PD IEC/TS 62257-9-5:2013 - Page 6

Recommendations for small renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural electrification. Integrated system. Selection of stand-alone lighting kits for rural electrification | Status: Revised, Superseded, Withdrawn

1 Scope This part of IEC 62257 applies to stand-alone rechargeable electric lighting appliances or kits that can be installed by a typical user without employing a technician. This technical specification presents a quality assurance framework that includes product specifications (a framework for interpreting test results), test methods, and standardized specifications sheets (templates for communicating test results). The intended users of this technical specification are listed below. In some clauses and subclauses of this technical specification, a description of the application of the subclause contents is offered to help provide context for each type of user.

• • Market support programmes are programmes that support the off-grid lighting market with financing, consumer education, awareness, and other services. Market support programmes often use quality assurance to qualify for access to services like
  • – greenhouse gas reduction certifications or other incentives,
  • – access to financing (trade or consumer finance),
  • – use of a buyer seal and certification (government or non-governmental institutional backing, consumer or “business to business” seals),
  • – participation in a public product information database (e.g., standardized specifications sheets),
  • – access to a business network or trade group,
  • – business support and development services,
  • – access to market intelligence, and
  • – participation in consumer awareness campaigns.
• • Manufacturers and distributors need to verify the quality and performance of products from different batches and potential business partners. Manufacturers and distributors often use quality assurance plans or requirements to
  • – support quality control processes at a manufacturing plant or upon receipt of goods from a contract manufacturer, and
  • – choose products to distribute.
• • Bulk procurement programmes facilitate or place large orders for devices from a distributor or manufacturer. Bulk procurement programmes may use quality assurance to
  • – provide devices to a particular, relatively small group of end-users whose needs are understood (e.g., project developers and implementers for an electrification project may include quality assurance requirements in the GS of an electrification project (see IEC/TS 62257‑3)), and
  • – organize a subsidy, buy-down, or giveaway programme that will serve a broad set of users.
• • Trade regulators are typically government policymakers and officials who craft and implement trade and tax policy. Regulators may use quality assurance requirements to
  • – qualify for exemption from tax or duties, and
  • – establish requirements for customs.

This technical specification establishes the framework for creating a product specification — the basis for evaluating quality for a particular context. Product specifications include minimum requirements for quality standards, warranty requirements, and/or performance targets. Products are compared to specifications based on test results and other information about the product. The product specification framework is flexible and can accommodate the goals of diverse organizations and institutions. There is a range of tests outlined in this technical specification; some are simple enough to be completed in the field by project developers while others require laboratory equipment. The tests and inspections are designed to be widely applicable across different markets, countries, and regions. Standardized specifications sheets are also defined that can be used to communicate the test results. Combined with a set of product specifications, the information in the standardized specifications sheet can inform the use of a quality and/or performance label.