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PV GAP MISSION STATEMENT
The Global Approval Program for Photovoltaics (PV GAP), a not-for-profit international organization, is dedicated to the sustained growth of global photovoltaics (PV) markets to meet energy needs world-wide in an environmentally sound manner. Our mission is to promote and encourage the use of internationally accepted standards, quality management processes and organizational training in the design, fabrication, installation, sales and services of PV systems. To this end, we partner with PV and related industries, international organizations, testing laboratories, government agencies, financing institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private foundations, in developing and developed countries.
WHY PV GAP? Photovoltaics (PV) is used around the world as a means to provide reliable, clean, quiet, distributed electric power for a variety of applications. However, while individual components, such as the PV modules, can carry warranties of 20 years, the need for greater consistency in combining appropriate components into properly designed and maintained systems is critical to the continued success of the industry. At present, few PV product specifications, and no systems' specifications, exist. This means that many manufacturers, especially those in developing countries, have no guidelines as to how to produce a reliable product, how to install them in systems, and how to service them. Furthermore, the lack of approved testing laboratories makes product testing difficult for manufacturers. A PV Quality Assurance Program is needed to ensure the high quality of PV products and installations globally. And, a PV Quality Mark and a PV Quality Seal are needed to identify those components and systems, respectively, that are manufactured and installed to such high quality. The Global Approval Program for PV (PV GAP) was initiated to provide this resource.
WHAT IS NEEDED FOR PV GAP TO ACHIEVE ITS MISSION GLOBALLY ACCEPTED STANDARDS FOR PV: to promote the global acceptance of the International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) standards; and, when one does not exist for PV components or systems, to develop urgently Recommended specifications (RS) by reviewing and utilizing existing national or regional standards. GLOBALLY ACCEPTED TESTING LABORATORIES: to develop a list of acceptable testing laboratories worldwide, including those in the developing countries. An important goal is to achieve global acceptance of reciprocity. GLOBALLY ACCEPTED REFERENCE MANUAL: while there are many national and regional Handbooks in existence, it is essential to establish one globally accepted Reference Manual. APPROVAL/CERTIFICATION PROGRAM: PV GAP's approval and certification program is administered by the International Electrotechnical Commission's System for Conformity Testing and Certification of Electrical Equipment (IECEE), based in Geneva, Switzerland. PV QUALITY MARK AND SEAL: establish a "Quality Mark and Seal" for PV components and systems, to be awarded for that hardware and those companies that are approved/certified. CENTRALIZED ORGANIZATION: PV GAP is organized as a not-for-profit organization under the control of the global PV industry. Its central, coordinating office is in Geneva, Switzerland.
GLOBAL STANDARDS:
ACCREDITED TESTING LABORATORIES:
A laboratory's capabilities are assessed according to the applicable standard (ISO/IEC 17025), and, if the laboratory fulfills all the requirements, it will receive accreditation from an accreditation body to perform all the tests for which it passed the accreditation process. The role of the testing laboratory is to test the PV components and/or systems according to established international standards, either according to an IEC standard or according to a PV GAP "Recommended specification." The accredited testing laboratories may be
APPROVAL/CERTIFICATION:
THE APPROVAL/CERTIFICATION PROCESS:
THE PV "QUALITY MARK AND SEAL":
PV GAP AND IEC/IECEE: The mission of the IEC, since 1906, is to promote, through its members, international cooperation on all questions of standardization and related matters, such as the assessment of conformity to standards, in the fields of electricity, electronics, and related technologies. It therefore provides a forum for the preparation and implementation of consensus-based voluntary international standards, facilitating international trade in its field and helping to meet expectations for an improved quality of life. IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission): This body has the global responsibility for the standardization of, among other things, PV components and systems, and the operation of product certification schemes. IECEE (International Electrotechnical Commission System for Conformity Testing and Certification of Electrical Equipment) is the organization that is currently carrying out the certification program for PV GAP. IEC and IECEE Central Offices are located in Geneva, Switzerland, and PV GAP has its Central Office at the same location.
PV GAP MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION: To become a member of PV GAP, the Association or Organization must accept the principles of PV GAP. These principles include adherence to the quality standards defined by PV GAP and the IECEE and a code of professional conduct. Until December 31, 1998, members were accepted on a temporary basis by signing a declaration that they planned to obtain certification. After that date, members are only accepted after they receive certification. The membership categories are as follows:
Applications for all of the above categories should be sent to the Secretary of PV GAP.
The Standing Committees of PV GAP: Technical Committee
Laboratories Committee
Committee on the Reference Manual
Licensing and Disciplinary Committee
Membership Benefits The primary benefit of membership is the market advantage enjoyed by members' products and systems. Domestic and international funding and development groups will specify the use of products that meet the PV GAP requirements, for projects receiving loans or grant funds. Displaying the PV GAP "Quality Seal" on its products or in relation to its services, provides a significant marketing advantage, as conferred by the international recognition of product and service quality. In addition, members have access to
PV GAP Secretariat
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