Development of regional QI frameworks for Solar PV products and Services in EAC

Micro Energy International conducted a virtual presentation on developing regional Quality Infrastructure (QI) frameworks for solar PV products and services in the East African Community (EAC). The presentation was delivered on behalf of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA), in collaboration with the East African Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Efficiency (EACREEE)

The session intended to present and discuss a regional baseline assessment results of the existing solar QI frameworks and management systems, a policy brief on the harmonization of standards for solar PV products and raise awareness on the Regional Technical Committee(RTC). The main objective of the RTC is to ensure harmonized standards and effective quality control in solar PV systems across EAC. The virtual session comprised stakeholders from the Bureau of Standards from the various partner states, renewable energy associations, the private sector, ministries of energy in the EAC, academia and business councils

The discussions highlighted that numerous local and regional organisations are working towards implementing QI for solar PV in the region. However, disparities in certification schemes among EAC Partner States exist on certification and conformity assessment. Technical regulation and standardisation highlighted that each EAC Partner State has a bureau of standards and there are efforts to tailor international standards to local context through several organisations. Findings also highlighted variations in accreditation processes and the availability of adequate facilities for testing crucial components like inverters across the EAC Partner States. In conclusion, there is a shortage of expertise dedicated to regional standardization and an absence of clarity in professional certification processes.

The next steps from the virtual session include scheduling a meeting with the East African Standards Committee to foster collaboration in structuring the Regional Technical Committee (RTC).