Solar Keymark – Specific Scheme Rules Version 21.

00 - October 2013

SKN_N0106.R21

Specific CEN Keymark Scheme Rules

for
Solar Thermal Products

CEN CERTIFICATION Solar Keymark Network

4 October 2013 Jan Erik Nielsen
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 Solar Keymark – Specific Scheme Rules Version 21.00 - October 2013

Contents

1 DEFINITION OF SCOPE 5

1.1 Products covered by the scheme 5

1.2 List of European Standards concerned 6

2 REQUIREMENTS AND ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES FOR BODIES

ENGAGED IN CERTIFICATION, TESTING AND INSPECTION 7

2.1 Requirements for certification, testing and inspection bodies 7

3 SPECIFICATION OF THE MANUFACTURER'S APPLICATION FILE 7

4 SELECTION AND SUBMISSION OF TYPE TEST SAMPLES 8

4.1 Selection 8
4.1.1 Remote Random Sampling procedure. 8

4.2 Collector families and custom built collectors 8

4.2.1 Collector size families 8
4.2.2 Collector glass thickness families 9
4.2.3 Custom built collectors 9
4.2.4 4.2.4 Separate certificates and data sheets for collectors within a family 10

4.3 System families 10

4.3.1 System families (EN 12976 - Factory made systems) 10
4.3.2 System families (EN 12977 - Custom built systems - including unique large
systems) 10

4.4 Store families 11

4.4.1 Solar water heater stores 11
4.4.2 Solar combi stores 11

4.5 Controller families 11

4.6 Submission 11

4.7 Changes in products – re-testing 11

4.7.1 Equivalent collector absorbers 12
4.7.2 Equivalent collector glazing 17
4.7.3 Collectors 17

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5 FACTORY PRODUCTION CONTROL AND INITIAL INSPECTION OF

MANUFACTURING SITE 19

6 SURVEILLANCE 19

6.1 Complete re-testing 20

6.2 Surveillance test 20

6.3 Special test 20

6.3.1 Compliance with registered values 21

7 SUPERVISED MANUFACTURERS TESTING 22

8 LIST OF BODIES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME. 22

9 FEES 22

10 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING THE LICENSE 22

11 CHANGING CERTIFICATION BODY 22

12 SOLAR KEYMARK CERTIFICATION OF A SYSTEM WITH A COLLECTOR

CERTIFIED BY ANOTHER CERTIFICATION BODY 23

13 CLARIFICATIONS ON SPECIFIC TESTING AND CERTIFICATION ISSUES 23

13.1 Solar Keymark certification of ICS systems 23

13.2 Negative pressure test of the collector 23

13.3 Nominal store volume 23

13.4 OEM certification 23

13.5 Hot water tapping times 24

13.6 Pre-ageing of solar collector test samples 24

13.7 Solar Keymark Certification of PVT collectors 24

13.8 Calculation of “Collector Annual Output” (CAO) 25

14 LABELS AND LOGO 25

14.1 Display of Solar Keymark licence number on collector 25

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14.2 Labelling of systems 26

15 OTHERS 26

15.1 Mandatory identification of the manufacture 26

15.2 Translation of Solar Keymark documents 26

16 UPDATING SOLAR KEYMARK SCHEME RULES 26

17 UPDATING SOLAR KEYMARK DATABASE 26

18 REFERENCES 27

19 LIST OF ANNEXES 27

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Introduction
These Specific CEN Keymark1 Scheme Rules for Solar Thermal Products are acting as a
supplement to the CEN/CENELEC INTERNAL REGULATIONS –PART 4:
CERTIFICATION – 2006 [1] and CEN INTERNAL REGULATIONS - Part 3 TERMS OF
REFERENCE OF THE CEN CERTIFICATION BOARD, 2006-9 [4].

Together these specific and general rules give the complete set of requirements for
“Keymarking” solar thermal products covered by EN 12975, EN 12976 and EN 12977-3.
Therefore, in order to get the Solar Keymark one shall follow both the general rules and
these specific rules.

The basic elements/requirements of the scheme are:

 A quality system (i.e. product related factory production control) covering the
production line based on the EN ISO 9000 series of standards
 Third party initial inspection of the manufacturing site (and especially the quality
system management)
 Third party initial type testing sampled by independent body
 Third party periodic surveillance (i.e. periodic inspection)

The specific scheme rules are made in order to make the scheme operational for the
involved parties. They are kept as close as possible to the minimum requirements for
Keymark Scheme Rules as given in 4.2 of [1].

Be sure always to have the latest version of these scheme rules, available at
www.solarkeymark.org.

1 Definition of scope

1.1 Products covered by the scheme

The scheme covers the following product main types within the work programme of
CEN/TC 312 for thermal solar systems and components:
 Solar thermal collectors as defined in EN 12975
 Factory made solar thermal systems as defined in EN 12976
 Custom built systems as defined in EN 12977-1 and -2
 Solar water heater stores as defined in EN 12977-3

1
The Keymark is a third-party certification system on the basis of European Standards, demonstrating to
users and consumers conformity to the requirements of the relevant European Standard(s). It is granted after
the satisfactory completion of a certification procedure, comprising product conformity tests (initial type
tests), assessment of the documented factory production control for the related production line, production site
inspection and surveillance.

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 Solar combistores as defined in EN 12977-4

 Control equipment as defined in EN 12977-5
Different product families are different subtypes of the respective main type. Products
families are defined in section 4.
.

