BP Solar is first solar module manufacturer to receive international product conformity certificate

BP Solar is first solar module manufacturer to receive international product conformity certificate

"BP Solar chose to seek this certification because it allows us to simplify the external certification process of our solar modules as this certificate combines performance, quality and safety certifications." said BP Solar Product Line Director Dr. Jean Posbic

August 12, 2004 Frederick, MD -BP Solar has received the first conformity assessment certificate from the IECEE Full Certification Scheme (CB-FCS) for its solar electric modules manufactured in India, China, Spain and Australia. The certificate allows BP Solar to sell its product without further testing in countries where the certificate is recognized and accepted. This contributes significantly to getting products to market more quickly and at less cost.

The IECEE CB Scheme is the world's first truly international system for acceptance of test reports dealing with the safety of electrical and electronic products. It is a multilateral agreement among participating countries and certification organizations. A manufacturer using a CB test report issued by one of these organizations can obtain national certification in all other member countries of the CB Scheme.

According to BP Solar Product Line Director Dr. Jean Posbic, "BP Solar chose to seek this certification because it allows us to simplify the external certification process of our solar modules as this certificate combines performance, quality and safety certifications."

IECEE Executive Secretary Pierre de Ruvo says, "It is significant that a major player has chosen to certify its modules within the IECEE PV Programme and seek the international CB-FCS certificate. We take a business approach to providing market players with what they need to help them compete and we are proud that BP Solar has given us the opportunity to deliver the first CB-FCS certificate to them."

The certificate was issued by Underwriters' Laboratories in the USA, one of the leading certification bodies and testing laboratories that participates in the IECEE PV CB-FCS programme. UL's services extend to helping companies achieve global acceptance, whether for an electrical device, a programmable system, or an organization's quality process.

BP Solar is a global company with over 2,000 employees focused on harnessing the sun's energy to produce solar electricity. This includes the design, manufacture and marketing of quality solar electric systems for a wide range of applications in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. With over 30 years of experience and installations in over 160 countries, BP Solar is one of the world's largest solar companies and has manufacturing facilities in the USA, Spain, India and Australia. BP Solar is part of BP, one of the world's leading energy companies. To learn more, visit www.bpsolar.com.

The IECEE's CB-FCS provides one test and one (or even multiple) certification(s) for manufacturers wishing to export their products to international markets. It substantially benefits manufacturers by significantly reducing the number of steps required to obtain certification at the national level worldwide. It helps to reduce trade barriers caused by different certification criteria in various countries and help industry to open up new markets. It also helps to ensure a fair global trading system in accordance with the World Trade Organization's objectives.

Eight certification bodies and associated testing laboratories in seven member countries participate in the IECEE PV CB-FCS programme, which is based on mutual recognition of the conformity assessment certificates issued by its members. These serve as the basis for certifying electrical products at the national and international level and is recognized by PV GAP to grant its International Seal. It is an extension of the CB Scheme, which is operated by the International Electrotechnical Commission's Worldwide System for Conformity Testing and Certification of Electrical Equipment (IECEE).

PV GAP is a not-for-profit organization, registered in Switzerland, that certifies the quality of photovoltaic systems and components. PV GAP also promotes the development and use of internationally accepted standards that promote integrating quality into all aspects of PV energy delivery. The organization encourages international reciprocity of national specifications for manufacturers, testing laboratories and accreditation of training programs in installation, operation and maintenance for PV practitioners.

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Media Enquiries: John Curry
BP America (410) 825- 4287

For Further Information:

• BP Solar

• BP Solar Web Site

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