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

Micro Energy International on behalf of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and International Solar Alliance (ISA) in collaboration with EACREEE conducted a virtual presentation on the development of regional Quality Infrastructure(QI) frameworks for solar PV products and services in the EAC region.

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 standardization 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 that there are variations in accreditation processes and 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 certification processes for professionals.

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).