1.2 List of European Standards concerned

The scheme refers to the normative requirements in the following European Standards:
 EN 12975-1: Thermal solar systems and components - Solar collectors
— Part 1: General requirements
 EN 12975-2: Thermal solar systems and components - Solar collectors
— Part 2: Test methods
 EN/ISO 9806: Solar energy -- Solar thermal collectors -- Test methods
 EN 12976: Thermal solar systems and components - Factory made systems
— Part 1: General requirements
 EN 12976: Thermal solar systems and components - Factory made systems
— Part 2: Test methods
 EN 12977-1: Thermal solar systems and components - Custom built systems
— Part 1: General requirements for solar water heaters and combisystems
 EN 12977-2: Thermal solar systems and components - Custom built systems
— Part 2: Test methods for solar water heaters and combisystems
 EN 12977-3: Thermal solar systems and components - Custom built systems
— Part 3: Performance test methods for solar water heater stores
 EN 12977-4: Thermal solar systems and components - Custom built systems
— Part 4: Performance test methods for solar combistores
 EN 12977-5: Thermal solar systems and components - Custom built systems
— Part 5: Performance test methods for control equipment

The scheme also refers to the procedure for calculating the output of a solar water heating
system given in:
 EN 15316-4-3: Heating systems in buildings – Method for calculation of system
energy requirements and system efficiencies – Part 4-3: Heat generation systems,
thermal solar systems.

The standards are available from the national standardisation bodies (list of standards
available see: http://www.cen.eu/esearch/).

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2 Requirements and assessment procedures for bodies

engaged in certification, testing and inspection

2.1 Requirements for certification, testing and inspection bodies

The general requirements are given in [1], part 4.1.5:

“Bodies engaged in certification, testing and inspection shall fulfil the requirements of the
relevant standards for their operation, e.g. EN 45000 series and EN ISO/IEC 17000 series
of standards, as well as the additional requirements defined in the Keymark scheme rules...”

The additional requirements/rules in this specific scheme are:

 The certification body in agreement with the manufacturer (license applicant)

employs any of the approved testing laboratories fulfilling the requirements in this
scheme and listed in paragraph 8 “List of bodies for the implementation of the
scheme”.
 Evaluation of testing laboratories by the certification body is not an alternative to
accreditation.
 Certification bodies, testing laboratories and inspection bodies shall participate
actively in the Solar Keymark Network, i.e. participate the in meetings relevant for
their activities in Solar Keymark certification, testing and inspection.
 Certification bodies shall make test results public available in the harmonised
format agreed upon by the Solar Keymark Network – See Annex B. Updated lists of
certified products shall be sent to the Secretariat of the Solar Keymark Network
each month.
 Inspection bodies shall use the harmonised inspection procedure and checklist
agreed upon by the Solar Keymark Network – Annex A.
 Certification bodies shall collect a fee for each license issued to be transferred to the
Secretariat of the Solar Keymark Network. Transfer shall take place within twelve
months from the date of issuing the licence. The fee for the Solar Keymark Network
is given in Annex C.

3 Specification of the manufacturer's application file

The manufacturer and/or applicant shall supply the certification body with the information
as required in the application form of the certification body. The application form is
available from the certification body.
This information must also include the documentation required in the relevant standard:
 paragraph 7. “Collector identification” of EN 12975-1
 paragraph 4.6 “Documentation” and 4.7 “Labelling” of EN 12976-1
 paragraph 6.8 “Documentation” of EN 12977-1
 paragraph 9.2 “Description of the store” of EN 12977-3
 paragraph 7.2 “Description of the store” of EN 12977-4

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 paragraph 6.7 and 12. “Documentation” of EN 12977-5

4 Selection and submission of type test samples

4.1 Selection
The selection of products for initial type testing is made under the responsibility of the
certification body. The test samples for initial type testing are taken out of the current
production or from the stock of the manufacturer. The inspector points out the test samples
and records their serial numbers. The manufacturer shall prove through his factory
production control and quality management system conformity of the test sample with the
series production.
A series production is existing when a least 10 collectors are produced with the same
materials and the same manufacturing technologies in the same way and all major
production processes are performed in presence of the inspector.
At least 10 collectors of the same type more than the number of test samples picked must
be available in the stock for picking the sample(s) to be tested.
SKN decision D4.M6.

4.1.1 Remote Random Sampling procedure.

The following remote sampling procedures can be used:

 Internationally operating inspection companies.
 Videosampling
 Photosampling
Detailed procedures and requirements are given in document SKN_N0126R1.
Example of: “Instructions for Completing Random Selection via Photographs is given in
SKN_N0127R0 can be performed for picking samples for Solar Keymark type testing.
SKN decision D13.M8.

4.2 Collector families and custom built collectors

4.2.1 Collector size families

If the manufacturer produces the “same” collector in different lengths and/or widths (i.e.
the only difference between two collectors is the length and/or the width) the collector is
considered the same subtype (within the same collector “family”). In this case only one
sample of the smallest and one sample of the largest module shall be taken and tested2. The
largest module shall be subject to all the tests required in EN 12975-1 clause 5.2, and the

2
The module sizes are compared based on aperture area. Aperture area is defined in EN/ISO 9488. The
inspector shall inspect all the different sizes of the type to verify conformity.

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smallest shall be subject to a thermal performance test (clause 6 of EN 12975-2)3. The

performance figures used for this type shall be the performance figures corresponding to
the measured instantaneous efficiency having the lowest integral in the interval of the
reduced temperature4 from 0 – 0.1 K/(W/m²). In other words, the efficiency curve used for
this subtype shall be the one embracing the smallest area.

