Ensuring the reliability of PV systems through the selection of international standards for the IECRE conformity assessment system

Abstract

One of the key issues facing the PV industry, and renewable energy in general, is the need to assure investors of the value of their system. As one means of accomplishing this goal, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has decided to establish a new system for conformity assessments of renewable energy projects (IECRE). An important requirement for the new IECRE system is to establish which international or national standards should be used as the basis for conformity assessments. This paper presents a technical analysis of the available standards, and identification of gaps where new standards are needed.