ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan-Korea PV Module Testing Laboratory is set to enter its commercial phase as it prepares to apply for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from the Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC), a step aimed at strengthening quality assurance in Pakistan’s expanding solar energy market.

Official documents reviewed by Wealth Pakistan show the facility has become fully operational after installing and commissioning advanced equipment capable of conducting up to 40 different tests on photovoltaic (PV) modules. The laboratory is designed to evaluate solar panels in line with internationally recognized technical standards, a development expected to support regulatory oversight and consumer protection.

The lab plans to submit its accreditation application in May 2026, following the completion of a final phase of specialized training in South Korea scheduled for March and April 2026. The accreditation process is expected to conclude by mid-2026.

Once accredited, the facility will be authorized to issue internationally recognized test reports. This will allow regulators and industry stakeholders to verify compliance with established quality benchmarks and curb the circulation of substandard solar products in the domestic market.

Strengthening regulatory framework

The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) is expected to begin the process of including solar panels in its mandatory certification list. The move is intended to prevent the import and sale of low-quality equipment and to formalize technical compliance requirements.

Accredited testing services from the Pak-Korea laboratory will support this process by providing verified reports required for certification and enforcement.

Industry representatives say the operationalization of the lab could improve investor confidence, encourage local manufacturing, and enhance the export potential of Pakistan’s solar equipment sector. The initiative is also viewed as part of broader efforts to align the country’s renewable energy infrastructure with global quality standards.

The establishment and accreditation of the laboratory mark a significant institutional step toward improving transparency and ensuring product reliability in Pakistan’s growing solar market.