Durability and reliability tests shall be carried out on collectors representing the major
features of the collector family. E.g. collector families with collectors having several glass
covers separated by bars. If the largest size of the collector - the test laboratory can test - is
smaller than the smallest size of the family representing the weakest point - another testing
laboratory shall carry out the respective tests.
SKN decision D2.M6.

4.2.2 Collector glass thickness families

If the manufacturer produces the same collector with various thickness of the cover glass
(i.e. the only difference between two collectors is the thickness of the glass) the collector is
considered as the same subtype (within the same collector ―family). In this case sample(s)
of the collector with the thinnest cover glass and sample(s) of the collector with the thickest
cover glass shall be taken and tested. The collector(s) with the thinnest cover glass shall be
subject to all the tests required in EN 12975-1 clause 5.2, and the collector(s) with the
thickest cover glass shall be subject to a thermal performance test (clause 6 of EN 12975-
2). The performance figures used for this type shall be the performance figures
corresponding to the measured instantaneous efficiency having the lowest integral in the
interval of the reduced temperature from 0 – 0.1 K/(W m²). In other words, the efficiency
curve used for this subtype shall be the one embracing the smallest area.
SKN Resolution R4.M13.

4.2.3 Custom built collectors

Custom built collectors (built in, roof integrated collectors that do not comprise factory
made modules and are assembled directly on the place of installation) are handled as
described in EN 12975-1, paragraph 1”…a module with the same structure as the ready
collector is tested. The module gross area in the case of custom built collectors shall be at
least 2 m²”. The manufacturer has to explain the conformity of the test module with the
normal production and must provide a detailed description of the components. Very large
collector modules may be treated as the custom built ones, see above, if testing of the full
size module is not possible.

3
The definition of the biggest collector and the smallest collector is done at the initial test. If later a bigger
size or smaller size is added to the collector family this is resulting in a new definition for the existing family.
If there is a new biggest collector added this will require performance testing and reliability testing of this
collector. If there is a new smallest collector added this will require performance testing on the smallest
collector - SKN decision D3.M8.
4
The reduced temperature is defined in EN 12975-2, paragraph 6.1.4.8.3, and the instantaneous efficiency in
6.1.4.8.4.2.

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4.2.4 4.2.4 Separate certificates and data sheets for collectors within a family

If the criteria of a collector family are met, separate certificates and data sheets with
individual performance figures of the different collectors can be issued, provided the
thermal performance is determined for each collector.
In this case, reference to all relevant test reports has to be made on each data sheet.
With regard to the fees, the different collectors are treated as different subtypes.

SKN Resolution R3.M14.

4.3 System families

4.3.1 System families (EN 12976 - Factory made systems)

If the manufacturer produces the “same” system in different sizes, the different sizes of the
system is considered being the same subtype (within the same system “family”). Detailed
requirements for systems to be of the same subtype are given in Annex D.
Testing requirements for systems of the same subtype are:
 High temperature and safety tests (according to EN 12976) shall be performed on
the sub system having the highest collector area to store volume ratio.
 All other tests (according to EN 12976 and including performance test) shall be
performed on the “medium” sub system. Detailed testing requirements are given in
Annex D.
Performance indicators for the system configurations which are not performance tested can
be determined based on the performance test result on the “medium” system configuration
according to the procedures described in Annex D.

4.3.2 System families (EN 12977 - Custom built systems - including unique large
systems)

The systems defined in one assortment file according to EN 12977-1 section 6.8.2
“Assortment file for small systems” are considered being the same subtype (within the
same system “family”).
The following components in a custom built system shall (as a general rule5) be
Keymarked:
 Solar collectors (EN 12975)
 Solar water heater stores (EN 12977-3)
 Solar combistores (EN 12977-4)
 Control equipment (EN 12977-5)

5
If a large systems is tested according to EN 12977-2 Annex C (method C4), only the collectors shall be
Keymarked.

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For large custom built systems performance testing and test results may be given in
accordance to EN 12977-2 Annex C. For such large custom-built solar thermal systems
tested according to Annex C, the concept of “system family” is not applicable and the
certification is valid only for the specific configuration.

4.4 Store families

4.4.1 Solar water heater stores

A series of solar water heater stores fulfilling the requirements in EN 12977-3 Annex E is
considered as one store family - and same subtype.

4.4.2 Solar combi stores

Combi stores shall be certified individually. So far no family concept defined for stores
related to EN 12977-4.

4.5 Controller families

Controllers with exactly the same control functions, sensors and actuators are considered as
one controller family - and same subtype.

4.6 Submission
The inspector either takes with him the test samples and delivers them to the testing
laboratory, or he marks them with a permanent mark (alternatively seals their packing) and
instructs the manufacturer to deliver them to the testing laboratory.

4.7 Changes in products – re-testing

The Keymark licence is not valid if a keymarked product is changed/modified. However,
depending on the modifications, it might not be necessary to carry out a complete new
initial type test. In order to keep the license, the manufacturer shall supply the certification
body with a revised “manufacturers application file” noting that the product is a
modification of an already keymarked product (specifying exactly which one) and
specifying exactly which modification(s) will be made. The certification body will then
assess the necessity of re-tests/supplementary tests on the basis of table C.1 in Annex C of
EN 12975-1 (collectors) and table A.3 in Annex A of EN 12976-1 (factory made systems)
and taking into account decisions made at Solar Keymark Network meetings6. Depending
on the degree of changes in the production process, the certification body will evaluate if a
new initial inspection of the production line is needed. If the certification body approves the
new tests (and inspection), the manufacturer may mark the modified product.

