Difference between revisions of "Technical Standards for Solar Home Systems (SHS)"

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To assure the quality of a photovoltaic power system and its correct functioning and guarantee costumers' satisfaction it is important that the components of the system and the system as a whole meet certain requirements.
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[[Portal:Solar|►Back to Solar Portal]]
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= Overview =
  
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The GTZ prepared a publication which gives an overview of different standardisation activities and existing standards that are relevant for Solar Home Systems (SHS) and  Rural Health Power Supply Systems (RHS):
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To assure the quality of a [[Photovoltaic (PV)|photovoltaic]] power system and its correct functioning and guarantee costumers' satisfaction it is important that the components of the system and the system as a whole meet certain requirements.
  
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[http://www.gtz.de/de/dokumente/en-gtz-pvquality.pdf GTZ, Division 44, Environmental Management, Water, Energy, Transport: Quality Standards for Solar Home Systems and Rural Health Power Supply. Photovoltaic Systems in Developing Countries, February 2000.]
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= Introduction =
  
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The following Wiki-Page is an extract of the publication mainly regarding SHS.  
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'''Photovoltaic (PV) '''systems for applications in developing countries have been tested, optimised and disseminated throughout the world over the last 20 years. A wide variety of demands have been made of the components and systems, partly for reasons due to country specific characteristics or regional availability, but also because there were no binding standards, or if there were, they were often not known.
  
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= Introduction  =
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The project activities in technical and financial co-operation at bilateral and multilateral level have moved away from the pilot phase and towards the dissemination of PV systems. Yet, secure technical standards are required for dissemination in order to minimise the need for adjustments after the fact and the related costs in the case of large unit numbers.
  
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PV systems for applications in developing countries have been tested, optimised and disseminated throughout the world over the last 20 years. A wide variety of demands have been made of the components and systems, partly for reasons due to countryspecific characteristics or regional availability, but also because there were no binding standards, or if there were, they were often not known.  
+
An international survey carried out in preparation for this publication showed that several different standardisation activities are in progress. Probably the most interesting international project is the so-called "Global Approval Program for Photovoltaics (PV GAP)", but also technical specifications such as those that have been proposed by the World Bank or the University of Madrid have already been elaborated in great detail.
  
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The project activities in technical and financial co-operation at bilateral and multilateral level have moved away from the pilot phase and towards the dissemination of PV systems. Yet, secure technical standards are required for dissemination in order to minimise the need for adjustments after the fact and the related costs in the case of large unit numbers.
+
= Global Approval Program for Photovoltaics =
  
−
An international survey carried out in preparation for this publication showed that several different standardisation activities are in progress. Probably the most interesting international project is the so-called "Global Approval Program for Photovoltaics (PV GAP)", but also technical specifications such as those that have been proposed by the World Bank or the University of Madrid have already been elaborated in great detail.  
+
The publication provides an overview of standards that are relevant for '''Solar Home Systems (SHS)''' and in '''Rural Health Power Supply Systems (RHS)'''. It is intended to facilitate the selection of PV systems and components, especially in tenders, and to provide the impetus for a standardisation of PV systems on a scale that is as broad as possible. Moreover, it also identifies those components for which there is still a need for technical specifications.<br/>
  
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The publication provides an overview of standards that are relevant for Solar Home Systems (SHS) and in Rural Health Power Supply Systems (RHS). It is intended to facilitate the selection of PV systems and components, especially in tenders, and to provide the impetus for a standardisation of PV systems on a scale that is as broad as possible. Moreover, it also identifies those components for which there is still a need for technical specifications.  
+
This should lead, in the long term or better yet in the medium term, to binding, internationally recognised technical standards, especially for the use of photovoltaic systems in developing countries.
  
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This should lead, in the long term or better yet in the medium term, to binding, internationally recognised technical standards, especially for the use of photovoltaic systems in developing countries.  
+
In preparing this publication, all of the well-known national and international institutions concerned with standardisation activities in the field of photovoltaics were contacted in writing. The existing photovoltaics projects of GTZ were also included in the survey.
  
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In preparing this publication, all of the well-known national and international institutions concerned with standardisation activities in the field of photovoltaics were contacted in writing. The existing photovoltaics projects of GTZ were also included in the survey.  
+
In the course of the survey, information and documentation obtained from the World Bank, the '''World Health Organization (WHO)''', the international standardisation institution IEC, the European standardisation institution CENELEC, the U.S. standardisation office IEEE, as well as a series of projects, firms and experts, were compiled and evaluated.<br/>
  
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In the course of the survey, information and documentation obtained from the World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO), the international standardisation institution IEC, the European standardisation institution CENELEC, the U.S. standardisation office IEEE, as well as a series of projects, firms and experts, were compiled and evaluated.  
+
The available PV-relevant standards were evaluated and summarised in the form of a table with a breakdown by components.
  
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The available PV-relevant standards were evaluated and summarised in the form of a table with a breakdown by components.  
+
The list of standard specifications for tenders for SHS and RHS forms the largest part of the publication. Eleven different documents with specifications for PV systems and their components were evaluated for this purpose and summarised in a table. These documents varied widely in terms of quality and scope; some of them were intended for the specification of individual components, others as tender documents for whole systems.
  
