| Work Detail |
It was carried out by the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro) in the states of Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santos and Goiás. A sample of the TSun 560 W model collected in Mato Grosso was rejected because it had a power much lower than that declared by the manufacturer.
The National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro) has carried out an unprecedented inspection of photovoltaic modules in Brazil. The action took place in the states of Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santos and Goiás, with the aim of evaluating the quality and conformity of the panels sold.
During the inspection, samples of panels from different brands were subjected to laboratory tests, and one of them, the TSun 560 W model, collected in Mato Grosso, was rejected for having a power much lower than that declared by the manufacturer, which is detrimental to the consumer. Two other brands are being tested in laboratories accredited by Inmetro.
The action was motivated by the growing demand for these devices and by complaints registered with the Inmetro ombudsman, which highlighted the need to ensure compliance and safety.
For Inmetro President, engineer Márcio André Brito, the operation reinforces Inmetros commitment to ensuring that products comply with technical and regulatory standards, strengthening consumer confidence in the adoption of solar energy in the country.
"Since 2023, Inmetro has been mapping the trade of these panels in the country, which has resulted in a specific inspection to see if these panels sold in Brazil have the powers defined by the manufacturer and the importer," he said.
Regulatory history
In response to a security request from the National Fire Fighting Committee (Conaci), a member of the National Firefighters League, Inmetro published Ordinance No. 515 of November 10, 2023. The regulation establishes the obligation to install devices to de-energize homes during accidents.
The measure was adopted to increase safety in photovoltaic systems, preventing fires and avoiding electrical overloads that can cause serious accidents, such as fatal shocks to professionals who access short-circuited areas, such as firefighters.
Consumers purchasing solar panel kits should check the Inmetro certification, which guarantees that the products comply with safety standards and offer adequate protection to users.
With the publication of Ordinance No. 140/2021 of Inmetro, solar panels are now regulated by the Institute, which has defined the Technical Quality Standards and the Conformity Assessment Requirements for energy generation, conditioning and storage equipment in photovoltaic systems.
Inmetro Ordinance No. 140/2022 established the requirements for the approval of photovoltaic modules, including the display of the National Energy Conservation Label (ENCE), which must be visible to the consumer, not obstructed by any other information attached by suppliers.
In order to increase safety, prevent fires and ensure product compliance, Inmetro published Ordinance No. 515, dated November 10, 2023, which modified the previous one by including specific requirements for the detection and interruption of electric arcs, with automatic de-energization in case of failures.
As a result of these new regulations, the Institute has stepped up its inspection of the solar panel trade in the country, including registering complaints with the ombudsmans office, to check that the equipment being sold actually offers the power declared by manufacturers and importers. |
