advancing pv innovation - ul
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ADVANCING PV INNOVATION UL services across the global PV value chain
ENERGIZING THE PV INDUSTRY FROM WITHINUL has been a trusted independent testing and certification body for over 120 years. We provide a comprehensive, market-leading portfolio of PV industry services covering the whole value chain: from inspection and risk assessment to testing and certification, and from materials and components to storage systems and entire plants.
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ENERGIZING THE PV INDUSTRY FROM WITHIN
GENERATING IDEAS FOR THE FUTURE The global PV industry began with innovative ideas. Those ideas inspire the people who develop technologies, found companies, create markets and consume energy. Those ideas also inspire UL. Our experts contribute a constant flow of concepts, methodologies and practices to support, strengthen and grow the PV industry.
STANDARDS DEVELOPMENTUL understands the challenges of introducing new technologies. We occupy a key leadership position in major international standards development and harmonization bodies such as the IEC. At the same time, we are investing heavily in new standards development for innovative or enhanced technologies, e.g., modules, inverters, converters and balance of system (BOS). And we offer a diverse and exhaustive portfolio of services for the entire PV value chain.
RESEARCH INVESTMENTThrough our long-term commitment to research, we have a good idea of what is coming next. Our close collaboration with renowned national and university laboratories and cutting-edge manufacturers allows us to rigorously evaluate new technologies in our research labs, and gives us a unique role to play in the ongoing technological evolution. Our ideas about greater PV safety, performance and quality are guiding the industry forward, creating increased acceptance, expanding markets and delivering competitive advantage. 3
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UL provides an extensive suite of services specifically tailored to the individual and diverse needs of the stakeholders in all sectors of the PV industry.
We know the PV business because it’s our business, too. UL has been an integral part of the global industry since the start, and we continue to partner with other industry leaders in enabling the widespread adoption of solar energy. We offer state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in all major world markets, and keep abreast of local requirements and trends through our extensive technical service network. And we work closely with companies and research institutes on new and innovative technologies, to grow the industry responsibly.
FACILITATING GROWTHUL’s commitment to PV safety, performance and quality extends well beyond conventional definitions. For example, we work as market facilitators, bundling together testing and certification for simplified global market access and reduced costs. And we act to improve access to capital for new PV projects, for instance, through technical due diligence and risk assessment. In another case, UL has consolidated years of industry research to develop proven test procedures to assess PV modules for reliability, performance and safety, providing customers with the assurance that PV systems perform as expected.
SERVING THE INDUSTRYOur role in the PV business is clear: UL addresses the issues that most challenge the success of the PV industry. So we also use our inside knowledge to provide a broad suite of benchmark industry services – ranging from the supply chain to the built system – to help our photovoltaic energy industry customers meet product launch dates and manage or mitigate risk in achieving their business objectives.
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EMPOWERING PV STAKEHOLDERS
ILLUMINATING PV INSIDE AND OUT
MANUFACTURERS OF COMPONENTS / PRODUCTS / SYSTEMS
EPC / SYSTEM INTEGRATORS
PROJECT DEVELOPERS
PLANT OWNERS / OPERATORS
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EMPOWERING PV STAKEHOLDERS
STRENGTHENING THE LINKS OF THE PV VALUE CHAINUniquely designed and expertly delivered, UL’s service portfolio is structured to seamlessly fit with the needs of the customer, covering virtually every aspect of the PV value chain. Backed by our considerable global technical resources, our services offer a simple, easy and efficient way to help safeguard your investment.
