 The Solar Keymark
What is a 'Keymark'? The Keymark is a third-party certification mark, demonstrating to users and consumers the compliance of products with the requirements of the relevant CEN/CENELEC Standard(s).
Some of the basic European Mark Scheme rules
Type testing is performed by a third-party testing laboratory.
Type testing is performed by a Manufacturers shall apply a quality system of at least the level of the EN-ISO 9002 standard (maybe with a transitional period, of a maximum of three years).
There will be periodic surveillance of the products. Bodies engaged in certification, testing and inspection need to fulfil the requirements of the relevant EN 45000/17000 series standard, and are accredited for the scope of their activity.
IMPACTS OF THE SOLAR KEYMARK
The intention of the Solar Keymark is that it will open up the European market for solar thermal products. The goal is for the Keymark to replace all the existing different national or regional certifications. A solar thermal product will need only one test, according to the European standard, and this test will be valid throughout Europe. The consequences will be as follows:
As the products are tested to the same criteria all over EU, it will be easier to compare different products and give fairer competition.
There will be more standardized products. Product quality will be better.
User confidence will be enhanced. The numerous different, national ways of certifying solar thermal products will start to draw to a close.
There will be an effect on the open market with products linked to an EU-wide labels like the Keymark having stimulated international sales. The combined effect of the points mentioned above is expected to lead to the following:
A significant reduction in prices due to the open market (and limited testing costs)  A 50% increase in total sale
A reduction of the number of (different) product offerings (increasing economy of scale). An increase in jobs for solar installers is expected to follow the increase in sales. The present employment related to solar thermal is estimated at 20,000 person-years. |