, safety, and performance. With around 200 standards for PV components and additional standards for system design, quality management, and cybersecurity, the IEC ensures adherence to high-quality benchmarks.

Addressing End-of-Life Challenges

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) highlights a potential increase in landfill waste as the PV market grows. However, adherence to standards, especially those governing design and construction, can mitigate environmental impact. Industry experts stress the importance of certifying PV components to specified quality levels, preventing premature retirements and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Global Certification Programs: Ensuring Quality Assurance

IECEE’s PV certification program offers access to qualified testing laboratories, certifying PV components according to IEC International Standards. These certificates assure compliance with global quality and safety requirements, instilling confidence across the supply chain.

Wolfram Zeitz, Executive Secretary for IEC CA Systems IECRE and IECEE, emphasizes the critical nature of assessing both components and the entire PV plant. This approach ensures the correct implementation of standards, maintaining quality and safety throughout the value chain.

Unlocking Solar Potential in Africa

Recognizing the resource limitations in many countries, IECEE’s PV certification program facilitates mutual recognition of conformity assessment certificates. In Kenya, the national certification approval scheme operates based on IECEE test reports and certificates, streamlining the clearance process for imported goods.

Irene Njine, Assistant Manager-Quality Assurance at KEBS, attests to the benefits of this program, citing time savings and simplified market entry for products tested by IECEE-recognized labs. Such schemes can also support governments in implementing incentives for solar products, as seen in Senegal’s quality control scheme, which exempts certified solar products from VAT.

The Future of Solar PV: Sustainable Growth

As solar PV experiences exponential growth, it aligns with the IEA’s vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Declining module prices and increased policy demands fuel this growth. Standards and conformity assessment play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable development, longevity of PV plants, and the realization of solar energy’s full potential.

In conclusion, the future of solar power looks bright, promising a sustainable energy landscape and addressing global challenges. Standards, certification programs, and international collaboration are key drivers in ensuring that solar PV continues to shine as a beacon of renewable energy.

Credit Liked to: Embracing the power of solar | IEC e-tech