SAFETY Safety compliance testing, inspection and certification for easier global market access
PERFORMANCEPerformance testing, inspection and certification for increased stakeholder confidence
DUE DILIGENCE Due Diligence services for optimal decision-making and risk management
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PV VALUE CHAIN
STORAGE SYSTEMSPV CABLE AND WIRIN
G
SMART METERS
INVERTERS
COMPONENTS
MOUNTING SYSTEM
S
PV PLANTS
MODULES
MATERIALS
BANKABILITY/PERFORMANCE Bankability/Performance testing, inspection and advisory services, for expert insight into the quality, reliability and durability of PV modules, inverters and plants
SYSTEM LEVELSystem level testing for increased assurance that components work together safely and effectively, and for greater competitive advantage
PV PLANT SERVICES PV Plant Services tailored to development phases, for optimizing planning and minimizing risk during construction and operations
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MATERIALS
Polymeric materials are essential to the fabrication of PV modules and used in critical components such as substrates, encapsulants, back sheets and adhesives. Safety compliance with established standards minimizes risk of failure and helps ensure safe operation, covering such areas as flammability, resistance to ignition, thermal endurance and electrical properties. We can run separate investigations, as well, to evaluate the properties of critical module components. Customers also benefit from services such as joint UL/IEC and other international certifications, and ongoing R&D support from our PV materials experts.
UL offers streamlined testing and certification of PV materials to:
• UL 94
• UL 746A, B, C
• UL Subject 5703
• UL 1703
• IEC 61730-2
• IEC 60216 & 60243 series (insulating materials)
• IEC 60664 series (insulation coordination)
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UL SERVICES COVERING THE PV VALUE CHAIN
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MODULES
PV modules are now found in a variety of environments, from open fields and deserts, to rooftops, farms and landfills. Many of these environments add stressors to the materials, and investors and other stakeholders need extra reassurance of the long-term reliability of their PV systems.
UL’s wide range of services for PV modules cover all types – crystalline, thin film, building integrated PV (BIPV), concentrator PV – and provide expert assistance in areas such as:
• Safety and type approval to UL 1703 and IEC 61730-1/-2
• Performance testing to IEC/UL 61215 series or IEC/UL 61646, as well as IEC 61701, IEC 62716, IEC 62782, IEC 62804 and IEC 61853
• Name plate rating to UL 4730 and EN 50380
• UL Evaluation Reports for BIPV to ICC ES AC365
• Corrosive atmosphere resistance testing to salt mist (IEC 61701 ed.2) and ammonia (IEC 62716)
• Sand and dust tests to NATO-AECTP 300, Methode 313, IEC 60068-2-68, and IEC 61215/61646/ 61730
• Evaluation of CPV to UL 8703 and UL 62108
• AC modules to UL 1703 and UL 1741
• Fire testing to UL 1703
UL also offers the Master Certification Program for PV production equipment manufacturers. Based on UL 1703, IEC 61215, IEC 61646 and IEC 61730, this service allows manufacturers to gain efficiency by avoiding redundant test programs. A related service, UL’s Fast Track Certification Program, gives PV module manufacturers an easy way to add bankable consumer value and recognition, while reducing costs.
COMPONENTS
Critical components of a PV module must be individually assessed to determine safety and performance compliance. Noncompliance may delay product certification, increasing time-to-market as well as costs for design changes – and results in additional testing.
UL evaluates and certifies components to national and international standards:
• UL 3730 and IEC 62790 for junction boxes
• UL 6703, UL 6703A and IEC 62852 for PV connectors
To assist manufacturers, UL also offers the UL Component Recognition program, which allows quicker and easier sourcing of known components as well as enhanced supply chain management.
UL provides balance of system (BOS) equipment certification covering fuses, holders, combiner boxes and end products such as inverters and meters.
• UL Subject 248-19 and UL Subject 2579 for fuses
• UL 98B and UL 508I for disconnects
• UL 489B circuit breakers
• UL Subject 4248-18 and UL Subject 4248-19 for fuseholders
• UL 1741 combiner boxes
UL SERVICES COVERING THE PV VALUE CHAIN
MOUNTING SYSTEMS
Mounting systems, mounting devices, clamping devices and ground lugs for use with photovoltaic modules and panels require testing for ground mounted systems and as part of a nonstructural building component.
UL provides safety and performance testing and listing to required standards, such as:
• NEC section 690.43
• UL 2703
• UL Subject 3703 for trackers
In addition, UL 2703 is used to determine the fire classification of a rooftop-mounted PV system (which includes both a specific PV module and the racking system) as required for compliance with the building code requirements, which is to maintain the fire performance integrity of the roof. It is looking at the overall installation resistance to external fire exposure.