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The list of standard specifications for tenders for SHS and RHS forms the largest part of the publication. Eleven different documents with specifications for PV systems and their components were evaluated for this purpose and summarised in a table. These documents varied widely in terms of quality and scope; some of them were intended for the specification of individual components, others as tender documents for whole systems.  
+
Based on these documents, standard specifications were prepared that can be used directly as text modules for international tenders. The minimum requirements were chosen in such a way that a reliably functioning Solar Home System can be set up according to the current state-of-the-art.
  
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Based on these documents, standard specifications were prepared that can be used directly as text modules for international tenders. The minimum requirements were chosen in such a way that a reliably functioning Solar Home System can be set up according to the current state-of-the-art.  
+
Systems and components that are used for power supply to '''[[Energy_for_Rural_Health_Centers|rural health stations (RHS)]]''' have to meet higher standards as a matter of principle. The available experience with PV systems in this area of application to date as well as a series of documents, especially from WHO, were evaluated and condensed. A separate list of specifications was compiled for the RHS sector.<br/>
  
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Systems and components that are used for power supply to rural health stations (RHS) have to meet higher standards as a matter of principle. The available experience with PV systems in this area of application to date as well as a series of documents, especially from WHO, were evaluated and condensed. A separate list of specifications was compiled for the RHS sector.
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A separate set of standard texts for tenders for '''[[Photovoltaic_(PV)_Pumping|Photovoltaic Pumping Systems (PVP)]]''' entitled "Proposal for Tender Documents for the Procurement of Photovoltaic Pumping Systems (PVP)" is also available from GTZ, Div. 44, Sustainable Energy Systems.
 +
= Current Status of Standardisation Activities for Solar Home Systems =
  
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A separate set of standard texts for tenders for Photovoltaic Pumping Systems (PVP) entitled "Proposal for Tender Documents for the Procurement of Photovoltaic Pumping Systems (PVP)" is also available from GTZ, Div. 44, Sustainable Energy Systems.
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For an overview of quality standards for solar home systems , see [[Quality_Standards_for_Solar_Home_Systems_(SHS)|Quality Standards for Solar Home Systems (SHS)]]
  
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<br>
 
  
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= [[Current Status of Standardisation Activities for Solar Home Systems|Current Status of Standardisation Activities for Solar Home Systems]]  =
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= Overview of Specifications for Solar Home Systems and Rural Health Power Supply =
  
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<br>
+
In the framework of the international survey, various documents with specifications for Solar Home Systems and their components were evaluated and summarised in the form of a table.<br/>
  
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= Overview of Specifications for Solar Home Systems and Rural Health Power Supply  =
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<u>The specifications in the table were subdivided into the following categories:</u><br/>
 +
*[[Solar Cells and Modules|PV generator]]
 +
*[[Standards_for_the_Module_Support_Structure|Support structure]]
 +
*[[Batteries|Battery]]
 +
*[[Charge_Controllers|Charge regulator]]
 +
*[[Lamps_and_Electric_Appliances|Lamp, ballast]]
 +
*[[Solar_Systems_-_Wiring_and_Fitting|Wiring, installation]]
 +
*[[Solar_Home_Systems_(SHS)_-_Quality_Standards_for_Documentation|Documentation]]
  
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In the framework of the international survey, various documents with specifications for Solar Home Systems and their components were evaluated and summarised in the form of a table. The specifications in the table were subdivided into the following categories:
+
<br/>
  
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*PV generator
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<u>The following 11 documents were evaluated. Not all of the documents did include all components:</u>
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*Support structure
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#Madrid “Universal Technical Standard for Solar Home Systems”, Instituto de Energía Solar, Universidad Politécnica de Sdrid, European Commission, Thermie B: SUP-995-96, EC-DGXVII,1998<ref>The specifications from Madrid University additionally contain a three-tier classification of the criteria according to compulsory (C), recommended (R) and suggested (S).</ref><br/>
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*Battery
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#FHG-ISE ´94 “Ladereglertest”, Fraunhofer Institut für Solare Energiesysteme, for GTZ OE 4150, Energie und Transport, 1994<br/>
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*Charge regulator
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#GTZ ´93 “Standards für SHS-Laderegler” und “Vorläufige Grundanforderungen an elektronische Vorschaltgeräte”, GTZ, 1993<br/>
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*Lamp, ballast
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#PSE Tunisia “Lastenheft Laderegler und elektronische Vorschaltgeräte für Photovoltaische Kleinsysteme”, c. 1994<br/>
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*Wiring, installation
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#Steca Midi “Datenblatt, Solarix Midi & Mini”, Steca Solarelektronik, c. 1993<br/>
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*Documentation
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#SEP Marocco “Proposition d’un standard technique pour les systémes photovoltaiques familiaux”, CDER, Morocco, 1997<br/>
 +
#Namibia Health ”Tender: Okavango Clinics: Photovoltaic Systems”, GTZ, Department of Works, Namibia, 1997<br/>
 +
#Namibia SHS “Tender Annex B: Specifications for Solar Home Systems (50Wp)”, GTZ, Ministry of Mines and Energy Namibia, 1997<br/>
 +
#TÜV/CENELEC Standard Proposals: “Test Procedures for Charge Regulators and Lighting Systems in Solar Home Systems”, CENELEC CLC BTTF 86-2, 1998<br/>
 +
#Philippines ‘94 “Material Specification for Solar Home Systems”, GTZ SEP Philippinen, 1994<br/>
 +
#World Bank “Indonesia: Solar Home Systems Project, Specifications”, World Bank, 1996<br/>
  
