ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has established its first testing laboratory for photovoltaic (PV) modules — a major milestone toward improving solar technology standards and boosting the renewable energy sector. The PAK-KOREA Testing Laboratory for PV Modules and Allied Equipment has been set up through a collaboration between the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Developed under a $9.5 million KOICA grant, along with Rs185.8 million from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), the facility will begin full-scale operations after securing ISO-17025 accreditation, including international IEC-61215 and IEC-61730 standards.
The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) has already started the process to include solar panels in its list of mandatory items. Once operational, the lab will enable random testing of samples from all imported consignments, ensuring strict quality control for solar panels across the country.
KOICA oversaw the construction, equipment installation, commissioning, and a nine-month training programme to prepare local experts for lab operations. PSQCA aims to achieve Certification Body Testing Laboratory (CBTL) status, which would allow the facility to issue IEC-compliant certificates—significantly boosting the export potential of locally manufactured solar panels to Europe and Central Asia.
KOICA President Chang Won Sam and Korean Ambassador Park Jae-Lark inaugurated the facility, calling it a strong step toward Pakistan’s clean energy future. Mr Sam noted that Pakistan’s abundant sunshine gives it a natural advantage in solar energy, and Korea remains committed to supporting the country in adopting global testing and certification standards.
Dr Jaesang Park, KOICA’s project manager, expressed confidence that the new lab will play a crucial role in strengthening Pakistan’s solar industry and elevating its global competitiveness.
Story by Kalbe Ali
