Certifying photovoltaic components and systems is important in helping to ensure the successful application of the technology. Using decades of experience in photovoltaic research development, design, testing and applications, the Florida Solar Energy Center reviews each PV system design for compliance with the National Electrical Code and the appropriate use of accepted design practices. PV system certification is required for eligibility in Florida solar energy incentive programs, and may be helpful in marketing your photovoltaic system in other states.

The Florida Solar Energy Center is required by Section 377.705 of the Florida Statutes to develop standards and certify all solar energy equipment manufactured or sold in Florida. To meet the requirements of the Florida Statutes, FSEC has developed a PV Module and PV System Certification program that protects the public interest and advances the use of renewable technologies. The objectives of the program are to:

1. Provide Florida residents with reliable, safe and high quality PV system designs.
2. Provide a means for consumers to obtain a summary of their certified PV system design including the installer's name, address, telephone number and Florida contractor's license number.
3. Provide Florida consumers and/or agency officials with the expected power output of certified PV systems using accurate PV module performance ratings.
4. Provide a PV system design approval certificate with a checklist that list the items that require compliance with National Electrical Code. The certificate and checklist can be used by local building officials for both the issuing of permits and the inspection of installed PV systems.

To satisfy these objectives, FSEC has developed a PV Module and System Certification processes. These certification processes are intended to be simple and straightforward.

PV Module Certification Process

PV module certification covers two areas: safety and power rating. In the area of safety, FSEC certification requires that the PV modules be safety tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). For PV module power rating, the FSEC module certification program permits three options as follows:

1. FSEC power rating (preferred option): PV module testing is performed at FSEC in accordance with FSEC Standards 201-05 and 202-05.
2. Power rating based on tests by another accredited laboratory: PV modules are tested at another accredited testing laboratory with results reviewed by FSEC. Upon favorable review, the measured power from the other testing laboratory will be converted to standard test conditions (if necessary) and certified by FSEC. Modules must be tested in accordance with FSEC Standard 201-05 and 202-05 to qualify for this module certification.
3. Power rating based on UL 1703 minimum requirements (i.e. 90% of nominal nameplate power: All PV modules listed by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or equivalent Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory may qualify for this power rating certification. In addition, modules qualified by similarity may be certified using this option as long as they are already certified by UL or an equivalent Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory.

For a more detailed look at the FSEC test methods for PV modules please refer to Test Method for Photovoltaic Module Power Rating (FSEC Standard 202-05) [278 KB, Adobe Acrobat PDF] and for the operation of the module certification process see Operation of Photovoltaic Module Performance Certification Program (FSEC Standard 201-05 [105KB, Adobe Acrobat]

By Florida Statute, FSEC is required to set fees that recover the costs of the testing, certification and rating services required for solar equipment and systems in Florida. Click here to view fee structure [41KB, Adobe Acrobat PDF].

If you are interested in having PV modules tested and certified by FSEC, please download the PV Module Power Rating Request Form [ 376KB, Adobe Acrobat PDF] and either fax or email the completed form to:

Stephen Barkaszi Florida Solar Energy Center
1679 Clearlake Road Cocoa, Florida 32922 USA	Phone: (321) 638-1473 Fax: (321) 638-1010

 

Certified Modules This section gives the list of FSEC certified modules.

Module Certification Program The purpose of the Module Certification Program is to provide accurate test results for PV module performance that will benefit consumers, government agencies, system designers, electric utilities and PV module manufacturers. Certification is an important part of a PV product assurance program. Explore this section to learn more about the program.

Module Testing Laboratory FSEC's PV module performance certification program has been developed over many years. During that time FSEC has acquired equipment for both indoor and outdoor testing of PV modules including a SPI-SUN 660 flash simulator. FSEC has also upgraded its laboratory facilities and instituted an ISO/IEC 17025:2005 quality system.