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The following 11 documents were evaluated. Not all of the documents did include all components.
+
<br/>
  
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[ 1] Madrid “Universal Technical Standard for Solar Home Systems”, Instituto de Energía Solar, Universidad Politécnica de Sdrid, European Commission, Thermie B: SUP-995-96, EC-DGXVII,1998 <sup>4</sup>  
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The results of the evaluation are listed in Annex A2. There is a separate table for each component.<ref>The table can be made available by e-mail as an Excel file upon request.</ref> (To view the tables [http://www.gtz.de/de/dokumente/en-gtz-pvquality.pdf downolad] the whole text.)
  
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[ 2] FHG-ISE ´94 “Ladereglertest”, Fraunhofer Institut für Solare Energiesysteme, for GTZ OE 4150, Energie und Transport, 1994
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The specifications table can be used to get an initial overview of which criteria and corresponding components are mentioned in the respective documents.
  
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[ 3] GTZ ´93 “Standards für SHS-Laderegler” und “Vorläufige Grundanforderungen an elektronische Vorschaltgeräte”, GTZ, 1993
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The table for charge regulators is the most comprehensive; charge regulators are included in all 11 documents. Due to the variety of requirements, local conditions, personal preferences and, last but not least, the different purposes for which the documents are used, a total of 91 criteria were identified for charge regulators, some of which complement each other, or also conflict with one another, and in many cases can be summarised into more general criteria.
  
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[ 4] PSE Tunisia “Lastenheft Laderegler und elektronische Vorschaltgeräte für Photovoltaische Kleinsysteme”, c. 1994
+
At the same time, however, this variety of criteria also shows that there is an urgent need for standardisation, especially of the main components charge regulator and lamp/ballast. On the other hand, if one considers the table for PV generators, for example, one finds that many criteria are already covered by the reference “Qualified according to IEC 61215”.
  
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[ 5] Steca Midi “Datenblatt, Solarix Midi &amp; Mini”, Steca Solarelektronik, c. 1993
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<br/>
  
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[ 6] SEP Marocco “Proposition d’un standard technique pour les systémes photovoltaiques familiaux”, CDER, Morocco, 1997
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= Specifications for Tenders of SHS and RHS =
  
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[ 7] Namibia Health ”Tender: Okavango Clinics: Photovoltaic Systems”, GTZ, Department of Works, Namibia, 1997
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The most up-to-date, comprehensive and best elaborated documents from the previous chapter 4 have been used as the basis for the proposed specifications of SHS and RHS.
−
 
 
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[ 8] Namibia SHS “Tender Annex B: Specifications for Solar Home Systems (50Wp)”, GTZ, Ministry of Mines and Energy Namibia, 1997
 
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[ 9] TÜV/CENELEC Standard Proposals: “Test Procedures for Charge Regulators and Lighting Systems in Solar Home Systems”, CENELEC CLC BTTF 86-2, 1998
 
−
 
 
−
[10] Philippines ‘94 “Material Specification for Solar Home Systems”, GTZ SEP Philippinen, 1994
 
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[11] World Bank “Indonesia: Solar Home Systems Project, Specifications”, World Bank, 1996 The results of the evaluation are listed in Annex A2. There is a separate table for each component. <sup>5</sup>
 
−
 
 
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The specifications table can be used to get an initial overview of which criteria and corresponding components are mentioned in the respective documents.
 
−
 
 
−
The table for charge regulators is the most comprehensive; charge regulators are included in all 11 documents. Due to the variety of requirements, local conditions, personal preferences and, last but not least, the different purposes for which the documents are used, a total of 91 criteria were identified for charge regulators, some of which complement each other, or also conflict with one another, and in many cases can be summarised into more general criteria.
 
−
 
 
−
At the same time, however, this variety of criteria also shows that there is an urgent need for standardisation, especially of the main components charge regulator and lamp/ballast. On the other hand, if one considers the table for PV generators, for example, one finds that many criteria are already covered by the reference “Qualified according to IEC 61215”.
 
−
 
 
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<br><sup>4</sup> The specifications from Madrid University additionally contain a three-tier classification of the criteria according to compulsory (C), recommended (R) and suggested (S).
 
−
 
 
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<sup>5</sup> The table can be made available by e-mail as an Excel file upon request.
 
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−
<br>
 
−
 
 
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= Specifications for Tenders of SHS and RHS  =
 
−
 
 
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The most up-to-date, comprehensive and best elaborated documents from the previous chapter 4 have been used as the basis for the proposed specifications of SHS and RHS.  
 
