In order to participate in the Eskom EEDSM program, a supplier has to obtain, as a minimum requirement, a test certificate from the SABS to verify the mechanical and thermal performance of the specific solar water heating system. This serves as an indication of the quality of the system, but does not constitute SABS approval.
- SABS mark approval
SABS product certification mark approval is a voluntary scheme that entails the submission of a test report to the approvals board and an audit of the applicant’s factory manufacturing quality system (e.g. ISO 9001).
To maintain SABS mark approval acceptance, manufacturers have to submit samples for testing to demonstrate ongoing acceptance and conformance to the relevant specifications.
Only manufacturers that are in possession of a valid and current permit to apply the SABS mark may claim to be “SABS-approved”
- SABS test report
A test report relates only to the specific sample(s) tested as identified in the report. It does not imply SABS approval of the quality and/or performance of the item(s) in question, and the test results do not apply to any similar item that has not been tested. The test report is valid for eighteen months then falls away.
SABS approval gives a vastly better assurance of quality products and consumers should bear this in mind when making a decision about price and longevity of products.