This article is based on an in-person interview conducted with TÜV NORD engineers during SNEC 2026 in Shanghai on June 4, 2026. The interview was recorded on-site and has been edited for clarity and readability.
As global solar markets become increasingly competitive, certification has evolved from a technical requirement into a key factor influencing project financing, investor confidence, and market access.
At SNEC 2026 Shanghai, one of the world’s largest photovoltaic exhibitions, we interviewed senior engineers from TÜV NORD to gain deeper insights into certification standards, testing procedures, project bankability, and future industry developments for solar mounting systems.
This article summarizes the key findings and explains what manufacturers, EPC companies, and project developers should know when evaluating solar mounting system certification.
Table of Contents
1. Why Solar Mounting Certification Matters
2. Certification Standards
3. Composite vs Metal Systems
4. Flexible Mounting Systems
5. Certification Timeline
6. Bankability
7. FAQs
Why Certification Matters for Solar Mounting Systems
Unlike solar modules, there is currently no single global mandatory certification standard for solar mounting structures.
However, independent certification helps verify:
- Structural reliability
- Environmental durability
- Manufacturing consistency
- Long-term project performance
- Compliance with lender and investor requirements
For manufacturers targeting international markets, certification often serves as an important trust signal during bidding and procurement processes.
Why Certified Solar Mounting Systems Are Increasingly Required
In many utility-scale solar projects, certification has become an important part of supplier qualification.
Project developers, EPC contractors, investors, and lenders often evaluate whether mounting systems have been independently tested and certified before approving procurement decisions.
Certified solar mounting systems can help:
- Reduce engineering and structural risks
- Improve project financing opportunities
- Increase investor confidence
- Support insurance assessments
- Simplify project approval processes
As solar projects become larger and financing requirements become stricter, third-party certification is increasingly viewed as a competitive advantage rather than an optional investment.
Which Solar Mounting Systems Typically Require Certification?
Certification may be required for a wide range of photovoltaic support structures, particularly in utility-scale and commercial projects.
Common examples include:
- Ground-mounted solar systems
- Solar tracking systems
- Solar carport structures
- Rooftop solar mounting systems
- BIPV support structures
The certification scope, testing procedures, and applicable standards vary depending on the system design and target market.
Standards Used for Solar Mounting System Certification
Fixed Ground-Mounted Systems
According to TÜV NORD engineers, fixed ground-mounted solar structures are commonly evaluated under TÜV NORD’s internal certification standard:
P33.3-AA-01
This certification framework evaluates:
- Material properties
- Structural performance
- Mechanical strength
- Environmental durability
- Long-term reliability
Testing includes both laboratory and field assessments to verify system performance under realistic operating conditions.
Solar Trackers
For solar tracking systems, the primary certification standard is:
IEC 62817
This international standard covers:
Functional Testing
Verification of tracking accuracy and operational functionality.
Mechanical Testing
Assessment of structural integrity and motion performance under repeated operation.
Environmental Testing
Evaluation of tracker components such as:
- Slewing drives
- Tracking Control Units (TCU)
- Electrical components
Manufacturers are generally required to provide both laboratory samples and a full tracker row for on-site testing.
Roof-Mounted Solar Systems
For products entering the UK market, roof-mounted solar structures are typically required to comply with:
MCS 012
This applies to both:
- Above-roof mounting systems
- Roof-integrated solar mounting systems
Compliance is essential for market acceptance within many UK residential and commercial solar projects.
Composite vs Metal Mounting Systems
As composite materials become increasingly popular, certification requirements are becoming more specialized.
Testing for Traditional Metal Structures
Metal mounting systems commonly undergo:
- Damp heat testing
- UV exposure testing
- Thermal cycling
- Humidity-freeze testing
- Salt spray corrosion testing
These tests are similar to those used for photovoltaic modules.
Additional Testing for Composite Materials
Composite mounting structures typically require further evaluation, including:
- Water resistance testing
- Alkali resistance testing
- UV resistance combined with dry-condensation cycling
- Freeze-thaw cycling
- Flammability testing
- Glow wire testing
These additional assessments help verify long-term durability and fire safety performance.
Certification Requirements for Flexible Mounting Systems
Flexible mounting systems generally follow testing procedures similar to fixed structures.
However, one critical difference is the requirement for:
Wind Tunnel Testing
Wind tunnel testing helps evaluate:
- Dynamic wind loading
- Resonance behavior
- Structural vibration
This assessment is particularly important because wind-induced vibration has contributed to failures in both flexible mounting systems and solar trackers in real-world installations.
Can Certification Testing Simulate 25 Years of Service Life?
A common misconception is that accelerated testing directly equals a specific number of service years.
According to TÜV NORD engineers, accelerated tests provide an indication of long-term durability rather than an exact prediction of service life.
Examples include:
UV Exposure Testing
Approximately 1,700 kWh/m² of cumulative UV irradiation may represent long-term exposure conditions similar to certain Middle Eastern climates.
Damp Heat Testing
Testing at:
- 85°C
- 85% Relative Humidity
for 6,000–7,000 hours can help evaluate long-term durability in temperate climates.
However, no universal formula exists to convert accelerated test duration directly into years of field performance.
Common Certification Failure Points
For composite mounting systems, the most challenging tests often include:
Water Resistance Testing
Long-term immersion can significantly reduce mechanical strength if materials are not properly formulated.