−
 
 
−
Specifically, these are:
 
  
 +
<u>Specifically, these are:</u><br/>
 
*the tender documents of the World Bank for 200,000 SHS in Indonesia (and similarly 30,000 SHS in Sri Lanka) [11]
 
*the tender documents of the World Bank for 200,000 SHS in Indonesia (and similarly 30,000 SHS in Sri Lanka) [11]
 +
*two tender documents for SHS [8] and RHS [7] in Namibia (which are partly based on the World Bank specifications)
 +
*the proposal by the University of Madrid for a “Universal Standard” [1]
 +
*the CENELEC draft standards for charge regulators and lamps/ballasts of the TÜVRheinland and FHG-ISE [9]
  
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*two tender documents for SHS [8]and RHS [ 7] in Namibia (which are partly based on the World Bank specifications)
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<br/>
−
 
 
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*the proposal by the University of Madrid for a “Universal Standard” [ 1]
 
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*the CENELEC draft standards for charge regulators and lamps/ballasts of the TÜVRheinland and FHG-ISE [ 9]
 
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The specifications which, in the author's opinion, gave the best technical description were selected from these documents, revised and compiled according to component and topic. These can be used directly as text modules for international tenders. The minimum requirements in each case were selected in such a way that a reliably functioning system can be set up according to the technical state of the art.<sup>6</sup>
 
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<br><sup>6</sup> A separate compilation of tender documents for photovoltaic pumping systems (PVP) entitled “Proposal for Tender Documents for the Procurement of Photovoltaic Pumping-Systems (PVP)” is available from GTZ, Div. 44.
 
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−
<br>
 
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== Tender Specifications for Solar Home Systems and Rural Health Power Supply Systems  ==
 
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Some of the texts proposed for the specifications presented here include additional notes marked <u>“Optional”</u>, <u>“Health”</u> and/or <u>''“Comment”''</u>:
 
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<u>Optional:</u> Optional specifications for higher requirements, alternative equipment or special environmental conditions
 
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<u>Health:</u> Additional or alternative specifications for Rural Health Power Supply Systems (RHS) with stricter requirements
 
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''<u>Comment:</u> Explanation of the reason for choosing a certain specification or a personal opinion of the author''
 
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<br>
 
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=== Photovoltaic Generator (PV Modules)  ===
 
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The PV array shall consist of one or more mono- or polycrystalline photovoltaic solar module(s).
 
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Crystalline PV modules must have been tested for qualification in compliance with IEC 61215, “Crystalline Silicon Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules; Design Qualification and Type Approval”.<sup>7</sup>
 
−
 
 
−
The PV module(s) should have a rated peak power output of at least 45 Wpeak (with an allowable tolerance of -2.5 W<sub>peak</sub> (-5%), alternatively -5 W<sub>peak</sub> (-10%)), under Standard Test Conditions (STC) as defined in IEC 61215 and IEC 60904-3.
 
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''<u>Comment:</u> To date the efficiency and reliability of “thin-film PV-modules” does not yet measure up to the standards of crystalline PV cells, and the price reduction is also still not convincing. In spite of that fact, this option might be feasible for future applications, especially for low-cost Solar Home Systems.<br>The World Bank has already allowed the use of thin-film PV modules in their Indonesian SHS project tender, but only one company (Canon, Japan) offered these kinds of modules in their quotation.''
 
−
 
 
−
Optional: If thin-film photovoltaic modules are used, they must be product-tested and certified in accordance with IEC 61646. The peak power output for thin-film modules should be the value after light soaking.
 
−
 
 
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The minimum acceptable operating voltage at MPP (Maximum Power Point) of the PV module shall be no less than 16 Vdc at a cell-operating temperature of 60° Celsius.
 
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<u>Optional:</u> Each module shall comprise not less than 36 series-connected single- or polycrystalline silicon solar cells.
 
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''<u>Comment:</u> In order to allow a full charge of a 12 V battery under “controlled gassing” conditions, a voltage of 14.5 to 15 V must be available at the battery terminals. Including voltage losses via cables (0.5 to 1.0 V) and blocking diodes (0.4 V/Schottky diode), the PV generator voltage should be at least 1.0 to 1.5 V above that maximum battery voltage. Under certain conditions, e.g. with the use of sealed batteries (no gassing allowed), very low system losses or permanently low ambient temperatures, this value might be lower, and even PV modules with less than 36 cells might be used. But a PVgenerator voltage of 14 - 14.5 V as recommended in the “Universal Standard” Proposal [ 1] will definitely be too low for SHS applications in tropical countries.''
 
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In a PV array all modules should be of the same type and be interchangeable. The cabling and protection diodes must also be uniform. However, if there are sub-arrays which power separate loads or batteries, then different types of modules may be used in each sub-array if necessary.
 
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The module(s) shall be equipped with a sealable waterproof (international protection code IP54) terminal (junction) box. The poles inside shall be clearly marked. A strain relief for the cables must be provided.
 
