Conformity Assessment of PV Inverters - UL.com

Renewable Energy
Conformity Assessment of PV Inverters
On Time Global Market Access
UL is committed to being a world leader in the safety, performance and quality of photovoltaic (PV)
systems and products. In addition to its efforts on standards development both for UL and the IEC world,
UL has expanded its PV Inverter testing capabilities in the U.S., Germany and Italy to provide broader
conformity services, including safety, performance and EMC testing, around the globe.
The services offered by UL:
• Global market access solutions, i.e. U.S.A., Europe, China and others to assure
seamless product launch
• Energy efficiency measurements based on local / regional market requirements
• EMC evaluations
• Research & development and performance testing
• Pre- and post-certification services
UL’s commitment: Speed to market – globally
• UL’s global footprint of technical experts and state-of-the-art facilities, along with
our longstanding relationships with regulatory authorities, partner laboratories and
technical industry leaders, help manufacturers gain the compliance credentials they
need to compete in the global marketplace.
• UL’s services minimize administration and project management to assure seamless
access to key installation markets.
UL as a single provider for all your testing, certification and compliance needs.
Why UL?
Confidence in a Quality Service
Our experienced staff will advise you from
the initial design stage of the certification
process through testing and production.
Our experts can assist you in understanding
the certification requirement needed for
your specific market.
Knowledge You Can Trust
Our subject matter experts can help
you understand the various safety and
performance requirements for your specific
market location. We test and certify to both
UL and IEC standards.
Global Reach and Access
UL has a powerful global network of
technical experts who understand both
the national and global requirements. Our
state-of-the-art PV and Inverter laboratories
are easily available to you since they are in
multiple regions of the world.
Supporting Global Standards
With independent, ISO 17025 accredited test
facilities in Europe, Asia and North America,
UL can offer performance and safety test
standards to assist you in gaining market
access.
Our facilities offer appropriate PV testing
standards required to help you access
markets in Asia, Europe and North America.
For more information, please contact your local sales team: ul.com

Key Markets for Inverter Installations
Europe IEC North America Others
Safety Standards
(regionally)
Low Voltage Directive: 2006/95
EN 50178 Wind & Fuel Cells
EN 62109-1 PV Inverters
(EN60730-1 FS)
EN 62109-2 (PV coming soon)
CE Marking
IEC 62109-1
IEC 62109-2
U.S.: UL 1741
IEEE 1547
NEC 2011
UL 1699B (AFCI)
Canada:
C22.2 / 107.1
China:
Golden Sun Mark
Japan:
JETPVm Technical standard for
electrical equipment
EMC specific
requirements
EMC Directive 2004/108:
EN61000-6-1/2/3/4
EN 61000-3-2/12
EN 61000-3-3/11
IEEE 1547
Performance
Standards
Italy: ISO 3744 noise
CEI 82-25 (2007)
Europe: IEC 61683 efficiency
IEC 62116 anti-islanding
IEC 61683
efficiency
ANSI C12.1
(metering req.)
CA - CEC efficiency
NJ – efficiency
China: Golden Sun Mark
India: IEC 61683
IEC 60008
Tamil Nadu Energy Develop.
Agency => TEDA requirements
(Solar Street Lights & Solar Home
Lighting Systems)
Utilities
(grid connected)
Germany: VDE-AR N 4105
=> replacing VDE0126-1-1 (Component)
BDEW, FGTR3, VDE 0124-100
Italy: CEI 0-21
UK: G83/1-1 & G59/2
Europe: EN50438
VDE 0126-1-1 (2006)
IEEE 1547
Australia:
AS 4777.2 - inverter
AS 4777.3 – grid protection
Japan: JEAC9701
China:
Solar PG inter-connection
standard CGC/GF004: 2011
(CNCA/CTA 0004-2009A)
Software
EN62109-1 functional safety according
to EN60730-1
UL1998
Others
GSE Compliance (Italy)
Recommended Certification Process
Technical Consultation Preliminary Investigation Full Certification/Compliance
When?
During the product development
stage, before the design phase
has been closed and first
prototypes are available.
A one / two day onsite meeting,
going through the applicable
requirements together,
engineering support to address
potential issues and prepare the
manufacturer for the
certification process to assure a
seamless certification process.
The design phase has been completed (‘design freeze’)
and samples are available for review.
The benefit
Engineers wil conduct a first constructional evaluation
of the products (i.e. components, materials, etc.)
and a letter report will be issued to list potential
discrepancies in compliance to the requirements.
Engineering support in closing the compliance gap,
discussing the test program and construct and draft
a UL report. The manufacturer will be able to manage
the following two options: 1) the sample is ready to
proceed with the testing due or 2) the manufacturer
will receive a list of non-conformity and with the
engineering support capable of resolving
non-compliance issues.
Once the manufacturer feels confident his
product is in compliance to the
applicable requirements and the results of
the preliminary investigation report have
been applied.
Final product evaluation to electric
shock, fire and utility interconnection
and run the full test program,
engineering and laboratory technician
evaluation to achieve the certification
and related mark(s) for key installation
markets.
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