Issue Paper

Standards in the Solar Photovoltaic Value Chain in Relation to International Trade

George Kelly

Mahesh Sugathan

Climate and EnergyMarch 2017 |

l Climate and Energy

Standards in the Solar Photovoltaic Value Chain in Relation to International Trade

Issue Paper

March 2017

George KellyIndependent Expert Consultant, PV Safety and Reliability

Mahesh SugathanICTSD

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Published by International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD)International Environment House 27 Chemin de Balexert, 1219 Geneva, Switzerland

Tel: +41 22 917 8492 Fax: +41 22 917 8093 ictsd@ictsd.ch www.ictsd.org

Publisher and Chief Executive: Ricardo Meléndez-Ortiz Director, Climate, Energy, and Natural Resources: Ingrid JegouSenior Research Fellow: Mahesh Sugathan

Acknowledgements

This issue paper is produced by ICTSD’s Programme on Climate and Energy.

The authors wish to thank Tony Sample (European Commission, Joint Research Centre), John Wohlgemuth (National Renewable Energy Laboratory, USA), Tetyana Payosova (World Trade Institute, University of Bern) and an anonymous reviewer for their helpful comments on a previous draft of this paper.

ICTSD is grateful for the generous support from its core donors including the UK Department for International Development (DFID); the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA); the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (Danida); the Netherlands Directorate-General of Development Cooperation (DGIS); and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway.

ICTSD welcomes feedback on this publication. This can be sent to Ingrid Jegou (ijegou@ictsd.ch) or Fabrice Lehmann, ICTSD Executive Editor (flehmann@ictsd.ch).

Citation: Kelly, George, and Mahesh Sugathan. 2017. Standards in the Solar Photovoltaic Value Chain in Relation to International Trade. Geneva: International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD).

Copyright © ICTSD, 2017. Readers are encouraged to quote and reproduce this material for educational and non-profit purposes, provided the source is acknowledged. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivates 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of ICTSD or the funding institutions.

ISSN 2225-6679

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES ivLIST OF ABBREVIATIONS vFOREWORD viEXECUTIVE SUMMARY viii1. INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Methodology 2

2. STANDARDS AND THE SOLAR-PV VALUE CHAIN 3 2.1 Context and Background 3

2.2 Standards and Technological Innovation 4

2.3 Types of Standards and their Evolving Roles 5

2.4 Standards Development and the Value Chain 7

2.5 Key SDOs in PV 10

2.6 Compilation of PV Standards 14

2.7 Summary and Observations on PV Standards 15

3. TRADE POLICY IMPLICATIONS 16 3.1 An Introduction to Standards Regulation in the WTO 16

3.2 Specific Concerns on National Solar-PV Standards Raised in the WTO TBT Committee 18

3.3 Applying a Value-chain Perspective in Standards and Trade Law 18

3.4 Trade Policy Questions Relevant to Solar-PV Standards 19

3.5 Facilitating Trade through Rule-making: Developments in Preferential Trade Initiatives 23

4. CONCLUSION 26REFERENCES 27ANNEX A: STANDARDS RELEVANT TO PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGY (BY STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION) 30ANNEX B: STANDARDS AND STANDARDISATION INITIATIVES AFFECTING SOLAR-PV GOODS (BY VALUE CHAIN SEGMENT) 49ANNEX C: STANDARDS AND STANDARDISATION INITIATIVES AFFECTING SOLAR-PV SERVICES (BY VALUE CHAIN SEGMENT) 73

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LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURESFigure 1: Phases and transitions of technology-intensive industrial emergence

Figure 2: Standardisation in technological innovation

Figure 3: The PV industry value chain

Table 1: Key Standards Development Organisations for the Solar PV Industry

Table 2: Working Groups under IEC Technical Committee (TC) 82 and their areas of work

Table 3: Technical Areas Covered by IEC TC Working Group 2

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONSAIST National Institute of Advanced

Industrial Science and Technology

ANS American National Standards

ANSI American National Standards Institute

APEC Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials

BIPV Building Integrated PV

BOS balance of system

CAB Conformity Assessment Board

CFL self-ballasted lamp

CIGS copper indium gallium selenide

CPV photovoltaic concentrator

ECT equivalent cell temperature

EGA Environmental Goods Agreement

EPS electric power system

ESTI European Solar Test Installation

EVA ethylene-vinyl acetate

FTA free trade agreement

GATS General Agreement on Trade in Services

GATT General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

ICC International Code Council

ICTSD International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development

IEC International Electrotechnical Commission

IECRE IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Renewable Energy Applications.

IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

INAA instrumental neutron activation analysis

IR outdoor infrared

IRENA International Renewable Energy Agency

IS international standard

ISO International Organization for Standardization

JWG Joint Working Group

KEMCO Korea Energy Management Company

LED light-emitting diode

LVRT low voltage ride-through

MFN most-favoured nation

MT measurement and testing

NC national committee

NEW new work item

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology

NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory

OPV organic photovoltaic

PR production

PUB published

PV photovoltaic

PVQAT PV Quality Assurance Task Force

QA quality

REV revision in process

SC subcommittee

SDO standards development organisation

SEMI Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturers’ Institute

SPS Sanitary and Phytosanitary

SR spectrum response

STP Standards Technical Panels

TBT Technical Barriers to Trade

TC technical committees

TCO transparent conducting oxide

TPP Trans-Pacific Partnership

UL Underwriters’ Laboratories

UN/ECE United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

US United States

VA vinyl acetate

WG working group

WTO World Trade Organization

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FOREWORD

Fossil fuel based energy use is the biggest contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, a rapid scale-up and deployment of renewable and sustainable energy sources will be critical to the pursuit of countries’ pledges under the Paris Agreement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. A scale-up of sustainable energy will also enhance energy access for millions of people in the developing world and power economic growth. It will also enhance energy security by reducing the reliance of countries on fossil fuel imports.

Scaling up the expansion of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency will entail addressing impediments to the global diffusion of clean energy and energy-efficient goods and services. Trade policy can contribute in this regard by lowering barriers to market access for sustainable energy goods and services.

Clean energy goods and services, critical for climate change mitigation, are materials increasingly being delivered through globally dispersed supply chains. These chains involve raw materials, components, capital equipment, and services that are traded across borders, assembled, or processed in one or more countries and re-exported to a third country where the power plant is installed and electricity from renewable energy sources is generated.

Standards for quality and safety are surging and affecting these supply-chains. Many national standards are based on international ones such as those developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), whereas others are locally developed and relate to specific geographical or climatic conditions in importing markets.

While important for assuring product and service safety and quality, standards are sometimes designed or implemented in a manner that leads to unnecessary impediments to trade. In other cases, lack of standards or the diversity of standards themselves may be an obstacle to trade and cost-optimisation along the clean energy value chain. Such potential barriers have caught the attention of policymakers and negotiators, as they seek to address trade barriers, to the flow of environmental technologies. For instance, it has been suggested that the Environmental Goods Agreement could eventually address non-tariff barriers such as standards.

Solar-photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules are only one component, though a heavily traded one, among a diverse array of goods and services that make up the solar value chain. Therefore, it makes sense to look at the occurrence of standards along the entire value chain, identify segments of the chain where relatively fewer or no standards exist, or where standards are only in the process of being created, and to assess which of these would have implications for cost reduction in terms of equipment, installation, or operations for a solar power plant.

For developing country policymakers keen to ensure reliable expansion of off-grid solar energy, developing national standards based on existing international ones would ensure that low-quality or even counterfeit products are not sold in domestic markets or used in local solar installations. Moreover, from a trade perspective, trade friction is less likely to arise along segments of the value chain where a large number of international standards exist.

The objective of the paper is to map the state of play of development of certain critical standards along important segments of the solar-PV energy value chain, identifying the major standard-setting organisations involved and exploring implications, if any, from a trade and trade rules perspective. This mapping will inform future trade policy making in the area. While trade liberalisation initiatives

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cannot themselves be responsible for setting standards for clean energy technologies or for pursuing harmonisation, they could influence policy outcomes agreed upon in various standard-setting forums.

The author of section 1 of this paper, focusing on standards and the solar-PV value chain, is George Kelly, an industry-recognised expert on module reliability, certifications, and qualification testing, with a leadership role in development of international standards. He has been a leader in the standards development process for over 20 years and in January 2015 was elected as chairman of US National Committee of the new IECRE conformity assessment system for renewable energy.

The co-author of this paper on section 2, focusing on trade policy implications, is Mahesh Sugathan, a senior research fellow with the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) and an independent consultant focusing on the areas of international trade, climate change, and sustainable energy with numerous publications on these topics.

This paper was conceived by ICTSD and developed by ICTSD’s Programme on Climate and Energy. As a valuable piece of research, it has the potential to inform innovative policy responses on sustainable energy trade initiatives as well as more broadly on environmental goods. It will be an important reference tool for policy makers involved with energy access as well as trade negotiators. We hope that you will find the paper to be a thought-provoking, stimulating, and informative piece of reading material and that it proves useful for your work.

Ricardo Meléndez-Ortiz Chief Executive, ICTSD

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARYStandards are essential for ensuring safety, product and service quality for many products and services. This is particularly true for the solar-photovoltaic (PV) sector where the reliability, performance, and durability of solar equipment is critical to ensure smooth operations of solar power plants, often for several years, as required in power purchase agreements. Conformity to minimum standards is also often a prerequisite for feed-in-tariffs provided by governments to solar power developers as well as for financial support by banks.

Solar-PV cells and modules are the most heavily traded of all clean energy goods and services worldwide, with trade reaching nearly US$52 billion in 2015. As trade policymakers seek to address non-tariff measures on clean energy goods and services, they will need to better understand the extent of standardisation. This includes a good overview of the types of standards prevalent along various segments of the solar-PV value chain, of the key standard-setting bodies involved, and of any implications from a trade perspective. The paper intends to contribute to this end by mapping the various standards according to value chain segments and by discussing trade policy implications.

Standards in the solar-PV sector have not so far emerged as a source of trade friction among countries. However, given the growing trade in solar-PV goods and services as well as the rapid growth of new technologies, this may change in the future. Indeed, trade policymakers are anticipating this and have argued that standards might be one of the non-tariff barriers that could eventually be addressed under the Environmental Goods Agreement.