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<u>Optional:</u> The junction box must have outlets that allow for attachment of flexible conduit pipes. If the module does not have a junction box which allows for a direct conduit connection, a weather-resistant junction/combiner box must be attached to the support structure.
 
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<u>Optional</u>, for system voltage greater than 50 V: The PV modules must have bypass diodes to offer protection against hot spots in case of partial shading. The PV modules shall have a frame of non-corrosive material, e.g. anodized aluminium or stainless steel. The frame shall ensure that the module is resistant to torsion during handling and extreme weather conditions.
 
  
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''<u>Comment:</u> Only solid, framed modules are applied for SHS and RHS. At certain sites and for certain applications flexible, unframed modules may be preferred (e.g. tents of nomadic tribes). However, up to now no experience for this module type under rural conditions is available.''
+
The specifications which, in the author's opinion, gave the best technical description were selected from these documents, revised and compiled according to component and topic. These can be used directly as text modules for international tenders. The minimum requirements in each case were selected in such a way that a reliably functioning system can be set up according to the technical state of the art<ref name="null">A separate compilation of tender documents for photovoltaic pumping systems (PVP) entitled “Proposal for Tender Documents for the Procurement of Photovoltaic Pumping-Systems (PVP)” is available from GTZ, Div. 44.</ref>.
  
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Each module must be clearly and permanently labelled according to DIN 40025 “Datasheets and Labels of PV Modules”, indicating: Name of Manufacturer, Model Type or Number, Serial Number, IP-Protection Code, Maximum System Voltage, Power (Watt Peak) Rating (P<sub>max</sub>), ± Manufacturing Tolerances, Short-Circuit Current (I<sub>SC</sub>), Open Circuit Voltage (U<sub>OC</sub>), Maximum Power Point Voltage (U<sub>MPP</sub>), all at Standard Test Conditions.
+
<br/>
  
−
The PV module manufacturer, or module supplier, shall provide a minimum 10-year warranty for the replacement of any modules which:  
+
<u>'''Tender Specifications for Solar Home Systems and Rural Health Power Supply Systems'''</u>:<br/>
  
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*show defects, in terms of the qualification test stipulations of lEC-61215
+
Some of the texts proposed for the specifications presented here include additional notes marked <u>“Optional”</u>, <u>“Health”</u> and/or <u>''“Comment”''</u>:
−
*show power degradation greater than 10% below the rated power specification
 
  
−
(unless damaged by abuse or extreme conditions like lightning, exceptional hail, etc., which are not covered by the qualification test conditions).
+
<u>Optional:</u> Optional specifications for higher requirements, alternative equipment or special environmental conditions
  
−
For the purpose of this warranty, the rated power specification shall be a fixed value and not a range, and to effect the warranty any tests of power degradation shall conform to the international procedures for testing and referencing PV module power output.
+
<u>Health:</u> Additional or alternative specifications for Rural Health Power Supply Systems (RHS) with stricter requirements
  
−
<u>Health, Optional:</u> Each solar module has to have the individual clinic name sandblasted onto the bottom right-hand corner. The names are to be a minimum of 10 mm in height and are to be positioned so that the marking in no way impairs the functioning of the module or negates the guarantee issued with the module.
+
''<u>Comment:</u> Explanation of the reason for choosing a certain specification or a personal opinion of the author''
  
−
<br>
+
<br/>
  
−
<br>
+
== Photovoltaic Generator (PV Modules) ==
  
−
= Support Structure  =
+
For information about the PV Generators, see [[Standards_for_the_PV_Generator|Standards for the PV Generator]].
  
−
*''Support structures should be able to resist, at least, 10 years of outdoor exposure without appreciable corrosion or fatigue. '''(C)'''''
+
== Module Support Structure ==
−
*''Support structures must withstand winds of 120 km/h. '''(R)'''''
 
  
−
Several materials can be used for support structures, including stainless steel, aluminium, galvanised iron with a protective layer of about 30 μm, treated wood, etc.  
+
For Information about module support Structure , see [[Standards_for_the_Module_Support_Structure|Standards for the Module Support Structure]].
  
−
*''In the case of framed PV modules, only stainless steel fasteners (screws, nuts, rings, etc.) may be used for attaching them to support. '''(C)'''''
+
== Battery ==
  
−
It is worth mentioning that frameless PV modules bonded to a frame with suitable adhesive products, while today scarcely used onto SHS market, are performing well in general PV applications and can also be accepted.
+
For more information about the technical standard for the battery, see [[Battery_in_a_Photovoltaic_Power_Supply_System_-_Standards|Battery in a Photovoltaic Power Supply System - Standards]]
  
−
*''Tilt angle should be selected to optimise the energy collection during the worst month, i.e., the month with the lowest ratio of monthly mean daily irradiation to the monthly mean daily load. Generally, constant user load can be assumed. Then, the following formula can be used'' <br>''Tilt (°) = max {|Φ|} + 10°}'' <br>''where Φ is the latitude of the installation. '''(R)'''''
+
== Charge Regulator ==
  
−
This formula leads to a minimum tilt angle of 10°, which is sufficient to allow rainwater to drain off the surface. It may also be useful to note that slight azimuth deviations from south/north (+/- 30°) and in the tilt angle (+/- 10°) have a relatively small influence on the energy output of a PV array.  
+
For information about the charge regulator, see [[Standards_for_the_Charge_Regulator|Standards for the Charge Regulator]].
  
