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III Congresso Nazionale AIGEParma, 4-5 Giugno 2009

THE ROADMAP FOR NEW GLOBAL STANDARDS ABOUT PHOTOVOLTAICSDeJong C.

a, Dumas A.

b, Picarello P.

a, Zumbo L. F.

c,Trancossi M.

c

aA.S.T.M. International E44 Comittee

bUniversit di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Dipartimento di Scienza e Metodi dellIngegneria

cUniversit di Modena e Reggio Emilia - Enexergy s.c. Spin Off. del Dipartimento di Scienza e Metodi dellIngegneria

ABSTRACTThe present paper describes the state of the art of the Solar Energy Standards Strategic Planning inside the ASTM Committee

E44 about Solar, Geothermal, and Other Renewable Energy Sources, referring to current status of the Solar Industry and its needfor new standards development.

After a short presentation of the ASTM E44 committee, the authors present the activity of the Committee ASTM E44 connectedto the SOLAR ABC (Solar America board for Codes and Standard) and the SEMI PV Initiative, International Standards Roadmap,the describe the state of the art of the discussion on:

- state of the industry relative to standards development.- specific standards needs;

- action plan moving forward.The present paper will end presenting future deadlines in order to participate to the standardization process both definingstandards needs and contributing to their definition, discussion and decisional processes.

This activity can assume a particular importance after the recent decisions of Italian Government decisions which could condemnItaly to be out of global renewable energies market and to be chronically late on renewable energy.

SOMMARIOQuesto intervento intende presentare lo stato dellarte della programmazione strategica allinterno del comitato normativo ASTM

E44 in materia di Solare, Geotermico e altre fonti di energia rinnovabili, con particolare riferimento allattuale stato dellindustriasolare e alla sua esigenza di sviluppare nuovi standard.

Dopo una breve presentazione del comitato ASTM E44, gli autori presentano lattivit del comitato in collegamento alleiniziative SOLAR ABC e SEMI PV, che delinea un percorso verso uno standard internazionale, e presentano lo stato dellarte delladiscussione in merito a:

- situazione industriale in merito allo sviluppo di nuovi standard;- bisogni specifici di nuovi standard- il piano di azione normativa in corso di sviluppo.Questo intervento congressuale conclude presentando le future scadenze al fine di presentare il processo di standardizzazione per

partecipare alla definizione di bisogni di nuovi standard, alla loro discussione e alla decisione.Questattivit pu assumere unimportanza decisiva dopo le recenti decisioni del governo italiano che possono condannare

lItalia a essere esclusa dal mercato globale delle energie rinnovabili e a essere cronicamente in ritardo in materia di energierinnovabili.

INTRODUCTION

While the whole Planet is encouraging investments onrenewable energy as an exit strategy from the economic crisis,it seems that an Italian dominant cultural, political, energetic

and financial lobby looks in opposition to this greatpossibility.

The present economic crisis can be interpreted using thecyclical technological theory by Mensch [1] and the long waveeconomic theory by Kondratieff [2, 3].

Applying the description of the economic and technologicperiod of maturity theorised by these economists it is possibleto demonstrate a strong correlation between today economyand recession periods.

Kondratieff gave two possible explanations for thesecycles. The first was that businesses tend to over-invest by thetop of the longwave and thus being drain of resources, must

wait until the bottom of the longwave until more resourcescould be accumulated for further investments [2]. The secondexplanation was that there were more innovations in themarket place at certain phases of the longwave, which bringsabout economic prosperity. When innovations decline, so doesthe economy [3].

Today leading economy and industry are dominated bymature technologies which are evolving to a fast obsolescenceand to a fast concentration of competitors. This unfavourablepositioning of the actual economical and technologicalscenario is the real cause of the actual economic crisis inwhich the rule of finance has had an uncontrollable growth inthe economic scenario and industrial activities reduces theirimportance [4].

The role of renewable energies in a process of reduction ofthe effects of the present and to prevent future economic crisiscould be really important, both in economic terms and in orderto prevent unfavourable effects on occupation, which is theprimary exigency to be preserved in recessive macroeconomic


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scenarios, and in order to reduce the economic dependence onfossil fuels (petroleum, coal, natural gas, uranium, etc.).