6
An updated list of decisions from the Solar Keymark Network meetings is available from
the www.solarkeymark.org. Included here are decisions made on those specific collector
and system sub-components which can be interchanged without retesting.

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Note: The fees for the modified product are the same as for a new product, but some
expenses for testing and inspection might be saved. The manufacturer may keep the license
for the original product.
Note: If the changes are only changes in sub-components/materials a new initial inspection
should not be necessary.

4.7.1 Equivalent collector absorbers

4.7.1.1 Exchangeability of absorbers in flat plate collectors except absorber coating

Flat plate collectors with modified absorbers can be generally considered as the same
subtype (same collector family) just if 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of Table 1 (see below) are modified
and if:

 The power curves (for G = 1000 W/m²) determined by an accredited test lab for the
two collectors with different absorbers shall not differ by more than 2% of the peak
power at a temperature difference of 0 K and not more than 2% of the peak power at
a temperature difference of 50 K. Peak power is the module power at temperature
difference at 0 K. The principle is illustrated in figure 1.

 In the case of a modification of header pipes (clause 7 in Table 1) the exception

described in remark 1 shall be taken into account.
 In the case of a modification of the nominal distance between absorber pipes (clause
8 in Table 1) the exception described in remark 2 shall be taken into account.

Collectors with equal absorbers according to the requirements above can just be sold as the
same subtype for 1 year.
If the requirement above is not fulfilled or if the collectors with unequal absorbers should
be sold in parallel for more than 1 year, separate certificates shall be issued.
It is recommended to do the performance measurement as a comparative measurement of a
collector as originally certified and a collector with the modified absorber.
In the case of existing collector families (e.g. different length and height) the smallest and
biggest size need to be taken into account. If the requirement above is not fulfilled for every
tested size, separate certificates shall be issued.
If there are different interpretations possible within a certification procedure, the
certification bodies have to ensure a harmonized certification decision according to the
Solar KEYMARK Network Internal Regulations, clause 5.

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Rules for testing

Shall be tested according to 12975-2 on “new” absorber
design

5.6 Internal thermal shock

5.2 Internal pressure tests
effective thermal capacity

5.7 Rain penetration test

6. Thermal performance

5.3 High-temperature
Determination of the

5.11 Final inspection

and time constant

5.4 Exposure test

resistance test
for absorbers

test
1. Material of absorber sheet X X X X X X
2. Material of pipes X X X X X X X
3. Design of absorber plate
a. Absorber fins to full X X X X X X
plate absorber
b. Full plate absorber to X X X X X X
absorber fins
4. Nominal thickness of X X X X
absorber sheet
5. Type of connection of
absorber sheet and absorber X X X X X X
pipes
6. Absorber pipes (nominal
diameters, nominal X X X X X X X
thickness)
7. Header pipes (nominal
diameters, nominal X1 X X X X X X X
thickness)
8. Nominal distance between X2 X2 X2
absorber pipes
Table 1: List of changes on absorbers of flat plate collector except coating
1 If diameter is changed for “one step” no additional performance test is necessary. “One step” means
changes from one listed outer diameter to the next listed larger or smaller outer diameter. The listed
diameters are:
12 mm 15 mm 18 mm 22 mm 28 mm 32 mm
2 Retesting is required if the nominal spacing between adjacent absorber pipes is changed by more than
±5%.

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Limitations and remarks

 Just absorbers made of copper or aluminium are covered.
 The certification of upright and horizontal format is not covered.
 The proposal shows possible modifications where an agreement was found, other
possible modifications are not covered.
 Each not listed modification need to be checked with test labs and certification
bodies.
 Flat plate collectors with absorbers with different flow schemes (U-harp, Z-harp and
meander) cannot be considered in one collector family. Testing shall be done
according EN 12975-1 Annex C.
 If more than one modification is intended (after some time or at new certification
process) always the combination of listed tests according to Table 1 is needed.
 The measurement of pressure drop is not included, because of informative status in
EN 12975:2006
 The measurement of the IAM needs not to be done.
 All tests need to be done successfully by a Solar KEYMARK recognized test lab
and reported in test reports.
 For custom built collectors it is essential to use different sizes of header pipes
within a collector (clause 7 of Table 1). For this kind of collector this clause is not
relevant.
The measurement of the stagnation temperature is necessary in combination with the High-
temperature resistance

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test.

Fig.1. Illustration of the principle given in point 3: The power curve for the collector with
the coating in question shall be within the 2 % peak MAX and MIN marks indicated at 0
and 50 K. In the case shown here with a module peak power of 1 000 W, the MAX (MIN)
points are 20 W bigger (smaller) than the corresponding reference power curve (black
curve).The green dotted curve illustrate a power curve fulfilling the requirement; the red
dotted curve illustrates a power curve NOT fulfilling the requirement (because of a too low
value at 50 K).