While trade policymakers will be unable to directly set standards themselves, they can, through coordination with appropriate national actors, influence the process to ensure harmonisation of standards wherever feasible, while also exploring other options such as mutual recognition or equivalence of standards and conformity assessment systems.

Solar-PV has witnessed, similar to many other sectors, progressive “phases” of standards development. From an early stage emphasis on basic measurement principles and validation of technology functions, there is a progression towards standards for performance, safety, and quality during the commercialisation phase as a means to promote the technology and build markets, and then towards standardising manufacturing equipment and raw materials as mass production levels are achieved.

These phases were influenced by the various stages of development of the solar-PV industry, as with other industries. From the earliest phase, “precursor and embryonic” activity is dominated by scientific discovery and basic technology development. This is followed by an increasing emphasis on application of technology and adaptation to market needs in the “nurture and growth phases,” and eventually leading to commercial success—“maturity.”

The annexed tables present a complete list of PV standards, indicating whether they cover products or services, and which ones offer the potential for significant cost reduction if they are widely adopted.

From a value chain perspective, standards for PV modules and cells were developed first and comprise the majority. There were also a number of system and balance-of-system standards prepared in the early days, but they tended to address the stand-alone systems that were the bulk of the market at the time. More recently, and significantly more rapidly, standards for raw materials and production equipment have been developed. The range of standards under development has broadened to include standards for design, construction, and operation of PV systems.

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There are several important standards development organisations (SDOs) in the PV industry. Six specific SDOs, addressing different aspects of standardisation, have had the most impact on the solar PV industry. These include the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials), Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturers’ Institute (SEMI), Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL), International Code Council (ICC), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

The main differences between the SDOs are in the details of their membership, committee organisation, and voting processes. For example, IEC committees are formed of experts appointed by their national committees, while SEMI experts usually represent their company. ASTM allows any individual to become a member, but only allows one vote from any organisation. UL and ICC identify and recruit subject-matter experts for development of each standard, subject to rules about overall balance of the committee. While the IEC, ASTM, and IEEE have specific policies ensuring that they adhere to the six World Trade Organization (WTO) principles of transparency, openness, impartiality, consensus, effectiveness, and relevance, SEMI, UL, and ICC do not formally refer to the WTO, although they are clearly aware of the implications for international trade and mutual acceptance. Standards development organisations are aware of the need to avoid the costs associated with duplication of standards and usually try to make efforts that are complementary rather than competing.

A table of key SDOs listing their membership and focus of activity is provided below.

Standards Development Organisation Membership Focus of ActivitiesInternational Electrotechnical Commission

IECNational Committees

Performance and Safety of Products, Systems and Services

ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials)

ASTMIndividual Experts

Measurement Principles and Specialty Tests

Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturers’ Institute SEMI

Member Companies

Primarily Manufacturing-related (materials and equipment)

Underwriters’ LaboratoriesUL

Invited Experts

Product Safety

International Code CouncilICC

Invited Experts

Building and Fire Codes

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

IEEEIndividual Experts

Grid Connection Codes

The WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) governs the application of technical regulations and standards with respect to their impact on international trade. The existence of “international standards,” as laid out in the TBT Agreement, and a reliance on international solar-PV standards by national standards bodies, has enabled countries to largely avoid trade-related friction in the solar-PV sector. The TBT Agreement also applies to conformity assessment procedures for goods.

Article 2.2 of the TBT Agreement clearly lays down that technical regulations “... shall not create unnecessary obstacles to trade.” Further, it also provides that technical regulations shall not be more trade restrictive than necessary to fulfil a legitimate objective taking into account the risks that non-fulfilment would create. The TBT Agreement further states that members shall use “relevant international standards” as the basis for both technical regulations (Article 2.4) as well as conformity assessment measures (Article 5.4), except where it becomes ineffective or inappropriate

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for domestic policy purposes (e.g. fundamental geographical or climatic factors or technological problems). This creates a rebuttable presumption of compliance with the TBT Agreement. TBT rules apply not only to technical regulations issued by the central government bodies (e.g. the national law providing for certain fire safety standards that also applies to PV equipment), but also to those regulations adopted by local government bodies and even non-governmental bodies. However, while compliance with Article 2 is unconditional for the technical regulations applied by local government and non-governmental bodies, WTO members are only expected to take “reasonable measures” available to them to ensure compliance.

Many national solar-PV standards including technical regulations are based on IEC standards with additional requirements, often to meet local requirements such as fire safety and building codes, as well as differences in electrical grids. This will presumably find shelter under the TBT Agreement, being considered “necessary” to fulfil a legitimate domestic objective even if they do have a trade impact and even if some of the non-IEC standards may not meet the “international standard” definition. However, this does not mean that problems may not arise with technical regulations in the future, particularly with changes in technology.