Solar and Photovoltaic equipments assume a particularimportance because of their great economic potentiality, andbecause of the important possibility to be used as a possibilityof re-qualifying the existing buildings and the large derivedeconomy connected with construction industry and localizedenergetic production and territorial energetic self-sufficiency.Nowadays the global reduction of photovoltaic prices ismaking PV plants a more effective energetic production,

because the legend of difficult disposal of photovoltaic cellshas been completely refuted by the technological process [7].

The standardization process assumes a great importance inthis scenario. It is the most important way in order to increasethe quality, the durability and the safety of component andsystem for renewable energy production, in order to realize asafeguard system for consumers and for good qualityproducers. In particular we analyse the future development ofstandardization process about Photovoltaic Systems [5].

OVERVIEW OF STANDARDIZATION PROCESS ON

PHOTOVOLTAICS

The standardization roadmap on photovoltaic energy

equipments is complex and has involved different institutions.The most active both in terms of influence and of activity are:1. Solar ABCs (Solar American Board of Codes and

Standards):The Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (SolarABCs) is a collaborative effort among experts to formallygather and prioritize input from the broad spectrum ofsolar photovoltaic stakeholders including policy makers,manufacturers, installers, and consumers resulting incoordinated recommendations to codes and standardsmaking bodies for existing and new solar technologies.The U.S. Department of Energy funds Solar ABCs as partof its commitment to facilitate wide-spread adoption ofsafe, reliable, and cost-effective solar technologies.

2. ASTM E44.09 Sub committeeASTM Committee E44 is standardization committeeabout the whole spectrum of renewable energy productionsystems. It currently has 105 members and 49 approvedstandards, published with in five technical subcommittees.Solar Heating and Cooling Systems and Materials, PVElectric Power Conversion, Geothermal FieldDevelopment, Utilization and Materials.The Solar Heating and Cooling Subcommittee has 20published standards and the PV subcommittee has 22.Sub committee E44.09 about PV work has been the mostactive recently with a growing membership (currently has57 members).

3. SEMI PV Initiative: International Standards

RoadmapThe SEMI PV Core Group was chartered in May 2008.Win discussed the SEMI Roadmap Guidance document,their focus areas of PV, the application of SEMI standards(Phase 1) and their program next steps (Phase 2).SEMI PV Roadmap has its main objectives in the field ofPV manufacturing processes and feedstock materials tofinished cells and modules.

Figure 1 - SEMI PV roadmap initiative presentation

Figure 2 Standardization process and integrationbetween different organizations


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Figure 3 SEMI PV standardization process overview

Inside this process of standardization on PV energyproduction ASTM, Solar ABCs and SEMI PV Roadmap arestrongly integrating, this process is favoured by the USAadministration policy on renewable energy production whichis incrementing the influence of USA in the standardizationprocess and in the market of PV equipments.

The main objectives of PV standardization are connectedwith a strong quality and durability insurance on PV systems.

Figure 4 Standardization committees and correlations

INTERACTION BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONS

Actually ASTM and Solar ABCs are strongly integratingtheir activities in order to produce an unified standardizationplatform inside the SEMI PV main present and futureactivities are connected with different interests.

Over 45 standardization requirements has been identifiedby ASTM, over 100 by ABC Solar. These needs can besummarized into some precise groups related to internationalroadmap SEMI PV:1. Photovoltaic Module Power Ratings

Effective module power rating standards to addresscurrent market and deployment concerns is a high prioritytopic. Solar ABCs has developed a recommendation onPV module power rating tolerances. With input fromstakeholders a more detailed policy shall be developed toaddress related issues such as stabilization, measurementuncertainty, warrantees and other issues. This will includea more detailed power rating tolerances policy includingthe issues above and a recommendation on the venue forits certification.