4.7.1.2 Procedure for considering selective absorber coatings as equivalent

Different coatings are considered as equivalent provided that

1. They are applied on the same substrate (e.g. copper, aluminium)
and
2. The specific test procedures described below have been passed successfully
and
3. The equality is accepted by the Solar Keymark Network

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Procedure
If a coating is to be considered equivalent to other coatings then the following tests shall be
passed and requirements shall be fulfilled:
1. Two identical collectors (apart from the absorber coating) are compared to verify
the equality of the two coatings. The absorbers of the two collectors must be made
of the same material and must have the same thickness. One of the collectors is
coated with one of the reference coatings fulfilling the following requirements:
alpha ≥ mean value of alpha values in the group - 1 % point; epsilon ≤ mean value
of epsilon values in the group + 1 % point. The mean value shall be given and
updated each time a new member is included. The other collector is coated with the
new coating.
2. The durability and reliability tests according to EN 12975-2 (being relevant with
regard to the absorber, thus 5.3 High Temperature Resistance, 5.4 Exposure and 5.6
Internal Shock) for the collector with the new coating performed by an EN12975
accredited test lab are successfully passed.
3. The power curves (for G = 1000 W/m²) determined by an accredited test lab for the
two collectors with different coatings shall not differ by more than 2% of the peak
power at a temperature difference of 0 K and not more than 2% of the peak power
at a temperature difference of 50 K. Peak power is the module power at
temperature difference at 0 K. The principle is illustrated in figure 1 in previous
section.
4. The absorptance and emittance of the different coatings under question shall have -
according to the specifications of the manufacturer - equivalent optical properties
(alpha1 = alpha2  1% point at most, epsilon1 = epsilon2  1% point at most) and
the same range of the production variability, e.g. 0.95  2% points.
5. For selective absorber coatings on metal, a IEA SHC Task X test shall be performed
successfully
6. The interchange ability is accepted by the Solar Keymark Network

The equivalency of the absorber coating can be challenged anytime. In this case the
absorber has to be sampled by an accredited third party or by the test lab. The costs for the
whole procedure are fully carried by the challenger. Upon presentation of tests that suggest
none-equivalency of an absorber coating, the SKN is obliged to request the re-evaluation of
a absorber coating the latest until the forthcoming SKN meeting. The absorber has to be
sampled by a third party.

NB. Updated rules and procedures for exchanges of absorber coatings and updated list of
absorber coatings which can be exchanged are found in latest version of SKN_N0137,
public available from www.solarkeymark.org.
SKN resolution R1.M13.

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4.7.2 Equivalent collector glazing

Note: This procedure applies for thermally toughened safety flat glass only. For all other
types of glass, no equivalences can be defined at present, due to a lack of experience
Collector glazing can be considered as equivalent if the following requirements are
fulfilled:
1. If material, texture, surface treatment and thickness of the glass remain unchanged,
a. the solar transmittance (AM 1.5) shall be measured and documented for both types
of glazing. The solar transmittance (AM 1.5) shall not differ by more than ± 1
percentage point from the one of the glass used for the initial Solar Keymark
collector test. These measurements shall be not older than 2 years and shall be made
by one of the Solar Keymark test labs or by labs accredited for transmittance
measurements;
and
b. if the impact resistance test according to EN12975-2, chapter 5.9 was performed
during the initial test, the impact resistance test shall be passed successfully with
equal or better result than in the initial test. The tests shall be carried out by a Solar
Keymark test lab or at the manufacturing site by a test engineer from a Solar
Keymark test lab.
2. If the glass is not identical like described in point 1 above the following additional test
has to be done:
a. If the thickness of glass is changed, mechanical load and rain penetration has to be
tested.
b. If the thickness of glass is changed by less than 1 mm no transmittance measurement
needs to be done, if no other characteristic of the glazing was changed and if the
glass is of the same type and from the same glass manufacturer (e.g. Securit Albarino
T from Saint Gobain).
c. If texture or surface treatment is changed, the collector performance test incl. IAM
has to be done.
Remark: The new test results from collector testing (not glass only testing) have to be
documented in an updated test report from accredited test lab according to
EN 12975.
SKN decision D2.M11.

4.7.3 Collectors

A collector in a Solar Keymark certified system can be changed under the following
conditions:
 The original test report of the tested system configuration remains the reference for
all kinds of modifications, even if a modification was accepted without retest. The
procedure for an advice of amendment follows the four topics:

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 The manufacturer informs the Certification Body about the planned change of
collector type.
 The manufacturer delivers the test reports and Solar Keymark data sheets of both
collectors and the system to the Certification Body.
 Both the Certification Body and the test lab which has issued the system test report
have to approve the system modification.
A negative decision can also be based on technical consideration out of the following few
requirements.

Minimum requirements on the collector:

 The alternative collector is Solar Keymark certified.
 The original collector must be performance tested according to EN 12975
 The test reports of both collectors and the system are available to the Certification
Body
 The change of the collector does not cause a change of the system configuration e.g.
piping, inlet connections, controller, pump etc.
 Both collectors have to be “technical identical”

Definition of “technical identical” Collector” (Data based on test report)

 Tolerance of gross area ± 10 %
 IAM (50°) ± 3 %
 The pressure drop shall not differ by more than ± 10 % for the nominal flow rate as
stated by the manufacture
 Total performance of the collector at 1000 W/m2:
 Integral from 0 to 100 °C, tolerance of 0 to 10 % (new collector being better than
original)
 Wpeak ± 10 %, (Peak Power [G = 1000 W/m2] per collector unit)

No modifications allowed at:

 Hydraulic flow type
 Maximal operating pressure
 Permitted heat transfer fluid

Reporting
 The original test report of the tested system remains the reference for all kinds of
modifications – cascading modifications are excluded. The original test report

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remains unchanged and valid. The use of alternative collectors is briefly reported as
an addendum to the original test report.