Important questions for trade policymakers to consider in this context would be: (i) Are the required standards set to fulfil legitimate policy objectives such as health, safety, product performance, and environmental protection? (ii) Can they be considered as “relevant international standards” as defined by the TBT Agreement? (iii) Are the technical regulations relating to product requirements based on performance as opposed to design or descriptive characteristics? (iv) Have the relevant SDOs accepted the WTO’s Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards (Annex III of the TBT Agreement)? (v) Are the relevant SDOs within the territory of a member or a regional standardising body making every effort to avoid duplication of, or overlap with, the work of other standardising bodies in the national territory or with the work of relevant international or regional standardising bodies? (vi) To what extent are the standards evolving or newly emerging? (vii) To what extent are they also related to services (which do not fall under the purview of the existing WTO TBT Agreement)?

The assessment of the standards along various segments of the solar-PV value chain clearly reveals that standards affect both goods and services segments as well as whole solar-PV systems. However, the extent of standardisation is relatively less in the services segment. Solar-PV cells and modules are still the most important part of the value chain affected by standards from a trade volumes perspective, but in the future, other segments, including services segments such as installation, may likely see growth potential, and service suppliers will need to be aware of and comply with relevant IEC standards, as well as additional national requirements that may be set. It would be in the interests of governments, as they pursue Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to ensure that trade in such service segments is facilitated to the greatest extent possible including through standards harmonisation and international standards and through relevant mutual recognition of conformity assessment or accreditation schemes given the importance of services for scaling up clean energy supply.

Services regulations pertain to both service suppliers and the services produced, while the TBT Agreement focuses on the characteristics of the products and not the characteristics of the producers themselves. However, certain TBT principles relevant to services regulation have been incorporated into the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), most notably the requirement that domestic regulation of services be least trade restrictive. Even so, operationalising this through GATS negotiations on disciplines pertaining to domestic regulations in services has not made much headway and has proved controversial and divisive.

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A number of measures which could be useful in the case of standards on solar-PV services have been suggested. These include: (i) increasing transparency including with a mapping of international standardisation at the sectoral level and transnational private efforts to establish norms for services suppliers, as well as documenting efforts of preferential trade agreements to reduce regulatory barriers; (ii) ensuring that the regulatory process in services conforms to what are generally accepted as “good practices,” which would be highly correlated with satisfying any eventual “necessity test;” and (iii) focusing on working towards creating a process encouraging WTO members to raise instances where domestic regulation is perceived to be unnecessarily trade restrictive, or more far-reaching, to be less effective than it might be in attaining a regulatory objective.

As clearly evident from the earlier sections of this paper, standards are decided in standardisation bodies and often the major obstacle to trade may arise not from standards per se but rather due to the way that conformity assessment rules are designed and applied. For both standards and conformity assessment measures, trade policymakers could look towards examples set in preferential trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (that provides, among others, for parties to recognise the previous work done in APEC to promote the mutual recognition of professional competence in engineering and architecture) and the EU-Singapore agreement, with its stand-alone chapter on Non-Tariff Barriers to Trade and Investment in Renewable Energy Generation, to mutually accept each other’s declaration of conformity for placing their products on the market.

As future negotiations on non-tariff measures for environmental goods and services get underway as part of a possible environmental goods agreement, a preemptive approach towards clarifying rules would ensure that standards development along the clean energy value chains, including solar PV, continues to meet legitimate objectives and support the effective, safe, and efficient scale-up of clean energy, while keeping markets open and ensuring fair access to clean energy equipment and services from all over the globe.

Greater coordination and well-functioning channels of communication between solar energy industry associations, national conformity assessment bodies, trade ministries, as well as international standard-setting bodies could help deal more quickly with problems as they arise and help make global diffusion of solar-PV products and services as seamless and problem-free as possible.

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1. INTRODUCTION

Standards, while important for ensuring safety and assuring product and service quality in the solar-PV sector, can also be designed or implemented in a manner that leads to unnecessary impediments to trade, denying market access opportunities for producers aspiring to global markets. In other cases, lack of standards or the diversity of standards themselves may be an impediment to trade and cost-optimisation along the clean-energy value chain. Such potential impediments have caught the attention of policy makers and negotiators as they seek to address trade barriers—both tariffs as well as non-tariff measures—to the flow of environmental technologies, including those relevant to clean-energy generation. Solar-PV cells and modules are particularly notable in that they constitute (together with Light-emitting Diodes or LEDs) the single largest traded category among clean-energy products, leaving aside cross-cutting products relevant to the clean-energy sector such as inverters and batteries. Standards in the solar-PV sector by themselves have not yet become a major issue for international trade in solar-PV cells and modules given that most, if not all of the major solar-PV manufacturers, base their national standards and technical regulations on International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. However, as the industry grows, technology evolves and diversifies, and trade expands even further, there is the potential for standards-related bottlenecks to emerge along the value chain. Given, however, that standard setting is still ongoing and nascent in certain segments of the value chain, there is no certainty that challenges for trade may not arise in the future. It would therefore be desirable for trade policy makers to get a sense of the standards landscape in solar PV, a clean-energy sector that dominates international trade, identify the main standard-setting bodies in the sector, and identify segments such as solar-PV installation services where the standards landscape appears to be evolving or has cross-overs into other sectors such as construction.