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INVERTERS
UL has expanded its PV inverter testing capabilities in Asia, Europe and North America to provide broader global conformity assessment services, including safety, performance and EMC testing.
The extent and scope of testing is determined in part by whether the product is a stand- alone unit or intended for interconnection with a local utility. UL tests power inverters, converters and controllers to the requirements of all key international and local grid standards, including:
• UL 1741
• IEC 62109
• UL 62109
• IEEE 1547
UL’s services minimize administration and project management to assure seamless access to our customers’ installation markets.
UL provides global inverter certification and evaluation services for compliance with a wide range of local, national and international standards. Below is a general list of our UL inverter
service offerings. Please contact us and we can discuss services to meet your specific needs.
• PV Electronics Safety Standards – IEC 62109 based certifications with national differences and also most nation specific safety standards
• DC Arc-Fault Circuit protection – evaluated to UL 1699B
• EMC Requirements – FCC, IEC, EN, CISPR, R&TTE and IEEE
• Performance Evaluations (efficiency and communications) – IEC, ISO, EN, ANSI, IEEE and local electric grid utility defined
• Utility Grid Interconnection Performance – extensive international grid interconnection coverage for traditional and advanced grid support (smart grid) functionality
• Software/firmware – IEC and UL functional safety standards
• Inverter Training – certification, evaluation, testing and standards related training – national and international.
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STORAGE SYSTEMS
Energy storage systems come in all shapes and sizes, and their technologies, chemistries, applications, hazards and opportunities are all rapidly evolving.
UL services cover the entire range of batteries – portable, motive, stationary, EV, storage applications – and reduce the complexities of the various global energy systems, voltage requirements and safety demands. We also offer component testing and surveillance services that verify the integrity of the entire supply chain.
As an educational service, top battery experts at UL provide timely clarity and insight into the changing safety standards landscape, as well as the latest research in lithium-ion cell safety through a series of webinars to provide participants with actionable insight and business advantage.
UL tests batteries to key international, national and regional standards, including:
• UL 1642 – Lithium Cell
• UL 1989 – Standby Batteries
• UL 1973 – Batteries for use in Stationary Applications
• UL 2743 - Portable Power Packs
• UL/CSA/IEC 60950 – may be evaluated in conjunction with UL 1973
• IEC 62933 series – Electrical Energy Storage (EES) Systems (as well as other relevant IEC & international standards)
• IEC 61951-2 – Performance of Rechargeable Ni-Cd or Ni-MH
• IEC 61960 – Performance of Rechargeable Lithium
• BSMI standards (Taiwan)
• UN Manual Tests and Criteria, Sub-section 38.3 i.e. UN DOT, UN 38.3, and/or IATA Test Report (or IEC 62281)
• UL 9540 - Energy Storage Systems and Equipment
• UL 2743 – Portable Power Pack
For Motive Applications:
• UL 2271 - Light EV Batteries
• UL 2272 - Personal e-Mobility
• UL 2580 - EV Batteries
• UL 2849 - e-Bikes
• UL 3030 – Drones
• Relevant IEC and other international standards
PV modules operate at high temperatures and are exposed to a variety of environmental conditions. As a result, the insulation of module interconnection wiring may be required to be sunlight resistant and rated for wet locations at a temperature rating of 90ºC or above.
UL provides testing and certification to:
• UL 854 for USE-2 wire
• UL 4703 for PV wire which offers superior sunlight resistance
• UL 9703 wiring system and harnesses
UL is also the first in the world to offer an NEC-mandated certification program for North American market access. Combining type testing and on-going follow-up services, this program provides unmatched technical support, as well as a valuable sales connection to UL-Listed module manufacturers around the world.
Utilities and consumers are now using smart meters to optimize the efficiency, reliability and cost of energy produced and used. In response to concerns about the potential hazards associated with smart meters, utility companies are increasingly mandating safety certification for these products.
