China has become the main PV manufacturer worldwide as was presented in Chap. 1. It is also the main PV installer in the world. Comparative LCA studies have shown that cumulative energy demand for PV mo. In the European Union, globally the second region in manufacture and PV cumulative. The production of photovoltaic modules in the United States is regulated by the federal Clean Air (1970) and Clean Water (1972) Acts that are applied to any industrial product. In the United Kingdom, regulations are implemented by national legislation, in particular the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010 No. 675, which applies in England and Wal.
Standardization also provides a common language and framework fostering interoperability, efficiency, safety and overall reliability. IEC TC 82: Solar photovoltaic energy systems, produces international standards enabling systems to convert solar power into electrical energy.
Why are IEC standards important for solar PV installations?
Many IEC International Standards are a key enabler for solar PV installations as they set globally agreed requirements to meet the necessary levels of quality, safety and performance.
What are PV standards?
The standards series has been recognized by the World Bank and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Such standards also serve as the basis for testing and certification of components, devices, and systems. Two of the IEC Conformity Assessment Systems deal with PV parts, systems and installations.
How many IEC standards are there for photovoltaic technology?
There are currently 169 published IEC standards by TC-82 related to photovoltaic technology, and work is in progress for 69 more (new ones or revisions). This set of standards is the most broadly used by the scientific community and technicians in research centres and companies.
What standards are available for the energy rating of PV modules?
Standards available for the energy rating of PV modules in different climatic conditions, but degradation rate and operational lifetime need additional scientific and standardisation work (no specific standard at present). Standard available to define an overall efficiency according to a weighted combination of efficiencies.
What are the standards for PV inverters?
Standards for “type” such as IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 for PV modules and IEC 62109 and IEC 61683 for PV inverters are often the only standards certified to, said industry expert and Convenor of the PV sector working group at IECRE Thomas C. Sauer. This is because they are considered the minimum requirement for market participation.