The purpose of the paper is primarily to provide information to trade policy makers on the importance and state of play of standards in the solar-PV sector taking a value-chains perspective, identifying the main standard-setting bodies in the sector, both international as well as the main regional and private-sector ones, before analysing important issues related to trade policy and relevant rules. Through a detailed mapping of the state of development of solar-PV standards in the Annex, the paper also seeks to address, at least partially, a particular gap identified by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA 2014) in one of its earlier publications on the need for better inventories and data collection on standards. The mapping exercise is obviously not comprehensive or exhaustive in that standards are constantly evolving. The Annex tables, however, could provide a useful template for future online databases on standards for the solar-PV sector that are dynamic and searchable in a manner useful for both policy makers and industry.

Section 2 of this paper provides a glimpse into the rationale behind solar-PV standards, the main actors involved in various segments of the solar-PV value chain and their functions before proceeding to map the various types of standards in detail in the Annex tables. The standards have been categorised based on the type of standard-setting organisation, the phase of standards development, the function of the listed standards, as well as their positioning along the solar-PV value chain (see subsection 1.1 Methodology). Section 3 of the paper then proceeds to analyse the PV value chain and raise important issues, questions, and considerations from a trade policy and World Trade Organization (WTO) rules perspective. This section will be particularly relevant in the event that trade disputes based on standards do arise in the future.

Given the paper’s objective to inform trade policy makers on solar-PV standardisation from a broader value-chains perspective, we

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have focused on standards relevant to the production of PV power-generation systems, whereas earlier studies (e.g. Rai and Payosova 2016) have been more focused on product-specific standards for PV modules and have also raised trade policy issues relevant to conformity assessment. The paper does touch upon the issue of conformity assessment and recognises the trade-related challenges that diverse approaches to conformity assessment can cause. Based on evidence cited in the literature so far, it is likely that differences in conformity assessment rather than standards themselves will emerge as a more immediate cause for trade friction. However, a detailed empirical survey and evaluation of various types of conformity assessment-related problems faced by private-sector participants in the solar-PV sector was felt to be outside the present scope of the paper

1.1 Methodology

The methodology for preparation of this paper included interviews with experts in PV standards for Section 2 combined with a focused literature search to develop the analysis. Section 3 is based on a literature review including an analysis of WTO documents which take an ex-ante rather than ex-post approach given the fact that no major trade

dispute on solar-PV standards has yet arisen at the WTO.

The tables in Annexes A, B, and C map important solar-PV standards that (i) already exist, (ii) are in the process of revision, or (iii) are new ones being developed.

These listed standards are presented in the Annex tables in two different ways. In Annex A, standards are listed according to the relevant standard development organisations. In the tables in Annexes B and C, the standards are mapped according to specific segments of the solar-PV value chain for both solar-PV goods (Annex B) and services (Annex C). In both the Annex B and C tables details regarding the function of the standard (i.e. measurement, safety, etc.) are also indicated. In addition, the cost-reduction potential of a given standard for equipment, installation, or operation is also indicated. Given that the process of standard setting is dynamic, standards that are shown as “new” or undergoing “revision” in the Annex tables will soon become published standards and those not currently listed in the Annex tables may make an appearance. In the future, the development of an online “living” database on solar-PV standards that is updated constantly will be useful for both policy makers as well as private-sector firms.

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2. STANDARDS AND THE SOLAR-PV VALUE CHAIN

2.1 Context and Background

The development of standards in the PV industry must be viewed in the context of substantial industry growth. Demand for PV systems has been increasing at a rate of >20 percent per year worldwide for at least the past decade. In particular, there has been a significant increase in the number of large utility-scale and commercial PV plants, and in the size of these plants, which in some cases have a capacity of greater than 500 MW. Another important development in the past 10 years has been the concentration of the majority of PV module manufacturing in China.

Although the modules are almost all certified to meet international standards for design qualification and product safety, there are still examples of system failures, which lead to doubts about the adequacy of existing standards. There are also still examples of large-scale module failures and outright fraud. For instance, in Tanzania in 2015 there were reports of fake solar panels, most of them imported from China (allAfrica n.d.). Therefore, work continues on standards for quality management systems for module factories and visual inspection of incoming products.

This concern for quality and bankability has led to a need for improved understanding of reliability and validation of product lifetime for investors. To address this need, the International PV Quality Assurance Task Force (PVQAT) was formed in 2011. Initially a cooperative effort between the US, European, and Japanese national laboratories (NREL, ESTI, and AIST), PVQAT has now expanded to include over 700 scientists and engineers working around the globe. A major part of this effort (see PVQAT n.d.) is focused on developing scientific methods to characterise and predict possible failure modes, and this work feeds into new or improved standards.

PV has gone through a progression of standards development that is typical of many industries.

Various types of standards support different activities over time as new technologies are introduced and adopted. While standards may discourage innovation under particular circumstances, recent research shows that they play critical roles in supporting technological innovation and the emergence of an industry. (BERR 2008). Interest has therefore grown in advancing knowledge of the roles of standards in emerging technologies (Ho and O’Sullivan 2013).