SKN decision D6.M7.

5 Factory production control and initial inspection of

manufacturing site
With the initial inspection it is checked whether the manufacturing site fulfils the
requirements stated in 4.1.3 in [1]:

“The manufacturer shall operate a quality system covering the production line of the
product for which the licence to use the Keymark is granted and which should be based on
the quality standards which are at least of the level of the EN ISO 9000 series of standards.
In granting the licence, the empowered certification body shall take into account the
existence of any quality system certificate issued by a certification body that is accredited
by a member of the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA).”

The quality management system shall cover the production line according to inspector’s
criteria. In the case of collectors the requirements are specified in Annex E.
The inspection procedure and checklist given in Annex A1 shall be used.

In case the manufacturer is ISO 9001 certified by a certifier accredited by a national

accreditation body being a member of IAF (International Accreditation Forum)
(www.iaf.nu) a Solar Keymark factory inspection is only required every second year
provided the ISO 9001 report is made available to the certifier.
Based on conclusions of previous audits, interim inspections can be requested by the
certifier.
SKN decision D12.M8 & R2.M13.

6 Surveillance
The general surveillance procedures are given in 4.1.4 of [1]:

“Periodic surveillance by the empowered certification body including testing of samples

from the production line or from the market and surveillance of the manufacturer's quality
system.”

and A.1.6.3 of [4]:

“The factory inspections/assessments shall include the checking of the documentation of
the related FPC at least once a year, as well as selecting samples for tests at least every
second year …”

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6.1 Complete re-testing

A complete re-testing of solar thermal products is required if the initial date of Solar
Keymark certification or the last complete re-testing was more than 10 years ago.

Resolution R4.M15.

6.2 Surveillance test

The surveillance test is a detailed physical inspection of the product and a comparison with
the specifications of the original type tested sample. The procedure for the detailed physical
inspection given in Annex A2 shall be used. The surveillance test shall be done at least
every second year. The test samples for surveillance testing are taken out of the current
production or from the stock of the manufacturer. The inspector points out the test samples
and records their serial numbers. See also section 4.1.
SKN resolution R3.M13.

6.3 Special test

Complaints concerning the conformity of a certified product are handled according to [1]
section 5.4 (Complaints) and section 5.5 (Appeal procedures).
In this connection a special test can be ordered through the certification body by anyone, if
the fulfilment of the requirements of the certification program or the registered values of a
certified product is doubted.
The special test is normally to be made as a type test and in agreement with the
manufacturer by a second approved testing laboratory listed in paragraph 8. If only one or a
few points of the certification program are challenged, the certification body decides after
consulting the testing laboratory if the special test can be made as a partial or
supplementary test.
If the tested product does not fulfil the requirements and/or does not comply with the
registered values(see section 6.2.1), the legal person holding the Keymark licence of the
product in question has to carry the costs of the special test.
If the tested product fulfils the requirements and complies with the registered values, the
costs have to be carried by the party which questioned the fulfilment of the requirements or
registered values and ordered the test through the certification body.
If the special test shows that the failure of the product to conform to the requirements
and/or registered values is due to random manufacturing error or transport damage, the
testing laboratory has to take a second sample. The result of this test is the obliging result
for the special test.
The legal person holding the Keymark licence or a person authorised by the legal person
holding the Keymark licence must have the opportunity to take part during the whole
procedure of the special test. He must be informed of the results of the test without delay to
have the chance to react directly.

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If the special test states deviations from the requirements and/or the registered values, the
certification body requires the legal person holding the Keymark licence to rectify the faults
within a certain limited time which should not exceed one month, depending on the extent
and manner of the fabrication. Thereafter the testing laboratory performs a new special test,
the extent and manner being determined by the certification body consulting the testing
laboratory.

6.3.1 Compliance with registered values

 Collectors (EN 12975):

o The integral of the measured instantaneous efficiency at the special test shall be
more than 90% of the already registered integral in the interval of the reduced
temperature from 0 – 0,1 K/(W/m²). The reduced temperature is defined in EN
12975-2, paragraph 6.1.4.8.3, and the instantaneous efficiency in 6.1.4.8.4.2.
 Systems (EN 12976):
o Solar-plus-supplementary systems: The calculated Qaux,net based on the special
test shall be less than 110% of the originally calculated Qaux,net. Qaux,net is
defined in EN 12976-2, paragraph 5.9.3.2. The calculations to be compared shall be
based on the Würzburg climate data and the design load already given by the
manufacturer (see: EN 12976-2, Annex B, table B.1).
o Solar-only and solar preheat systems: The calculated fsol based on the special test
shall be more than 90% of the originally calculated fsol. fsol is defined in EN
12976-2, paragraph 5.9.3.3. The calculations to be compared shall be based on the
Würzburg climate data and the design load already given by the manufacturer (see
EN 12976-2 Annex B, table B.1).
 Systems (EN 12977-2):
o Solar-plus-supplementary systems: The calculated Qaux,net based on the special
test shall be less than 110% of the originally calculated Qaux,net. Qaux,net is
defined in EN 12977-2, paragraph 7.7.4. The calculations to be compared shall be
based on the Würzburg climate data and the design load already given by the
manufacturer (see: EN 12977-2, Annex A, table A.1).
o Solar-only and solar preheat systems: The calculated fsol based on the special test
shall be more than 90% of the originally calculated fsol. fsol is defined in EN
12977-2, paragraph 7.7.5. The calculations to be compared shall be based on the
Würzburg climate data and the design load already given by the manufacturer (see
EN 12977-2 Annex A, table A.1).
o Large unique systems: The predicted yearly system gain according to EN 12977-2
Annex C §C.4.8 based on the special test shall be more than 85% of the originally
calculated yearly system gain for the same reference conditions.
 Solar water heater stores (EN 12977-3):
o Solar water heater stores (EN 12977-3):
o Values of heat loss shall be within ± 10% of the original values.

