Crystalline Silicon Quality Standards are for Consumer Protection, Says Renewable Energy Director

MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES

PRESS RELEASE

NUMBER: 017.Pers/04/SJI/2021

Date: 14 January 2021

Crystalline Silicon Quality Standards are for Consumer Protection, Says Renewable Energy Director

Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (NREEC) of Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR) has initiated the application of quality standards for crystalline silicon photovoltaics (PV). This effort is part of innovative ways to boost scientific and technological development to create good quality products in the field of renewables.

"The application of quality standards for photovoltaic modules is also intended for the safety, security, and protection of consumers of solar panels," said Director of Various New Energy and Renewable Energy, Harris, in Jakarta on Thursday (14/1).

A crystalline silicon PV module is a solar module consisting of photovoltaic cells that are fully connected and protected from the surrounding environment. The module is made from crystalline silicon as the active photovoltaic material, while the crystalline structure can be monocrystalline or polycrystalline. The module is a component in a solar panel.

Harris went on to explain that crystalline silicon PV modules assembled from PV cells must meet the Indonesia National Standard (SNI) as shown by the placing of the SNI mark. This requirement must be met by both producers and importers.

The mandatory SNI for crystalline silicon modules are as follows:

(1) SNI lEC 61215-1:2016 Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Module - Design qualification and type validation - Part 1: Test requirements (lEC 61215-1:2016, IDT);

(2) SNI lEC 61215-2:2016 Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Module - Design qualification and type validation - Part 2: Test procedures (lEC 61215-2:2016, IDT); and

(3) SNI lEC 61215-1-1:2016 Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Module - Design qualification and type validation - Part 1-1: Special requirements for the testing of crystalline silicone Photovoltaic (PV) Module (lEC 61215-1-1:2016, IDT).

Test samples for the Product Certification for the Use of Indonesia National Standard Mark (SPPT-SNI) and/or test samples for research and development purposes, continued Harris, are exempted from SNI requirement.

"The procedure to obtain an SNI Mark-exempt letter is controlled in Regulation of Minister of EMR Number 2 of 2021 on the Application of Quality Standards for Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Module, stipulated early this year. Applicants submit a request to the Minister via Director General. Detailed information about the procedure and certification process can be found in the ministerial regulation. We (Directorate General of NREEC) have the duties to foster and monitor the implementation of the standards," said Harris.

At the time the Ministerial Regulation becomes effective, added Harris, the Indonesian Government has given a transition period of twelve months for business actors to adjust their products with the mandatory SNI IEC 61215 for Crystalline Silicone Photovoltaic Modules.

"We coordinated with various relevant parties in preparing the Crystalline Silicone Photovoltaic Module standards. Thus, we hope everyone, especially business actors in the solar PV component industry, supports the application of these standards," Harris concluded. (IY)

Head of Bureau of Communication, Public Information Services, and Cooperation

Agung Pribadi (08112213555)

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