−
Most of the consulted experts are opposed to manual tracking because it implies a risk of damage to the modules, and a risk of energy lost through poor or no adjustment. However, it has been used in some places with positive results not only in terms of energy gain, but also in terms of user participation. Naturally, adequate training is needed and the tracking features, including any hinges and other coupling devices needed to allow the modules to be moved, must also meet the requirements specified above. Hence:
+
== Loads ==
  
−
*''Static support structures are generally preferable to tracking-ones '''(R)'''''
+
For information about the load , see [[Standards_for_the_Load|Standards for the Load]].
−
*''In the case where manual tracking (2 or 3 positions per day, moving from East to West) is used, all of its features must meet the support structure requirements specified above '''(C)'''.''
 
  
−
&nbsp;
+
== System installation and wiring ==
  
−
= Battery  =
+
For standards on system installation and wiring, see [[Standards_for_System_Installation_and_Wiring|Standards for System Installation and Wiring]]
  
−
For the battery, the most important feature of its operation in SHSs is cycling. During the daily cycle, the battery is charged during the day and 11 discharged by the night-time load. Superimposed onto the daily cycle is the seasonal cycle, which is associated with periods of reduced radiation availability. This, together with other operating parameters (ambient temperature, current, voltages, etc.) affects the battery life and maintenance requirements. In order to maximise the lifetime of lead acid batteries, the following operating conditions must be avoided<sup>8</sup>:
+
== Grounding, Lightning Protection ==
  
−
*High voltages during charging (to prevent against corrosion and loss of water)
+
For standards on lightning protection , see [[Standards_for_Grounding_and_Lightning_Protection|Standards for Grounding and Lightning Protection]]
−
*Low voltages during discharge (corrosion)
 
−
*Deep discharge (sulphation, growth of dentrites)
 
−
*Extended periods without a fully charging (sulphation)
 
−
*High battery temperatures (all ageing processes are accelerated)
 
−
*Stratification of the electrolyte (sulphation)
 
−
*Very low charge currents (sulphation)
 
  
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These rules lead to specifications for sizing (both battery and PV generator) and for battery protection procedures (charge regulator). However, it must be pointed out that some of the rules are generally in contradiction with each other (e.g. full charging needs high voltages but high voltages accelerate corrosion), so compromises must be found taking into account the particular local conditions: solar radiation, PV module and battery prices duties and taxes, local manufacturing, recycling infrastructure, etc. Perhaps this explains the lack of consensus on this issue among the different information sources (standards, experts, etc.) that have been consulted during the preparation of this standard, and the requirements given below should therefore be adapted to suit the local circumstances.
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== Documentation ==
  
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The need to prevent excessive discharge leads to the need to limit the maximum depth of discharge to a certain value, PD<sub>MAX</sub>, which usually ranges from 0.3 to 0.6, but can approach 0.8 according to the type of battery. The supply to the load must be cut when this limit is reached. The available or useful capacity, C<sub>U</sub>, is therefore less than the nominal capacity, C<sub>B</sub>, (which refers to the whole charge that could be extracted from the battery if no particular limitations were imposed) and equal to the product C<sub>B</sub> x PD<sub>MAX</sub>, , such that:
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For documents on solar home systems, see [[Solar_Home_Systems_(SHS)_-_Quality_Standards_for_Documentation|Solar Home Systems (SHS) - Quality Standards for Documentation]]
  
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<br>[8] G. Bopp et al., "Energy Storage in Photovoltaic stand alone energy supply systems". Progress in Photovoltaics (to be published).
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= Further Information =
  
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= The charge regulator  =
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*[[Publication_-_Pico-PV_Quality_Standards|Publication - Pico-PV Quality Standards]]‎; Lighting Global 2018
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*[https://sun-connect-news.org/fileadmin/DATEIEN/Dateien/New/Solar_Home_System_Design_Guideline_Final_2019_2.pdf World Bank: System Design Guidelines (2019)]
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*[[:File:Gtz quality standards for solar home systems and rural health power supply.pdf|Gtz quality standards for solar home systems and rural health power supply.pdf]]
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*[[Portal:Solar|Solar portal on energypedia]]
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*[[Solar Home Systems (SHS)|Solar Home Systems]]
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*[[Market for Solar Home Systems (SHS)|Market for Solar Home Systems (SHS)]]
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*[[Monitoring of Solar Home System (SHS)|Monitoring of Solar Home System (SHS)]]
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*[[Solar Home System (SHS) Costs|Solar Home System (SHS) Costs]]
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*[[Solar Home Systems: Costs, Financing, Business and Operation Models|Financing solar home systems]]
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*[[Planning, Installation and Maintenance of Solar Home System|Planning, Installation and Maintenance of Solar Home System]]<br/>
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= References =
  
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= The loads (mainly lighting) =
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The GTZ prepared a publication which gives an overview of different standardisation activities and existing standards that are relevant for '''[[Solar Home Systems (SHS)|solar home systems]] (SHS)''' and '''rural health power supply systems (RHS)''':
  
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= The wiring  =
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[[:File:Gtz_quality_standards_for_solar_home_systems_and_rural_health_power_supply.pdf|GTZ, Division 44, Environmental Management, Water, Energy, Transport: Quality Standards for Solar Home Systems and Rural Health Power Supply. Photovoltaic Systems in Developing Countries, February 2000.]]
  
