How to Secure Certifications for Your Solar Film Products
Contents
- 2. Overview of Certifications and Key Standards
- 3. Certification Process and Steps to Follow
- 4. Concrete Benefits and Market Impact
- 5. Conclusion: Solar Screen's Expertise at Your Service
The demand for solar films is growing among both residential and commercial clients as these products help improve thermal comfort, enhance security, and boost energy efficiency in buildings. However, to demonstrate the quality and performance of your products, obtaining the right certifications is essential. In this article, we explore the key standards (NFRC, ISO, CE) as well as more specific safety and security norms for glazing. You will learn why these certifications provide a competitive edge and how Solar Screen’s expertise can support you throughout the process.
1. Introduction: The Importance of Certification
In a competitive market, certifications provide concrete, objective proof of the reliability of your solar films. They verify that your products meet technical and legal standards, ensuring customers of their actual performance (heat reduction, UV filtration, impact resistance, etc.). Whether you are a small installer or a major company, obtaining these certifications signals professionalism and transparency, especially when it comes to protecting people and property.
2. Overview of Certifications and Key Standards
2.1 General Certifications: NFRC, ISO, CE
- NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council): Originating from North America, this certification provides precise evaluations of the energy efficiency of windows and solar films. Reports typically include the U-factor (thermal transmittance) and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, helping customers understand your product’s energy performance.
- ISO (International Organization for Standardization): Several ISO standards apply to the construction and glazing materials sectors, assessing factors such as UV resistance and thermal durability.
- CE Marking: Mandatory for products sold in the European Economic Area, the CE mark certifies that materials meet essential health, safety, and environmental protection requirements.
2.2 Safety and Security Certifications
Beyond energy performance, robustness against impacts, vandalism, or extreme conditions is crucial. Some international standards are particularly recognized in this area:
- ANSI Z97.1: This standard outlines performance and safety requirements for glazing materials used in buildings.
- CPSC 16 CFR 1201: Issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, this norm focuses on the safety of glazed surfaces in the event of impact (categories I and II).
- EN 12600: A European standard evaluating the impact resistance and safety of glass (pendulum test), defining classification levels based on the ability of the material to remain intact or break into non-hazardous fragments.
- BS 6206: An older British standard still used as a reference for measuring glass resistance and safety in impact scenarios.
- UL 972: Published by Underwriters Laboratories, this certification ensures that glazing materials can withstand attempts at forced entry—a critical criterion for the protection of commercial spaces and sensitive areas.
- Miami-Dade County: A specific norm for regions exposed to extreme climatic conditions (e.g., hurricanes), verifying that the glazing and film can resist strong winds and flying debris.
Each of these normative approaches requires thorough testing—simulated impacts, pressure resistance, and behavior upon breakage, among others. For installers, using products that meet these standards significantly broadens opportunities across public buildings, industrial sites, or residential areas in high-risk zones.
3. Certification Process and Steps to Follow
3.1 Laboratory Testing
To obtain a safety or performance certification, your products must undergo testing in independent, accredited laboratories. The testing protocols vary according to the standard but often include:
- Impact resistance tests (notably the EN 12600 pendulum test)
- Evaluation of the product's ability to limit hazardous breakage (controlled fragmentation)
- Verification of the adhesion between the film and the glass
- Simulation of flying debris (for stricter standards such as Miami-Dade County)
The test reports generated by these laboratories are crucial for compiling your certification dossier.
3.2 Administrative Documentation
In addition to technical tests, certifying bodies require a comprehensive dossier that typically includes:
- Technical data sheets for your films (composition, properties)
- Certificates of conformity or warranty
- Installation and maintenance instructions
- Evidence of quality control (internal reports, verification processes)
Collecting these documents carefully may take time, but it is essential to ensure the long-term reliability and traceability of your product.
3.3 Costs and Timelines
The overall cost depends on the number of tests required, the complexity of the protocols, and the fees charged by certifying bodies. Timelines generally range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the extent of testing and laboratory turnaround times. This step represents an investment, but it proves worthwhile if you aim for a premium market positioning or need to meet stringent legal requirements.
4. Concrete Benefits and Market Impact
4.1 Credibility and Trust
Certifications provide your customers with immediate evidence of the durability, longevity, and efficiency of your solar films. In today's market, transparency and the ability to prove technical performance are major competitive advantages.
4.2 Compliance with Legal and Local Requirements
In certain regions, specific norms are mandatory—especially for public buildings, seismic areas, or zones exposed to extreme weather. By complying with these standards, you avoid legal issues and build trust with authorities and insurers.
4.3 Competitive Advantage
Offering solar films that comply with safety and performance standards strengthens your value proposition. This enables you to win more demanding contracts, negotiate more easily with business partners, and position yourself as a leading specialist in the sector.
4.4 Brand Image and Differentiation
Beyond technical performance, obtaining certifications demonstrates your company's commitment to quality and reliability. This helps foster a positive brand image and sets you apart in a market where products are often offered without proper verification of their properties.
5. Conclusion: Solar Screen's Expertise at Your Service
Securing the essential certifications for your solar films—whether they pertain to energy efficiency (NFRC, ISO, CE) or safety standards (ANSI Z97.1, CPSC 16 CFR 1201, EN 12600, etc.)—is a crucial step for businesses offering high-quality solutions and aiming to strengthen their market position. These measures not only protect people and property but also reinforce customer trust and that of all stakeholders.
At Solar Screen, we understand the importance of these steps and have extensive expertise to support you. We can assist you in selecting the appropriate products, compiling your dossiers, and navigating the complex regulatory and administrative landscape. By investing in certifications, you prepare your business to meet current challenges and seize future opportunities, assuring your customers that your solar films are both high-performing and reliable, meeting the most stringent safety standards.
