Although PV is a billion dollar industry with hundreds of thousands of systems installed world-wide, there are still few standards for PV products or systems and no means of assuring their quality - certainly not on a global scale

In recognition of this shortcoming the PV community has initiated the Global Global Approval Programme (GAP) to help users distinguish good quality PV products from bad, and to help manufacturers and suppliers protect the integrity of their business.

GAP aims to establish globally accepted standards, testing laboratories and auditing procedures to certify approved products and services. Approval will be identifiable by a licensed trademark.

The GAP will work closely with organizations such as the International Electrotecnical Commission, the IEA, UNDP and appropriate regional organizations to evaluate requirements and formulate the long-term qualification and standardization benchmarks. As a short-term measure, criteria for temporary standards are under development.

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