As a given industry matures, there tends to be a transition in the major topics of standardisation. Initially there is a focus on basic measurement principles and validating the functions of the technology. As products enter the commercialisation phase, standards for performance, safety, and quality begin to emerge as a means of helping to promote the technology and build markets. When mass production levels are achieved, it becomes increasingly important to standardise the manufacturing equipment and raw materials. Specifying the critical values for characteristic properties of materials and the operational interfaces of common manufacturing equipment enables international trade and interoperability of products from different manufacturers in different countries and regions. PV has now reached a level of maturity and commercial success that requires standardisation on all these levels.

Demand for technology-based innovation that fosters sustainable economic growth has emerged, which has consequently led in recent years to greater attention towards creating a conducive environment for technological innovation through standardisation (NSTC 2011; European Commission 2011). Numerous studies have noted the important role that standards play in enabling technological innovation by: “defining and establishing common foundations upon which innovative technology may be developed; and allowing interoperability between and across products and systems, stimulating both innovation and diffusion of

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new technologies” (Blind and Gauch 2009; Brévignon-Dodin 2009; Swann 2010; NSTC 2011). A number of policy initiatives and government programmes have been developed globally in recognition of the importance of standards in today’s global industrial environments. The focus of these initiatives is to harness effective standardisation as a crucial innovation policy instrument.

International standardisation strategies have been formulated recently by Korea and Japan to improve their system of standardisation activities. This is part of their broader national strategy aimed at promoting innovation and industrial competitiveness (CSTP 2010; MCIE 2011). In order to gain national competitiveness in emerging technologies, the US has also expanded its research activities at the National Institute of Standards and Technology aimed at promoting effective development and implementation of standards (White House 2011). The European Commission (2011) has also recently proposed a number of actions to improve the efficiency of European standardisation processes in recognition of standards as effective policy tools in supporting the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth. New understandings and insights like these will allow standards-developing organisations and policy makers to make more informed decisions on standards-related activities, ensuring that standardisation is managed in a more anticipatory and timely manner (Ho and O’Sullivan 2013).

2.2 Standards and Technological Innovation

As stated by Ho and O’Sullivan (2013):

Defined as the successful implementation of new or significantly improved products and processes (OECD 2005), technological innovation not only involves technological

factors, but also results from interactions of various other elements—including scientific, social, economic, political, organizational and institutional contexts. Such characteristics make innovation a highly dynamic, non-linear and complex process with high levels of uncertainty and risk.

What is highlighted therefore is the interdependence of elements which make up the system including standards. This makes the approach useful in analysing the nature of technological change and impacts of other elements on innovation. The framework developed by Phaal et al. (2011) proposes detailed phases and transitions of such industrial emergence and the framework itself is based on industrial lifecycles, but with more emphasis on early stages of industrial evolution.

Figure 1 illustrates the typical phases in development of an industry as it grows and generates revenues. In the earliest stages (precursor and embryonic), activity is dominated by scientific discovery and basic technology development. As an industry progresses (nurture and growth phases), there is increasing emphasis on application of technology and adaptation to market needs, eventually leading to commercial success (maturity). Contribution of standards in each of these phases is explained in the following section and illustrated in Figure 2.

In the case of PV, the science-dominated lifecycle phase occurred in the 1970s, followed by the technology-dominated phase in the 1980s, application-dominated phase in the 1990s, and market-dominated phase in the 2000s. As the industry grew through each of these phases, the emphasis also shifted to different types of standards.

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2.3 Types of Standards and their Evolving Roles

Drawing from Ho and O’Sullivan (2013):

Standards can be categorized into different types, based on these various roles and functions. The following is the list of selected types of standards that are specifically related to technological innovation, as identified in various academic literatures and policy studies:

(1) Information standards facilitate efficient communication and knowledge transfer by describing product attributes and providing technical information.

(2) Measurement and testing standards provide standardized scientific/engineering data as well as equipment calibration techniques for efficient R&D and definition of product specifications.

(3) Quality and reliability standards specify acceptable performance criteria along dimensions such as functional levels, efficiency, health and safety.

(4) Compatibility and interface standards specify properties required by a technology in order to be physically or functionally compatible with another product, process, or system.

(5) Variety reduction standards limit a certain range or number of characteristics such as size or quality levels, for economies of scale as well as users’ confidence.

(Tassey 2000; BERR 2008; Blind and Gauch 2009; Swann 2010), (Ho and O’Sullivan 2013)

Solar PV is a good example of an energy industry that emerged from technological innovation and has grown aided by the interaction of multiple factors including government programmes and standardisation activities (Roessner 1982).

With a long history of 50 years of industrial development behind it, the solar-PV sector has rich historical information to explore standards development processes throughout various stages of its emergence.

A case study analysis, drawing on historical data on standardisation and development of PV

Figure 1. Phases and transitions of technology-intensive industrial emergence

Source: Phaal et al. 2011.

Emergence

Fail?

Disrupt / Substitute?

Time

Scale(e.g. size,sales)

Decline

Renew

S-Ttransition

T-Atransition

A-Mtransition

Sciencedominatedemergence

Technologydominatedemergence

Applicationdominatedemergence

Marketdominatedemergence

MatureGrowthNurtureEmbryonicPrecursor Decline / Renew

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6

technology, was carried out to investigate any observable patterns and trends on the evolving functions of standards (Ho and O’Sullivan 2013).

