Solar Home Systems (SHS) - Quality Standards for Documentation

Overview

This overview is on standards for documentation for solar home systems

System Documentation

The system documentation shall include, in addition to the data sheets of all main components, a user’s manual and a technician’s manual with the following contents:

User Manual

The User’s Manual should include:

• warranty conditions for all major components
• battery safety requirements
• battery maintenance requirements
• battery replacement requirements
• description of all user-interactive hardware
• requirements for proper system operation, including load limitations, critical loads, load conservation, weather dependence, shading problems, etc.
• system maintenance
• emergency shut-down procedures
• simplified operating instructions for the charge regulator
• functional block diagram

Technical Manual

The Technician’s Manual should include:

• a copy of the user manual
• a list of all system components, data sheets, warranty conditions, etc.
• installation instructions
• acceptance test procedures verifying all electrical set points for PV generator, charge regulator, load operation, battery capacity, voltage drops, etc.
• the recommended maintenance schedule and maintenance instructions
• trouble-shooting guide, including all repairs and diagnostic procedures that can be performed by the supplier
• functional block diagram
• emergency shut-down procedures

Further Information

• Technical Standards for Solar Home Systems (SHS)
• Standards for System Installation and Wiring
  
• Standards for Grounding and Lightning Protection
  
• Solar Home Systems: Costs, Financing, Business and Operation Models
  

References

• extract of the publication: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.