New Delhi, Feb 18 (IANS): The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Tuesday launched Asia's first solar lighting laboratory here to provide a platform for quality testing of off-grid lighting products, adhering to international standards, said an institute official.

The laboratory can test products in accordance with methods specified in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the world's leading organisation for the preparation and publication of international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

The laboratory is supported by the ministry of new and renewable energy and the International Financial Corporation. It is in compliance with quality procedures, as laid down by the National Accreditation Board for Laboratories (NABL).

The ability of the laboratory is to cater to the testing needs of both rural as well as urban lighting infrastructure, the official added.

R.K. Pachauri, director general, TERI, said: "It is significant that TERI has come up with this initiative, as this will bring quality solar products not just to people in India, but to all parts of the world.

"Solar energy and systems have the potential to meet the needs of people not just in rural areas, but in urban areas too," he added.