A total of over 200 international, regional, and national standard publications were identified to be relevant to PV technology. These publications can be used as quantitative data to analyse historical development of PV standards across various phases of emergence. Categorising each standard by developing organisation, type, and level of systems complexity, clear patterns and characteristics of standardisation have been observed across different phases of technological innovation and industrial emergence. These include the following:

• Standards are developed by different organisations at different stages of lifecycles.

• Standards for more advanced levels of application systems complexity emerge as technology evolves over time.

• Changes due to major technological advances lead to standards revisions.

• Very early phases of technology innovations (i.e. precursor and embryonic phases) are generally dominated by measurement and testing standards.

• As technology advances and application systems become more complex: (i) more interface standards are needed to ensure compatibility and interoperability, and (ii) more quality and reliability standards are needed for system improvement. (Ho and O’Sullivan 2013).

The exercise has also noted the following relationships and patterns between standardisation and technological innovation:

• Needs for standards are identified by various factors such as government policies and regulatory frameworks, initiating standardisation activities.

• Ensuring consumer confidence and reducing uncertainties, quality standards may support a transition from embryonic phase (technology-dominated) to nurture phase (application-dominated).

• Standards need to keep up with the pace of technology development in order to foster further innovation, either through revisions or new publications.

• Production standards are necessary for efficient manufacturing processes and mass production, supporting a transition from nurture phase to growth phase (market dominated). (Ho and O’Sullivan 2013).

7Climate and Energy

In this regard, one researcher (Ho and O’Sullivan 2013) proposed a new conceptual framework for evolving functions of standards in the context of technological innovation, highlighting the empirical findings observed in the case of PV technology (see Figure 2). Building on the transitions between the science-dominated, technology-dominated, application-dominated, and market-dominated phases shown in Figure 1, Ho and O’Sullivan (2013) identified four broad categories of standards that span the technology development lifecycle: 1) measurement and testing; 2) quality; 3) interface; and 4) production. The designations M, Q, I, and P are used to identify these categories for the standards listed in Annex A.

At first, measurement and testing standards are important to establish basic agreement on measurements and appropriate tests. Then the focus shifts to quality standards, which are necessary to increase consumer confidence and acceptance of the technology. As markets mature and expand, production standards become essential, to reduce manufacturing costs and facilitate international trade in raw

materials and manufacturing equipment. Most recently, the PV industry has reached the stage where interface standards are increasingly important, to allow for integration of the new technology into overall infrastructure of goods and services, including construction, installation, operation, and maintenance.

2.4 Standards Development and the Value Chain

There are several key organisations that publish codes and standards for PV products and each organisation has its own process to develop and publish standards. Generally, the same basic principles are applied in all major standards development organisations (SDOs), while details such as committee structure and the balloting process are somewhat different. In all cases, standards are intended to ensure transparency, openness, impartiality, consensus, effectiveness, and relevance. International PV standards, implemented in all major markets, have contributed in the last 30 years to high quality and reliability; innovation and cost reduction; transparent markets and trade; and safety of product and people.

Figure 2. Standardisation in technological innovation

Source: Ho and O’Sullivan 2013

Scale (e.g.size, sales)

Time

Precursor Embryonic Nurture Growth

S-Ttransition

T-Atransition

A-Mtransition

Identifying needsfor standards

Quality standards forconsumer confidence Production

standards forvariety-reduction

Dominated by measurement& testing standards

More interface standards as application system becomes complex

More quality standards for system improvement(needed by non-specialist user groups as market grows)

Standards in more advanced level of application systems complexityMore revisions with technology development

8

Figure 3 illustrates the PV value chain, and the interfaces between products and services where standards help reduce the overall cost of an installed PV system. Annex A presents a complete list of PV standards, indicating whether they cover products or services, and which ones offer the potential for significant cost reduction if they are widely adopted.

Beginning from the left side of Figure 3, basic raw materials (mainly polysilicon and glass) are converted into finished products and then into functional power-generation systems.

The dominant technology (crystalline silicon) is depicted in the centre of the figure, where the basic manufacturing processes convert raw silicon first into ingots and wafers, then PV cells, and finished modules. Less-developed technologies (thin-film and concentrating PV) are depicted in the lines below. Each of these PV technologies is then combined with associated mechanical and electrical components, then progress through a series of services segments, as they are assembled and finally integrated into operating power plants.

Figure 3. The PV industry value chain

Source: Green-Rhino Energy n.d.

In general, standards for PV modules and cells were developed first and comprise the majority. There were also a number of system and balance-of-system (BOS) standards prepared in the early days, but they tended to address the stand-alone systems that were the bulk of the market at the time. More recently, and significantly more rapidly, standards for raw materials and production equipment have been developed. The range of standards under development has broadened to include

standards for design, construction, and operation of PV systems. As highlighted earlier in the methodology section, since the purpose of this paper is mainly to analyse the PV value chain from a trade policy perspective, we have focused only on standards relevant to the production of PV power-generation systems. The Annex tables do not cover various types of manufacturing equipment for solar-PV cells and modules, which constitute an entirely separate category of goods and services.