2. Photovoltaic System Energy RatingGap Analysis determined that a method is needed todevelop and validate the procedure for a Simplified PVSystem Energy Rating to provide annual system energyoutput for typical residential and small commercial PVsystems. In addition, a process for validating PV modulesis needed, leading to a possible standard. The

Organizations will develop and validate the procedure foran accurate, effective PV System Energy Rating. Underthis task, additional information will be collected to refinethe needs of PV stakeholders with regard to SystemEnergy Ratings and to identify the specific approachesthat the participants in this work will follow to meet thosegoals. In addition, a number of performance simulationprograms are available for predicting the output of a PVsystem but there is currently no standard method or sets ofdata for use in evaluating and comparing the accuracy of

these models. Committees must develop a process forvalidating PV performance system energy models. Andfinally, a procedure for determining the annual energyoutput of flat-plate grid-connected residential PV systemsand possibly small commercial PV systems underoptimal conditions will be developed and validated.This would provide an estimate of PV systemperformance to homeowners, businesses, government andother renewable energy rebate granting agencies.

3. Standards to Certify the Accuracy of Inverter MetersCommittees will create a standard set of requirements forintegrated meters in inverter-based power generationsystems, reformatting the proposed requirements definedby the California Public Utilities Commission in

appropriate language to serve as a standard, and be guidedthrough the process of review, integration of comments,and be voted on by an appropriate standards-makingorganization.

4. Photovoltaic Module Frame Grounding IssuesCommittees will develop and simple, documented andpractical proscriptive recipe procedure for equipmentgrounding of PV components will be developed and madepublicly available. Test methods will be developed for thepurpose of evaluating the long-term reliability of theground connections between metal parts in a PV arrayapplicable to any roof-or ground mounted PV arraymounted on metal structures. The resulting methods willbe applicable to any roof-or ground mounted PV array

mounted on metal structures.5. Wind Load Testing, Analysis, and Design Code

DevelopmentGap Analysis identified that there are a multitude of codeinterpretations, yielding different answers to the samedesign questions, for wind loading and PV mountingsystems. It is necessary to develop the backgroundresearch to identify actual forces on roof mounted PVarrays thus meeting the needs of industry to reducesignificant liability for structural failures of modules andmounting systems. To address, it will be conducted windtunnel testing to determine the flow field and windinduces forces on PV modules and arrays mountedparallel to the slope of the roof surface. With this

information, recommendations will be made for changesor additions to the applicable codes. Guidance andpublications will be developed for recommended practicesor calculation methods to fill a void that currently existsfor designers and code officials.

6. Accelerated Lifetime TestingIt is necessary to produce a comprehensive literaturereview and evaluation to develop transfer functions for adraft test protocol PV module accelerated life testprotocol. Specific data needs will be identified for testprocedures as well as the methods by which the validityof these procedures will be demonstrated.

7. Electrical Code and Fire Official Permitting and


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Guidelines DevelopmentGap Analysis identified that multiple permitting standardsacross jurisdictions and lengthy review processes are abarrier to greater PV system deployment. Committees willdevelop electrical code permit application checklist and adraft guidebook for fire officials to clearly state theprocesses for implementing safe standards for PV systemdeployment. Training for both professional groups will beprovided.

These standards appears really important if compared with the

advancement in research about new panels. The certificationof panels require a time to market which appears too long, sonew standards whic can ensure the quality and the durabilityof products permitting a reduction of the time to market arenecessary. The present state of the art on PV research isreported in Figure 5.Other standardization procedures are connected with specificdomestic USA needs:1. Review of FERCs SGIP Interconnection Screens

Gap Analysis identified that FERCs Small GeneratorInterconnection Procedure (SGIP) contains a series oftechnical screens for interconnection of generatingfacilities up to two megawatts that may be more stringentthan necessary. Solar ABCs will develop draft revisions

for consideration by FERC to simplify the technicalscreens currently in use for interconnection of smallgeneration facilities.

2. Potential for AMI Data to Reduce Technical IssuesRelated to InterconnectionSolar ABCs will publish a report documenting thepotential for AMI data to effectively reduceinterconnection problems and barriers currentlyencountered in PV system deployments.