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o Effective volume shall be within ± 5% of the original values.

o Heat capacity shall be within ± 5% of the original values.
 Solar combistores (EN 12977-4):
o Solar combistores (EN 12977-3):
o Values of heat loss shall be within ± 10% of the original values.
o Effective volume shall be within ± 5% of the original values.
o Heat capacity shall be within ± 5% of the original values.
 Solar controllers (EN 12977-5):
o Control equipment (EN 12977-5): The special test shall show no principle
deviations in the functions of the controller and the accuracy of the sensors shall be
within the required maximum deviation as specified in EN 12977-5, §7.

7 Supervised manufacturers testing

Procedures such as "supervised manufacturers’ type testing" and/or "type testing at
manufacturers' premises" are not included in these scheme rules.

Note: At the moment no manufacturer is doing the type testing itself. In the future it might
be taken into consideration to specify the rules for such an option

8 List of bodies for the implementation of the scheme.

An updated list of empowered certification bodies and approved inspection bodies and
testing laboratories is available at the Solar Keymark web site: www.solarkeymark.org.

9 Fees
By applying for the licence to use the Keymark, the manufacturer also agrees to meet:
1. the costs specified in [1]
2. the fees for the Solar Keymark Network specified in ANNEX C. These fees are not
set and regulated by CEN but by the Solar Keymark network.

10 Additional requirements for obtaining the license

Some large solar collectors have to be CE-marked, further information at:
http://www.solarkeymark.org

11 Changing certification body

Procedures for changing the certification body
 It shall be possible for a licensee to obtain a new license from another certification
body without re-testing and re-inspection
 Old license shall be withdrawn when new one is issued
 Change of license should be done within 3 months after the request
The test report(s) and the inspection report(s) have to be provided to the “new”
certifier
 The test institute that issued the test reports has to be accepted by the “new” certifier

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SKN decision D1.M3.

12 Solar Keymark certification of a system with a collector

certified by another certification body
It is no required that a system and the components in the system are Keymark certified by
the same certification body. In general a certifier has to perform Solar Keymark system
certification based on collector Solar Keymark certificates issued by another certification
body.
The manufacturer is obliged to inform the certification body certifying his system about
any changes related to the certification of the collector used in the system - including if the
collector certificate is cancelled7.
SKN decision D4.M8.

13 Clarifications on specific testing and certification issues

13.1 Solar Keymark certification of ICS systems

Solar Keymark certification of ICS systems is possible.
SKN decision D5.M3.

13.2 Negative pressure test of the collector

“Negative pressure test of the collector” according to 5.9.2 EN 12975-2:2006 does not
have to be performed on tubular collectors due to the following reason: The negative
pressure test is intended to assess the extent to which the fixings between the collector
cover and collector box are able to resist uplift forces caused by the wind. This is not
relevant for tubular collectors.
There shall be a remark on the Solar Keymark certificate in case the negative pressure test
was not performed as long as the pressure test is still mandatory according to the standard.
SKN decision D6.M3.

13.3 Nominal store volume

The nominal store volume stated on the system identification label shall not differ by
more than 10 % from the effective store volume determined from the measured thermal
capacity. The calculation of the percentage of the difference between the two volumes is
based on the value of the effective volume. The effective store volume shall be mentioned
in the test report.
SKN decision D2.M5.

13.4 OEM certification

OEM certificates shall be issued by the certifier who issued the original certificate.

7
According to the existing rules the manufacturer is required to inform, in addition to the
certifier of the collector, also the certifier of the system about any changes related to the
collector. In order to be sure that the manufacturer informs the certifier of the system about
a withdrawal of the certificate for the collector, it is recommended to state the obligation
clearly in the contract between the certifier of the system and the manufacturer.

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SKN decision D3.M5

13.5 Hot water tapping times

Hot water tapping times
Following taping times should be used for the performance prediction:

Note: Time given in Table 1 are decimal figures. SKN decision D5.M8.

13.6 Pre-ageing of solar collector test samples

Before performing a rain penetration test the solar thermal product should be pre-
aged to at least the following extent by using either possibility 1 or possibility 2:
 Possibility 1:
o Expose the product at least for 15 valid days (according to the validity
criteria of EN 12975, 5.4).
 Possibility 2:
o Two stagnation tests using a solar simulator providing at least 850 W/m² and
10°C ambient temperature with a duration of irradiance of at least 4h. In
between this two stagnation tests the collector has to reach approximately
ambient temperature.
o Exposure to outdoor conditions for at least 15 days, not requiring any
boundary conditions to be fulfilled.
o Two stagnation tests using a solar simulator providing at least 850 W/m² and
10°C ambient temperature with a duration of irradiance of at least 4h. In
between this two stagnation tests the collector has to reach approximately
ambient temperature.
SKN Decision D8.M10.