Alkali Resistance Testing
Exposure to alkaline environments may accelerate material degradation and structural weakening.
Manufacturers are advised to conduct internal pre-assessments before submitting products for certification.
| Standard | Primary Purpose | Applicable Products |
|---|---|---|
| P33.3-AA-01 | Fixed Mount Testing | Fixed Structures |
| IEC 62817 | Solar Tracker Evaluation | Trackers |
| MCS 012 | UK Roof Systems | Roof Mounting |
| CE | Regulatory Compliance | EU Market |
| UL | Product Safety | North America |
TÜV NORD vs CE vs IEC vs UL
These certifications and standards are frequently confused, but they serve different purposes.
| Standard | Purpose |
| TÜV NORD Certification | Independent performance and reliability assessment |
| CE Marking | Mandatory regulatory compliance for European markets |
| IEC Standards | International technical standards |
| UL Standards | Safety-focused standards primarily used in North America |
They are not interchangeable.
The appropriate certification strategy depends on target markets, customer requirements, and local regulations.
Certification Process and Timeline
The certification process generally includes:
- Application submission
- Standard selection
- Contract signing
- Sample preparation
- Laboratory testing
- On-site testing
- Factory inspection
- Documentation review
- Certification decision
Typical Timeline
Fixed Mounting Systems
Approximately 3 months
Solar Trackers
Up to 4.5 months
The longer timeframe for trackers is mainly due to the accelerated mechanical cycling test involving approximately 3,650 motion cycles.
Documentation Required for Certification
Manufacturers typically need to prepare:
- Engineering drawings
- Installation manuals
- Material specifications
- Structural calculation reports
- Product construction data forms
Complete and accurate documentation can significantly improve certification efficiency.
Why Certification Improves Project Bankability
Certification Requirements in Different Solar Markets
Certification requirements vary by region and project type.
Which Solar Mounting Systems Commonly Require Certification?
Certification is commonly requested for:
• Ground-mounted solar systems
• Commercial rooftop mounting systems
• Solar carport structures
• BIPV support systems
The specific certification requirements depend on project size, financing requirements, and target market regulations.
Europe
Many developers and EPC companies prefer products that have undergone independent third-party certification. Certification often supports procurement decisions and helps demonstrate long-term reliability.
Middle East
Large utility-scale projects increasingly emphasize bankability and risk management. Independent certification can improve investor confidence and support financing discussions.
Southeast Asia
As utility-scale solar deployment expands, project owners are placing greater emphasis on quality assurance and verified product performance.
Africa
Many internationally financed solar projects require technical due diligence. Certified mounting systems can help manufacturers meet investor and lender expectations.
Certification affects more than product quality.
Financial institutions often use independent certification reports when evaluating project risk.
Certified systems can help:
- Increase investor confidence
- Improve financing conditions
- Reduce perceived technical risk
- Support insurance assessments
In some cases, dedicated bankability reports may be required before lenders approve project financing.
Why EPC Companies Prefer Certified Solar Mounting Systems
- Reduced engineering risk
- Easier project approval
- Lower insurance concerns
- Improved investor confidence
- Better long-term reliability
Future Trends in Solar Mounting System Standards
Growth of Composite Structures
Industry adoption of composite materials is expected to increase due to:
- Corrosion resistance
- Lightweight construction
- High strength-to-weight ratios
Emerging Tracker Standards
While IEC 62817 remains the primary tracker standard today, IEC 63513 is currently under development.
This upcoming standard focuses on personnel protection requirements within solar tracker systems and may influence future product development strategies.
Final Thoughts
As international solar markets continue to mature, certification is becoming a critical component of market access, financing, and long-term project success.
For manufacturers targeting Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and other export markets, obtaining recognized third-party certification can provide a significant competitive advantage.
Certification is no longer simply a compliance exercise—it is increasingly a strategic investment in product credibility, bankability, and global growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TÜV NORD certification for solar mounting systems?
TÜV NORD certification evaluates the reliability, durability, and structural performance of solar mounting systems through laboratory and field testing.
Is TÜV certification mandatory for solar mounting systems?
No. TÜV certification is generally voluntary, but many project owners, EPC contractors, and investors prefer certified products.
How long does solar mounting system certification take?
Fixed mounting systems typically require around three months, while solar trackers may require up to four and a half months due to additional mechanical cycling tests.
What is IEC 62817?
IEC 62817 is the primary international standard used to evaluate the performance, functionality, and safety of solar tracking systems.
Does TÜV certification improve project bankability?
Yes. Certification provides third-party verification of product reliability, which can help lenders, insurers, and investors assess project risk.
How much does solar mounting system certification cost?
Certification costs depend on product complexity, testing scope, laboratory requirements, and factory inspection activities.
What documents are required for solar mounting certification?
Manufacturers typically need engineering drawings, installation manuals, material specifications, structural calculations, and product data forms.
Is certification required for solar carport structures?
Certification requirements vary by project and market. However, certified solar carport systems are often preferred for commercial and utility-scale projects.
What is the difference between TÜV certification and CE marking?
TÜV certification evaluates product performance and reliability, while CE marking demonstrates compliance with European regulatory requirements.
Do solar trackers require different certification standards?
Yes. Solar trackers are commonly evaluated under IEC 62817, which includes functional, mechanical, and environmental testing requirements.