3. Examination of NREL Renewable Systems

Interconnection (RSI) Studies and Guidance to StatesAdopting Interconnection Procedures and Net

Metering Laws.Gap Analysis identified the need for readilyunderstandable conclusions about the NREL RenewableSystems Interconnection (RSI). Solar ABCs will developkey findings from each of the NREL Renewable SystemsInterconnection (RSI) studies to provide guidance tostates adopting interconnection procedures. Start 2010

4. Ownership of Data from AMI systems

Solar ABCs will develop model data managementstandards for ownership and use of AMI/AMR data thatwill be potentially of great value to utilities, regulators,and planners.

THE ROLE OF ASTM E44 COMMITTEE

The ASTM E44 Standardization Committee is playing agreat role in the global standardization process.

The main objectives of the future activity are connectedwith different objectives and is opening internationally inorder to acquire the necessary competences. The futurediscussed objectives are:

Short Term

1. Indoor calibration methods & procedures forbroadband solar radiometers2. Calibration and use of reference modules for

concentrating PV collectors; (similar to flat platereference modules)

3. Converting broadband irradiance data to irradiancedata on tilted surface

4. Converting total hemispherical solar radiation toDirect Normal radiation (for concentratorapplications)

Figure 5 Photovoltaic Research Evolution

(Source:NRELhttp://www.nrel.gov/pv/thin_film/docs/kaz_best_research_cells.ppt)


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Middle Term1. Evaluating impact of natural spectral variation on

PV Device (cells, modules, systems) performance2. Estimating terrestrial solar spectral distributions

from broadband solar irradiance data3. Staying abreast of code compliance and

participation in code development.4. Standardized measurements and evaluation practices5. Standardized Service Life Estimation Protocols

Outdoor durability test protocols for bothcomponents and finished modules/systems

6. Agreement among NRTLs to abide by a commonset of published guidelines for retesting

7. Wind generation 2MW and solar cell generation forWW treatment.

8. Standards and test methods for measurement ofresidual stress in tempered glass used in solar cellsand panels.

9. PV on Secondary Network Distribution Systems(IEEE P1547.6),

10. Solid, rigid and well tested method in order todeterminate the main characteristic of differentpanels, both in terms of performance and electric

circuit characteristics.11. Standard methodology for performing wind

calculations- (ASCE 7-05) Many assumptions existbut not explicitly laid out, nothing specific formounting systems on rooftops.

12. ICC certification of mounting systems13. Guidance for information required by regulators,

administrators, manufacturers, utilities, etc.14. Module Performance definitions15. Light source Calibrations 16. Layers of Spectrum

for multi-junction cells16. Working, maximum temperature or melting points

for PV17. Analysis of differences between PV declared and

obtained performances.Long Term1. Flat plate and concentrator PV Module and system

Energy Rating methods (power production expectedfor various climatic conditions)

2. Energy rating for concentrating solar thermal powersystems

3. Service lifetime prediction for flat plate andconcentrator systems (PV arrays; solar thermal?)

4. Use of concentrating PV reference modules(evaluate system performance, monitor productionquality, etc.)

5. Indoor performance testing of concentrating PVmodules (using solar simulator)

6. Evaluating quality of and utilizing solar resourcedata7. Producing typical meteorological years for solar

energy conversion and buildings applications.8. Physically evaluating prospective sites for solar

energy conversion systems.

ANALYSIS OF THE ITALIAN SITUATION

The present Italian scenario about renewable energiesand on PV electric production appears really favourable ifconnected to climatic conditions, but Italian green energy,and especially PV energy, production, seems completely

insufficient if compared to the enormous possibilities of thecountry. The 30% green energy production objective is reallyfar to be realized and the present industrial tissue give onlyfew signals in this direction.

This situation is due to cultural, political and economicreasons, especially connected to an energy market whichappear dominated by few players and is far from acompetitive scenario. Market distortive practices such asCip6 derived finance make less convenient environmental

correct practices than large incinerators plants, evenconnected to a thermal energy recovery and utilization.

