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Title: Interim implementation structure for development of performance criteria and test standards for photovoltaic systems

Abstract

This document presents an implementation structure for the near-term development of performance criteria and test methods for photovoltaic (PV) materials, components, subsystems, and systems. The approach is designed to be responsive to the Photovoltaic Research, Development and Demonstration Act of 1978 (PL-95-590). The project is organized into four tasks: (1) establishment of performance criteria and the development of test methods; (2) development of laboratory accreditation/product certification guidelines; (3) development of validation methodologies; and (4) coordination of the quality assurance effort with consensus standards and code organizations. A schedule and milestones are presented for each task. The appendices provide a brief overview of standards and the standards development process. The philosophy behind this project is to develop industry- and user-established performance criteria, test methods, and accreditation procedures which may then be referred to independent consensus standards organizations for the preparation of consensus standards. The emphasis in execution of this approach will be to develop uniform, fair performance criteria and tests and to avoid rigid, prescriptive criteria. Photovoltaics is an emerging technology; criteria written now must be able to accommodate devices and techniques not yet developed.

Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Jet Propulsion Lab., Pasadena, CA (USA); Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (USA)
OSTI Identifier:
5624317
Report Number(s):
DOE/JPL/1012-35
DOE Contract Number:
EX-76-A-29-1012; EG-77-C-01-4042
Resource Type:
Technical Report
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
14 SOLAR ENERGY; PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES; STANDARDS; SOLAR CELLS; PERFORMANCE; PERFORMANCE TESTING; SOLAR CELL ARRAYS; DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS; ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT; PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS; PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS; POWER SUPPLIES; TESTING; 140600* - Solar Energy- Photovoltaic Power Systems; 140501 - Solar Energy Conversion- Photovoltaic Conversion

Citation Formats

Not Available. Interim implementation structure for development of performance criteria and test standards for photovoltaic systems. United States: N. p., 1979. Web. doi:10.2172/5624317.
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Not Available. Interim implementation structure for development of performance criteria and test standards for photovoltaic systems. United States. doi:10.2172/5624317.
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Not Available. Thu . "Interim implementation structure for development of performance criteria and test standards for photovoltaic systems". United States. doi:10.2172/5624317. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/5624317.
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@article{osti_5624317,
title = {Interim implementation structure for development of performance criteria and test standards for photovoltaic systems},
author = {Not Available},
abstractNote = {This document presents an implementation structure for the near-term development of performance criteria and test methods for photovoltaic (PV) materials, components, subsystems, and systems. The approach is designed to be responsive to the Photovoltaic Research, Development and Demonstration Act of 1978 (PL-95-590). The project is organized into four tasks: (1) establishment of performance criteria and the development of test methods; (2) development of laboratory accreditation/product certification guidelines; (3) development of validation methodologies; and (4) coordination of the quality assurance effort with consensus standards and code organizations. A schedule and milestones are presented for each task. The appendices provide a brief overview of standards and the standards development process. The philosophy behind this project is to develop industry- and user-established performance criteria, test methods, and accreditation procedures which may then be referred to independent consensus standards organizations for the preparation of consensus standards. The emphasis in execution of this approach will be to develop uniform, fair performance criteria and tests and to avoid rigid, prescriptive criteria. Photovoltaics is an emerging technology; criteria written now must be able to accommodate devices and techniques not yet developed.},
doi = {10.2172/5624317},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Thu Nov 15 00:00:00 EST 1979},
month = {Thu Nov 15 00:00:00 EST 1979}
}
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Technical Report:
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DOI:  10.2172/5624317
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    This document is a response to the Photovoltaic Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-590) which required the generation of performance criteria for photovoltaic energy systems. Since the document is evolutionary and will be updated, the term interim is used. More than 50 experts in the photovoltaic field have contributed in the writing and review of the 179 performance criteria listed in this document. The performance criteria address characteristics of present-day photovoltaic systems that are of interest to manufacturers, government agencies, purchasers, and all others interested in various aspects of photovoltaic system performance and safety. The performance criteriamore » apply to the system as a whole and to its possible subsystems: array, power conditioning, monitor and control, storage, cabling, and power distribution. They are further categorized according to the following performance attributes: electrical, thermal, mechanical/structural, safety, durability/reliability, installation/operation/maintenance, and building/site. Each criterion contains a statement of expected performance (nonprescriptive), a method of evaluation, and a commentary with further information or justification. Over 50 references for background information are also given. A glossary with definitions relevant to photovoltaic systems and a section on test methods are presented in the appendices. Twenty test methods are included to measure performance characteristics of the subsystem elements. These test methods and other parts of the document will be expanded or revised as future experience and needs dictate.« less

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