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Source: [http://www.taqsolre.net/doc/Standard_IngV2.pdf Universal technical standard for solar home systems, Version 2, Thermie B SUP 995-96, EC-DGXVII, 1998, updated in 2001].
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<br/>This article is an extract of the publication mainly regarding Solar Home Systems (SHS).<br/>
  
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  [[Solar Main Page|⇒ Back to Solar Section]]
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<references /><br/>
  
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[[Category:Solar_Home_Systems_(SHS)]]
 
[[Category:Solar]]
 
[[Category:Solar]]

Latest revision as of 14:35, 29 September 2021

►Back to Solar Portal

Overview

To assure the quality of a photovoltaic power system and its correct functioning and guarantee costumers' satisfaction it is important that the components of the system and the system as a whole meet certain requirements.

Introduction

Photovoltaic (PV) systems for applications in developing countries have been tested, optimised and disseminated throughout the world over the last 20 years. A wide variety of demands have been made of the components and systems, partly for reasons due to country specific characteristics or regional availability, but also because there were no binding standards, or if there were, they were often not known.

The project activities in technical and financial co-operation at bilateral and multilateral level have moved away from the pilot phase and towards the dissemination of PV systems. Yet, secure technical standards are required for dissemination in order to minimise the need for adjustments after the fact and the related costs in the case of large unit numbers.

An international survey carried out in preparation for this publication showed that several different standardisation activities are in progress. Probably the most interesting international project is the so-called "Global Approval Program for Photovoltaics (PV GAP)", but also technical specifications such as those that have been proposed by the World Bank or the University of Madrid have already been elaborated in great detail.

Global Approval Program for Photovoltaics

The publication provides an overview of standards that are relevant for Solar Home Systems (SHS) and in Rural Health Power Supply Systems (RHS). It is intended to facilitate the selection of PV systems and components, especially in tenders, and to provide the impetus for a standardisation of PV systems on a scale that is as broad as possible. Moreover, it also identifies those components for which there is still a need for technical specifications.

This should lead, in the long term or better yet in the medium term, to binding, internationally recognised technical standards, especially for the use of photovoltaic systems in developing countries.

In preparing this publication, all of the well-known national and international institutions concerned with standardisation activities in the field of photovoltaics were contacted in writing. The existing photovoltaics projects of GTZ were also included in the survey.

In the course of the survey, information and documentation obtained from the World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO), the international standardisation institution IEC, the European standardisation institution CENELEC, the U.S. standardisation office IEEE, as well as a series of projects, firms and experts, were compiled and evaluated.

The available PV-relevant standards were evaluated and summarised in the form of a table with a breakdown by components.

The list of standard specifications for tenders for SHS and RHS forms the largest part of the publication. Eleven different documents with specifications for PV systems and their components were evaluated for this purpose and summarised in a table. These documents varied widely in terms of quality and scope; some of them were intended for the specification of individual components, others as tender documents for whole systems.

Based on these documents, standard specifications were prepared that can be used directly as text modules for international tenders. The minimum requirements were chosen in such a way that a reliably functioning Solar Home System can be set up according to the current state-of-the-art.

Systems and components that are used for power supply to rural health stations (RHS) have to meet higher standards as a matter of principle. The available experience with PV systems in this area of application to date as well as a series of documents, especially from WHO, were evaluated and condensed. A separate list of specifications was compiled for the RHS sector.

A separate set of standard texts for tenders for Photovoltaic Pumping Systems (PVP) entitled "Proposal for Tender Documents for the Procurement of Photovoltaic Pumping Systems (PVP)" is also available from GTZ, Div. 44, Sustainable Energy Systems.

Current Status of Standardisation Activities for Solar Home Systems

For an overview of quality standards for solar home systems , see Quality Standards for Solar Home Systems (SHS)


Overview of Specifications for Solar Home Systems and Rural Health Power Supply

In the framework of the international survey, various documents with specifications for Solar Home Systems and their components were evaluated and summarised in the form of a table.

