Solar panel trust mark launched

A number of substandard solar panels have entered the Australian market, as some manufacturers pass off inferior panels as being ‘high quality’.

“Until now a paper assessment, once every five years, is all that has been done before a particular solar panel can be used in Australia,” says John Grimes, CEO, ASC.

To give the public confidence in selecting genuine quality solar panels, the Australian Solar Council has launched the Positive Quality program.

The current system makes it tough for consumers to choose who will give them a quality product. That is why the Australian Solar Council has launched a program to audit solar panels where they are made, to make sure the materials and processes used are of a genuine high standard.

Trina Solar, Yingli Solar and JA Solar are among the association’s foundation partners.

The Positive Quality Program will conduct a 60-point factory check and detailed testing of solar panels (selected at random), and make sure all certificates are genuine and up to date, four times every year.

Only solar panels that meet Australian Standards during continuous testing will be certified under the Positive Quality program.

“At last project developers, consultants and the general public will have an easy way to identify high-quality solar panels, when they see the Positive Quality logo.”