Presto Laboratories Achieves ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation for Solar PV Module Testing.

We are happy to share that we have reached a step forward in our journey. Presto Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. has achieved ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation from Quality and Accreditation Institute (QAI), under the ILAC-MRA framework, for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Module Testing.

It goes without saying that this certification serves as a testament to the fact that Presto Laboratories is well-versed in the international standards of competence, impartiality, and reliability in testing photovoltaic modules. This is indeed a momentous occasion for all at Presto and is also a great achievement for the stakeholders of the solar industry.

Through this article, we will be revealing what this milestone represents, its significance in the world of solar, and how it enhances our position as a solar PV module testing lab in India.

Our Achievement: ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation for Solar PV Module Testing

Accreditation is not something that you get by just being given a certificate. It is the product of an evaluation of the functioning of the laboratory in all its aspects—people, equipment, methodology, and reporting.

Here is what we have achieved:

• Accreditation standard: ISO/IEC 17025:2017
• Accreditation body: Quality and Accreditation Institute
• Recognition framework: ILAC-MRA
• Scope: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Module Testing
• Accredited laboratory: Presto Laboratories Pvt. Ltd.

With this certification, Presto Laboratories has become an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 testing lab for solar PV modules in India, providing ISO/IEC 17025:2017 testing for solar PV modules that their customers can trust more confidently.

What ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation Means

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is the standard on which the general requirements for the competency of testing and calibration laboratories are based. This indicates that a competent body has conducted an evaluation and found that the laboratory is able to produce technically valid results.

These criteria that need to be fulfilled by the laboratories are:

• Competent Staff: Highly trained, highly qualified, and properly evaluated technical staff.
• Calibrated Equipment: Equipment that has been maintained and calibrated in order to achieve traceability.
• Properly Developed Test Methods: Procedures that are properly and systematically developed.
• Confidentiality and Objectivity: Ensures that there is nothing to influence the results.
• Quality Management System: Reliable management of the uncertainty of measurement and test results.

Accreditation is not an isolated instance either. It is something that the laboratory will need to adhere to and is evaluated periodically as well.

The Role of QAI and the ILAC-MRA Framework

Our accreditation was granted by Quality and Accreditation Institute (QAI) under the ILAC-MRA framework.

The ILAC, or International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation, has a Mutual Recognition Arrangement whereby accreditation bodies around the globe are interconnected. In essence, it seeks to ensure that people are assured of the accuracy of tests carried out by an accredited lab in any one country.

This is important for solar module manufacturers since their products are sold internationally, and more often than not, buyers prefer test reports from accredited labs. Thus, conducting tests at an accredited lab helps mitigate any doubts regarding the veracity of the report.

Why This Milestone Matters for the Solar Industry

Solar panels are capital-intensive equipment that are meant to last outdoors for many years but also function as electrical goods within the electrical system, with high voltage and current flowing through them. Testing becomes very crucial for these reasons.

Our accreditation supports the industry in several ways:

• Enhanced faith in test results: Test results are produced by an independent lab that is proven and has undergone independent verification.
• Increased approval and tendering support: Accreditation of test reports increases their validity among clients, EPC companies, and other relevant parties.
• Export-readiness: Recognition within ILAC-MRA ensures increased acceptability of test reports in the global marketplace.
• Greater local capacity: Quality solar module testing in India means less need to ship test modules elsewhere.

Strengthening Solar PV Safety Testing in India

Safety is the key component of responsible solar panel manufacturing and is also one of the most important aspects for which this accreditation is relevant. Safety testing of solar panels tests the performance of the module under stress from electrical, mechanical, and environmental aspects and whether it maintains safety.

As a Solar PV Module Safety Testing Laboratory in India, Presto supports solar PV safety testing that may cover areas such as:

• Module insulation and dielectric strength: The module's ability to withstand electrical breakdown at high voltage levels.
• Leakage currents and ground continuity: Proper management of possible electrical fault occurrences.
• Module's fire performance and thermal properties: The module's response to heat or hot spot generation.
• Module mechanical properties: The strength of the module structure and junction box.
• Module environmental stress: Behavior of the module under humidity and temperature conditions.

The implementation of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 electrical safety testing, along with other tests, within the accredited quality management system is useful to the producers and consumers to detect any problems in the module.

What This Means for Our Customers

Our customers are the reason this achievement matters. Here is how they benefit.

Solar module manufacturers gain advantages. They get test reports that customers trust. These reports help them find spots in their products. This leads to improvements. They also work with a testing partner that is known around the world.

Module manufacturers, EPC companies, developers, and importers all benefit from validation of the solar modules they buy and install. This validation lowers risk. It also leads to documentation.

The wider solar ecosystem gains from higher testing standards and more accessible, locally available solar panel testing as per ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

Our Commitment Going Forward

This accreditation is an acknowledgement of the effort we have made and is also a commitment. We will keep investing in skilled manpower, good quality equipment, and sound processes to ensure that all the test reports issued by us are in line with the standards set by this accreditation.

We would like to thank QAI for conducting the assessment and our customers and partners for trusting us at Presto Laboratories.

Conclusion

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation of solar PV module testing is indeed a milestone achievement for Presto Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., and this is because of the fact that the QAI has accredited our laboratory under the ILAC-MRA. The certification assures our technical competence, impartiality, and dedication to reliable testing.

The clients, meaning the manufacturers, developers, and buyers, can benefit from PV module testing services. The clients can benefit from PV module testing services from a laboratory that follows an internationally accepted standard of performance.

Test Your Solar PV Modules with an Accredited Laboratory

Contact the Presto Laboratories team for details regarding your solar PV module testing requirements, sample submission, and schedules.

Call us at: +91-8882991991

Email us: info@prestolaboratories.com

Contact us today to request a quotation or discuss your testing needs.

FAQs

1. What is ISO/IEC 17025:2017?

This represents the worldwide standard regarding the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. It is a measure to assess whether a laboratory has an effective quality management system in place, validated methods of testing, measurement traceability, and technically sound results.

2. Who granted Presto's accreditation?

This accreditation was awarded by Quality and Accreditation Institute (QAI) according to the ILAC-MRA arrangement.

3. Why is it important to have such an accreditation for the testing of solar PV modules?

The independence of the assessment of the competence and impartiality of the laboratory is proven. This creates more confidence in the results of the tests performed.

4. Who stands to gain from solar module testing in India by Presto Laboratories?

All companies involved in the manufacturing, engineering, procurement, and construction of solar modules, and in trading and importing solar modules, can benefit from testing.