UL offers two smart meter conformity assessment services: product safety certification for manufacturers and product compliance testing for users. These services cover electric shock, fire and emissions safety requirements, based on the same standard that applies to all electric utility meters:
• UL 2735 for revenue meters
• UL 916 / UL 61010 for non-revenue meters
UL also offers smart meter performance testing to:
• ANSI C12
• IEC/AS 62052
• IEC/AS 62053
• EN 50470
We furthermore provide safety research and advisory services tailored to the specific needs of our customers.
PV CABLE AND WIRING
SMART METERS
UL SERVICES COVERING THE PV VALUE CHAIN
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UL’s comprehensive suite of PV plant services help stakeholders manage risks associated with building and operating PV plants. The services expand on UL’s long- standing technical knowledge, as well as our solid track record and relationships with regulators around the globe.
Safety, performance, availability and achieving expected energy yields are critical factors right from the planning and design stage to provisional and final acceptance, and throughout the in-service lifetime of a PV plant. UL provides assistance that investors, developers and operators can use to make well-informed decisions as they assess risks and uncertainties.
Our services are designed to match the development phases of a PV plant:
Planning, Design & Engineering Customers benefit from increased stakeholder confidence when UL conducts an independent evaluation of the project. UL performs a technical due diligence review of project documentation, design and energy yield assessment (EYA) during the planning, design and engineering phase. UL also provides Bankability / Performance services that evaluate and test hardware and factory inspections, to assess quality control and consistency in production, as well as expose inconsistencies that are known to impact long-term reliability.
Construction & Commission Our broad knowledge of PV hardware, systems and national and local codes can reduce construction risks. Careful inspection and measurement reduces the likelihood of costly rework and delays caused by improper implementation and installation practices. We offer pre- inspection to identify construction issues early in the development phaseas as well as plant commissioning process assessment to verify the safe and proper operation of the system as intended per the design.
In-Service, Operations & Maintenance System availability is a key factor in achieving expected energy production. Periodic inspections and performance verification can mitigate outages or unexpected drops in yield. In addition, through periodic examination of the system, UL services can provide insight into equipment status and overall system health, through post-inspection, failure analysis and performance verification. Independent inspections also help protect asset value when plant ownership changes.
UL is active on all National Electrical Code-making panels, and on various technical committees of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Standardization Organization (ISO). UL plays a key role for the U.S. in the development of foreign standards and the harmonization of national and international standards. UL actively participates in the development of the International Code Council (ICC) building and fire codes. Our deep understanding of codes and standards enable active assistance with code authorities in resolving product acceptance issues and potential conflicts between codes and installation requirements – keeping PV projects on track. Our expert regulatory staff are located across North America and work closely with our international offices and national code authorities to resolve local issues.
PV PLANTS
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PV Lab San Jose, CA
UL PV Laboratories
UL Inverter Laboratories
Inverter & Energy Systems Lab Northbrook, IL
PV & Inverter Lab Zeppelinheim, Germany
GROWING PV AROUND THE WORLD
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UL Energy Systems Laboratories
Energy Systems Lab Crane, IN
Energy Systems Lab Melville, NY
Energy Systems Lab Ulm, Germany
PV & Energy Systems Lab Suzhou, China
PV & Inverter Lab Bangalore,
India
PV Lab Ise, Japan
ul.com/solarHere is an overview of the laboratories as well as PV marks and certifications around the world that UL offers to enable and help ensure future growth for the PV industry. Contact your local representative to start the certification process and find out about ways to bundle testing to target multiple markets.
UL-JPInverter Lab Milan, Italy
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Energy Systems Lab Guangzhou, China Energy Systems Lab
Linkou, Taiwan
For more information on UL services for the PV industry, please contact [email protected] or call 1.877.ULHELPS (1.877.854.3577)
ul.com/solarThis brochure is for information purposes only. All rights reserved. May not be copied or distributed without permission.UL, the UL Logo, and UL certification marks are trademarks of UL LLC © 2016. Other marks are the property of their respective owners. 111.01.0816.EN.EPT
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