Participants from various sectors, including trade and energy ministries, are gathering in Conakry, Guinea, to initiate the promotion of off-grid solar photovoltaic standards. This meeting, taking place from March 25 to 26, aims to popularize standards that were recently adopted at the regional level (ECOSTAND IEC TS 62257-9-5 and ECOSTAND IEC TS 62257-9-8).
The primary goal of this workshop is to ensure that stakeholders in Guinea are well-informed about these standards for off-grid solar products with a power rating of 350Wp or less. By the end of the two-day session, participants are expected to understand quality standards for off-grid solar products and standalone PV kits. They will also become familiar with definitions, testing methods, and learn how to implement these standards according to current legislation.
Participants will be equipped to provide accurate information about the adopted standards and raise public awareness. They will also gain skills in conducting conformity assessments of off-grid solar PV products, market surveillance, and disseminating information to the general public.
Representatives from the Ministries of Trade and Energy expressed gratitude towards ECOWAS for assisting Guinea in implementing these standards. They committed to promoting them widely across all levels.
The Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP) is jointly funded by the World Bank, the Clean Technology Fund, and the Government of the Netherlands. It is executed by the ECOWAS Commission through its Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Digitization.