The specifications in the table were subdivided into the following categories:


The following 11 documents were evaluated. Not all of the documents did include all components:

  1. Madrid “Universal Technical Standard for Solar Home Systems”, Instituto de Energía Solar, Universidad Politécnica de Sdrid, European Commission, Thermie B: SUP-995-96, EC-DGXVII,1998[1]
  2. FHG-ISE ´94 “Ladereglertest”, Fraunhofer Institut für Solare Energiesysteme, for GTZ OE 4150, Energie und Transport, 1994
  3. GTZ ´93 “Standards für SHS-Laderegler” und “Vorläufige Grundanforderungen an elektronische Vorschaltgeräte”, GTZ, 1993
  4. PSE Tunisia “Lastenheft Laderegler und elektronische Vorschaltgeräte für Photovoltaische Kleinsysteme”, c. 1994
  5. Steca Midi “Datenblatt, Solarix Midi & Mini”, Steca Solarelektronik, c. 1993
  6. SEP Marocco “Proposition d’un standard technique pour les systémes photovoltaiques familiaux”, CDER, Morocco, 1997
  7. Namibia Health ”Tender: Okavango Clinics: Photovoltaic Systems”, GTZ, Department of Works, Namibia, 1997
  8. Namibia SHS “Tender Annex B: Specifications for Solar Home Systems (50Wp)”, GTZ, Ministry of Mines and Energy Namibia, 1997
  9. TÜV/CENELEC Standard Proposals: “Test Procedures for Charge Regulators and Lighting Systems in Solar Home Systems”, CENELEC CLC BTTF 86-2, 1998
  10. Philippines ‘94 “Material Specification for Solar Home Systems”, GTZ SEP Philippinen, 1994
  11. World Bank “Indonesia: Solar Home Systems Project, Specifications”, World Bank, 1996


The results of the evaluation are listed in Annex A2. There is a separate table for each component.[2] (To view the tables downolad the whole text.)

The specifications table can be used to get an initial overview of which criteria and corresponding components are mentioned in the respective documents.

The table for charge regulators is the most comprehensive; charge regulators are included in all 11 documents. Due to the variety of requirements, local conditions, personal preferences and, last but not least, the different purposes for which the documents are used, a total of 91 criteria were identified for charge regulators, some of which complement each other, or also conflict with one another, and in many cases can be summarised into more general criteria.

At the same time, however, this variety of criteria also shows that there is an urgent need for standardisation, especially of the main components charge regulator and lamp/ballast. On the other hand, if one considers the table for PV generators, for example, one finds that many criteria are already covered by the reference “Qualified according to IEC 61215”.


Specifications for Tenders of SHS and RHS

The most up-to-date, comprehensive and best elaborated documents from the previous chapter 4 have been used as the basis for the proposed specifications of SHS and RHS.

Specifically, these are:

  • the tender documents of the World Bank for 200,000 SHS in Indonesia (and similarly 30,000 SHS in Sri Lanka) [11]
  • two tender documents for SHS [8] and RHS [7] in Namibia (which are partly based on the World Bank specifications)
  • the proposal by the University of Madrid for a “Universal Standard” [1]
  • the CENELEC draft standards for charge regulators and lamps/ballasts of the TÜVRheinland and FHG-ISE [9]


The specifications which, in the author's opinion, gave the best technical description were selected from these documents, revised and compiled according to component and topic. These can be used directly as text modules for international tenders. The minimum requirements in each case were selected in such a way that a reliably functioning system can be set up according to the technical state of the art[3].


Tender Specifications for Solar Home Systems and Rural Health Power Supply Systems:

Some of the texts proposed for the specifications presented here include additional notes marked “Optional”, “Health” and/or “Comment”:

Optional: Optional specifications for higher requirements, alternative equipment or special environmental conditions

Health: Additional or alternative specifications for Rural Health Power Supply Systems (RHS) with stricter requirements

Comment: Explanation of the reason for choosing a certain specification or a personal opinion of the author


Photovoltaic Generator (PV Modules)

For information about the PV Generators, see Standards for the PV Generator.

Module Support Structure

For Information about module support Structure , see Standards for the Module Support Structure.

Battery

For more information about the technical standard for the battery, see Battery in a Photovoltaic Power Supply System - Standards

Charge Regulator

For information about the charge regulator, see Standards for the Charge Regulator.

Loads

For information about the load , see Standards for the Load.

System installation and wiring

For standards on system installation and wiring, see Standards for System Installation and Wiring

Grounding, Lightning Protection

For standards on lightning protection , see Standards for Grounding and Lightning Protection

Documentation

For documents on solar home systems, see Solar Home Systems (SHS) - Quality Standards for Documentation

Further Information

References

The GTZ prepared a publication which gives an overview of different standardisation activities and existing standards that are relevant for solar home systems (SHS) and rural health power supply systems (RHS):

GTZ, Division 44, Environmental Management, Water, Energy, Transport: Quality Standards for Solar Home Systems and Rural Health Power Supply. Photovoltaic Systems in Developing Countries, February 2000.


This article is an extract of the publication mainly regarding Solar Home Systems (SHS).

  1. ↑ The specifications from Madrid University additionally contain a three-tier classification of the criteria according to compulsory (C), recommended (R) and suggested (S).
  2. ↑ The table can be made available by e-mail as an Excel file upon request.
  3. ↑ A separate compilation of tender documents for photovoltaic pumping systems (PVP) entitled “Proposal for Tender Documents for the Procurement of Photovoltaic Pumping-Systems (PVP)” is available from GTZ, Div. 44.


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