Table 1 - The shares in energy production in 2005

were the following (data by Energy Balance published by

the Italian Ministry for Economic Development)

The insufficient political action of orientation, and theItalian attitude of the Italian capital to invest only in

speculative and short payback systems appears, a strong limitin solar energy. The new way to nuclear decided by ItalianGovernment, which is going to delete all nationalcontributions to the solar PV market by year 2011 requires tobe analyzed by data.

The typical Italian anomaly is connected with the energyconsumption by sector, which presents really far from theclassic rule of one third.

Table 2 - Italian renewable energy production in 2005

(data source GSE)

Figure 6 Italian Energy consumption by sectors

(data by Energy Balance published by the Italian

Ministry for Economic Development 2005) .


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Figure 7 - Comparison between total and renewable

energy electricity gross productions (1994-2005) source

and elaboration: GSE

Figure 8 European solar thermal Energy Market

These data shows the present Italian gap both on thermalsolar energy and on photovoltaic solar energy. This gapappears dramatic if compared in terms of installations.

The nuclear choice is certainly correct in order to define anext energetic mix and to perform the future Italian role ofmiddle nuclear power in the centre of the Mediterranean sea,but it needs to be realized with a large attention to avoid anyintervention which could increase the Italian gap in solarenergy, because a correct mix of energetic sources, which islooking to the environmental and economic efficiency couldnot be realized without a maximization of solar photovoltaicand thermal energetic power, mostly realized using existingroofs.

Figure 9 European solar PV market

By this considerations a large Italian participation insidethe new open standardization process can be necessary inorder to promote the territorial energetic and environmentalexcellence, in this moment characterized by favourableevents such as the 1$ / W barrier break by First Solar highefficiency thin film PV panels and the next industrializationof emerging technologies characterized by highperformances and reduced costs if compared to classictechnology of silicon.

The real model which could be followed in order toreduce the effects of the economic crisis and to realize aserious stimulus through present and future technologiesmust consider a large intervention in the renewable energyapplications, which are the only way to future[15].

REFERENCES

[1] Mensch, G., Das Technologische Patt: InnovationenUberwinden die Depression , Frankfurt, Umschay, 1975

[2] Kondratiev, N.D., The Long Wave Cycle. N.Y.:Richardson & Snyder, 1984.

[3] Kondratieff, Nikolai D., "The Long Waves in Economic

Life," Review of Economic Statistics. 17(6) Nov 1935[4] Arno Tausch (with a postface by Christian Ghymers),From the Washington towards a ViennaConsensus? A quantitative analysis on globalization,development and global governance. Hauppauge, N.Y.:Nova Science Publishers, 2007

[5] SEMI PV Global Standardization RoadmapPresentation, February 2009

[6] ASTM E44 Committee Strategic Planning Session 2009,February 2009

[7] PV Group White Paper, A vision for the PerfectIndustry, SEMI PV Initiative, 2009

[8] White Paper on the exploitation of energy fromrenewable sources -ENEA: Report Energy andEnvironment 2005

[9] GRTN: dati statistici sullenergia elettrica in Italia(statistical data on electricity in Italy)

[10]GSE: Statistiche sulle Fonti Rinnovabili in Italia 2005(2005 statistics on Renewable EnergySources in Italy)

[11]Italian ministry for Economic Development: ScenariEnergetici tendenziali 2020 (2020 Trend energyScenarios)

[12]Italian Ministry for the Environment Land and Sea:Italian report on demonstrable progress under article 3.2of the Kyoto protocol -Italian Ministry for theEnvironment Land and Sea: SIEEB

[13]Report from Italy in accordance with Article 3(3) andArticle 5(5) of Directive 2001/77/EC -TERNA: Nationalstatistics 2005.

[14]Stryi-Hipp G., Solar Thermal Energy and PhotovoltaicMarkets in Germany, German Solar IndustryAssociation (BSW-Solar), Int. Exhibition on EnergyEfficiency and Renewable Energy Sources, 2009

[15]The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009(stimulus bill), U.S. Government, 2009

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