"Conforms" to UL 1703
jagec
Solar Expert Posts: 157 ✭✭
I believe that I may have a problem.
I bought 22 Canadian Solar CS6P-225P panels, which arrived today. I was told that these were "blemished", but carried the full manufacturer's warranty. I was able to see fairly minor imperfections in the panels if I looked closely, but nothing that made me too worried. I had read several endorsements of the "B"-grade Evergreen panels on this forum, and so I thought that these would be similar.
I was also told multiple times, both on the phone and by e-mail (and on the website) that these were "UL listed", suitable for grid-tied systems. The data sheet for the panels says that they carry the UL 1703 certification.
However, I don't see the UL logo on the back. There is a CE logo, an IEC logo, and a square-within-a-square logo that I don't recognize, and some text that reads "Conforms to UL 1703 and ULC/ORD-C1703-01"
Does that mean the same thing as an actual UL listing, or is this just the manufacturer self-reporting their conformance?
Will I be unable to use these panels for a roof-mount system, or is that entirely up to my local AHJ?
I would love to hear that I am worrying about nothing, but the lack of a logo really bothers me, and I'm worried that it might bother an inspector as well.
I bought 22 Canadian Solar CS6P-225P panels, which arrived today. I was told that these were "blemished", but carried the full manufacturer's warranty. I was able to see fairly minor imperfections in the panels if I looked closely, but nothing that made me too worried. I had read several endorsements of the "B"-grade Evergreen panels on this forum, and so I thought that these would be similar.
I was also told multiple times, both on the phone and by e-mail (and on the website) that these were "UL listed", suitable for grid-tied systems. The data sheet for the panels says that they carry the UL 1703 certification.
However, I don't see the UL logo on the back. There is a CE logo, an IEC logo, and a square-within-a-square logo that I don't recognize, and some text that reads "Conforms to UL 1703 and ULC/ORD-C1703-01"
Does that mean the same thing as an actual UL listing, or is this just the manufacturer self-reporting their conformance?
Will I be unable to use these panels for a roof-mount system, or is that entirely up to my local AHJ?
I would love to hear that I am worrying about nothing, but the lack of a logo really bothers me, and I'm worried that it might bother an inspector as well.
Comments
They may be ok. Ul and csa are only two of many NRTL's (nationally recognized testing laboratories).
You should be able to ask your local inspectors if they are ok. Also try and find the data sheet/pdf and see of they have the lab name symbol listed.
-Bill
You should be fine ... CE and UL are interchangeable for listing purposes
http://www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/offerings/industries/energy/renewable/photovoltaics/
1703 is the spec for panels to be listed to. You should be able to goto
http://www.cedirectory.com/signup/index.php?a=Step2&Acctype=B&Submit.x=17&Submit.y=4&Submit=Continue
Looks like you have to register to verify if the panels are on the actual CE list
It may have changed, but CE marks were a declaration by the mfg. that the "thing" conformed to EU safety standards. There is no NRTL (in general) connection with CE:
OSHA (US Gov Safety)
The above list should be pretty similar to what NEC/Building Codes require for NRTL listing.
-Bill
You're OK. These panels are tested to meet the UL standard by Intertek/ETL, which is an NRTL on that list from OSHA.
Fun trivia fact: ETL is actually the decendant of "Edison Testing Labs".
You can download the ETL/UL certification document you'll need for your inspector here: http://www.canadiansolar.com/front_content.php?idart=27
Alternatively, you can search for "Canadian Solar" on the Intertek/ETL directory here:
http://etlwhidirectory.etlsemko.com/WebClients/ITS/DLP/products.nsf/$$Search?OpenForm
Thanks for the reassurances, guys, and the info to run by the inspector.
Unfortunately you won't get an update for a few weeks...the panels have to stay in my basement until a certain work deadline is behind me.