13.7 Solar Keymark Certification of PVT collectors

Solar Keymark certification of PVT collectors is possible provided the PV module being
part of the PVT collector is certified using either:
a) an ISO system 5 certification scheme according to ISO IEC Guide 67 by a
certification body accredited according to EN 45011 or ISO 17065, or
b) a certification body accepted in the FCS (Full Certification Scheme) of the
IECEE/CB Agreement whose scope includes the PV category

and still complies after modification, if any, as part of the PVT collector with the relevant
EN standards.
Note: A list of documents and standards PVT collectors should comply with is available as
Annex D of prEN 12975-1:2012.2

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Note: One possible procedure for compliance evaluation and it’s securing is described in
the document SKN_N0213R0 entitled “Solar Keymark Scheme Rules for PVT
certification - Requirements and Recommendations”
Note: The scope of certification bodies may be checked at
http://members.iecee.org/iecee/ieceemembers.nsf/ScopeOverview?ReadForm
Within the scope it must be checked that the certification body works under the FCS
(full certification scheme) for each relevant standard. FCS is an extension to the
IECEE CB agreement that has follow up activities based on an ISO 5 System. (more
information on http://www.iecee.org/cb_fcs/default.htm and on
http://www.iecee.org/Operational_documents/iecee_documents/od-3000.pdf )

Special requirement for performance determination of PVT collectors

(Note: Text according to Decision D7.M10)
For Solar Keymark certification of PVT collectors, the measurements of the thermal
performance shall be performed with electrical production under MPP conditions. In
addition, an optional thermal performance determination without electrical production
(open circuit for PV-Module) is possible.

For the electrical load applied for the electrical production an appropriate solution for the
MPP tracking shall be used.

SKN Resolution R1.M14 & R5.M15 – Solar Keymark Scheme Rules for PVT collectors

13.8 Calculation of “Collector Annual Output” (CAO)

The calculation of the “Collector Annual Output” (CAO) shall be done by latest version of
the SCEnOCalc software (SCEnOCalc is available from the Solar Keymark website).
Results shall be presented as shown in Annex B1of the Solar Keymark Scheme rules
(collector data sheet).

SKN resolution R4.M14

14 Labels and logo

14.1 Display of Solar Keymark licence number on collector

Display of Solar Keymark licence number on collector
For new Solar Keymark certificates issued from 01. May 2010 on-wards it is only allowed
to display the Solar Keymark logo on the collector together with the Solar Keymark licence
number.
For Solar Keymark certificates issued before 01. May 2010 it is required to display the
Solar Keymark licence number together with the Solar Keymark logo (in case the logo is
displayed) from 01.May 2011 onwards on the collectors.
SKN decision D7.M8.

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14.2 Labelling of systems

The requirement stated in EN 12976-1:2006, clause 4.7 “Every system shall have the
following information durably marked on a plate or label to be visible at installation” can
be considered as fulfilled if:
the label is included in the documentation supplied with the system
and
in the documentation it is stated that the label (or corresponding page of the
documentation with the label) has to be placed at the systems or the site where the
system is installed
and
an appropriate way for providing a durable fixing and display of the label is provided
The requirement mentioned above is relevant for the system label required according to EN
12976-1:2006, clause 4.7 and for the Solar Keymark system label.
SKN decision D3.M9.

15 Others

15.1 Mandatory identification of the manufacture

For collectors as the name of the manufacturer also the name of the supplier of the collector
can be mentioned.
SKN decision D10.M7.

15.2 Translation of Solar Keymark documents

Certification bodies or test institutes can translate documents such as e.g. factory inspection
reports or data sheets in other languages provided that always the original English text
remain in the document.
This means that the preparation of a document using any language and English is possible.
In case of doubts, contradictions etc. the English text is the relevant one.
SKN decision D11.M7.

16 Updating Solar Keymark scheme rules

The Solar Keymark scheme rules should be updated once every year taking into account
the decisions made in the meantime. Since the decisions are already agreed on by the Solar
Keymark Network, no extra voting on the accordingly updated Solar Keymark scheme
rules is required.
SKN decision D1.M9.

17 Updating Solar Keymark database

The certification bodies shall inform the Solar Keymark secretariat every two weeks about
the Solar Keymark certificates issued and withdrawn for updating the Solar Keymark
database every two weeks.
SKN decision D4.M9.

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18 References
[1] CEN/CENELEC INTERNAL REGULATIONS – Part 4: Certification – 2006
[2] EN ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and
calibration laboratories
[3] EN 45011, General criteria for certification bodies operating product certification
[4] CEN INTERNAL REGULATIONS - PART 3 TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE
CEN CERTIFICATION BOARD, 2006-9

How to get the references:

[1] and [4] is available from CEN (www.cen.eu) and the Solar Keymark web site
(www.solarkeymark.org).
[2] and [3] and the referenced standards (see section 1.2) are available from the national
standardisation bodies.

19 List of Annexes
Annexes to the Solar Keymark Specific Scheme Rules are available from:
www.solarkeymark.org

Unless otherwise specified, the annexes are normative.

Annex A1: Harmonised factory inspection procedure & check list

Annex A2: Solar Keymark surveillance test

Annex A3: Parts list, drawings and specifications, Solar Keymark Collectors

Annex A4: Parts list, drawings and specifications, Solar Keymark Systems

Annex B1: Example of collector data sheet

Annex B2: Example of system datasheet

Annex C: Solar Keymark Fees

Annex D: System families - requirements and extrapolation procedures

Annex E: Factory production control (informative until 1st of January 2014)

Annex F: Requirements for freeze resistance test of evacuated tube collectors with heat
pipes following EN 12975:2006 (informative until 1st of January 2014)

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