Products

Services

Publishing, Trade & Industry Organisations, Education

Financing, Consulting, Testing

Manufacturing Equipment

Materials & Chemicalsfor wafer, cell- and mobile production

Poly-Silicon

SiliconWafers

& IngotsPV Cell

CrystallineModule

MountingBIPV

Tracking

ElectricalComponents

WholesaleDistribution

ProjectDevelopment

DesignEngineering

Construction

Operations&

Maintenance

Solar Glass

Substrate Thin-film Module

ProtectiveCover

Software

Multi-junctionCell

Concentrating PV Module (CPV)

Concentrated Solar Thermal Power PlantConcentrated Solar Thermal

Components:Concentrators, Receivers

9Climate and Energy

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which has been at the forefront of international standardisation in the wind, solar, and marine energy fields for many years, has now gone a step further and launched IECRE, the IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Renewable Energy Applications. Commonalities can be found in the technologies used for generating energy from the sun, the wind, or the oceans: high capital investment and harsh environmental conditions in deployment, the need to assess installed systems at all stages from design concept to prototype, to production of equipment and components, transportation, installation, and commissioning.

Approved by IEC CAB (Conformity Assessment Board) at its June 2013 meeting, and open to any country wishing to participate, the system provides testing, inspection, and certification for renewable energy sectors. The system aims to facilitate international trade in equipment and services while maintaining the required level of safety. In order to achieve this, it:

• Operates a single, global certification system;

• Aims for acceptance by local/national authorities or other bodies requiring and benefiting from certification; and

• Makes use of high quality international standards and allows for continuous improvement.

Mutual acceptance of test results and certificates by participating countries and certification bodies is a fundamental principle of the system, and a peer-assessment process ensures uniform application of the requirements for certification. To be effective and avoid double work on what information must be given when and to whom, the system will include a mechanism to solve disagreements between stakeholders both on the content and its correct application. Its goal is to offer a harmonised application around the globe, which ensures:

• Uniform implementation and mutual recognition between certification bodies and test labs;

• Delivery of information by suppliers, sub-suppliers, end users, and others providing documentation for certification; and

• Clear understanding of all suppliers, sub-suppliers, end users, and other applicants for the elements and modules as well as reports, statements, and certificates of the certification processes.

Each of the renewable energy sectors may operate schemes that cover: products (e.g. components and systems), services (e.g. installations and operations), and personnel (e.g. competence to perform critical tasks). To date, 15 countries have joined the system: Austria, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States.

Box 1: Conformity Assessment

10

US organisations were generally the first movers in this area, with great influence in international PV standardisation, and many US standards also have become de facto international standards later on. But in practice, all the major SDOs described here follow similar internationally accepted practices. IEC, ASTM, and IEEE have specific policies ensuring that they adhere to the six WTO principles of transparency, openness, impartiality, consensus, effectiveness, and relevance. SEMI,1 UL, and ICC do not formally refer to WTO, although they are clearly aware of the implications for international trade and mutual acceptance.

The main differences between the SDOs are in the details of their membership, committee organisation, and voting processes. For example, IEC committees are formed of experts appointed by their national committees, while SEMI experts usually represent their company. ASTM allows any individual to become a member, but only allows one vote from any organisation. UL and ICC identify and recruit subject-matter experts for development of each standard, subject to rules about overall balance of the committee.

There can also be trade-offs between technical expertise and efficiency of the process. For example, IEC organises working groups by technical area (cells, modules, systems, BOS), which generally attracts the most knowledgeable experts from around the world. Therefore, the technical content is usually very good, but the meeting logistics are quite difficult. By contrast, SEMI has organised regional committees (Japan, China, US, EU), which makes organising meetings much easier but opens the possibility for duplication of effort if multiple committees are working on the same topic.

In general, it is in the best interests of the industry to avoid multiple standards covering details of the same topic, since this can lead to unnecessary complexity and cost in testing. The SDOs are aware of this situation, and usually try to make their efforts complementary rather than competing. Since many of the experts involved in standardisation participate in more than one SDO, the PV industry has done a fairly good job of maintaining such separation. However, there is some duplication of efforts, mostly based on each SDO’s desire to be responsive to stakeholders and generate revenue from publications.

2.5 Key SDOs in PV

There are several important SDOs in the PV industry. Six specific SDOs, addressing

different aspects of standardisation, have had the most impact on the PV industry and are included in this report. They are listed below in table 1

Standards Development Organisation Membership Focus of ActivitiesInternational Electrotechnical Commission

IEC National committees

Performance and safety of products, systems, and services

ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials)

ASTM Individual experts

Measurement principles and specialty tests

Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturers’ Institute

SEMI Member companies

Primarily manufacturing-related (materials and equipment)

Underwriters’ Laboratories UL Invited experts Product safety

International Code Council ICC Invited experts Building and fire codes

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

IEEE Individual experts

Grid-connection codes

Table 1. Key Standards Development Organisations for the Solar PV Industry

1 See for instance Esmail (2013), ASTM International (n.d.), and IEEE Standards Association (2011).

11Climate and Energy

2.5.1 International Electrotechnical Commission

The IEC prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies. The IEC promotes international cooperation on all questions of standardisation and the verification of conformity to standards and often serves as the basis for national standardisation and as references when drafting international tenders and contracts.

There are 166 countries represented in the IEC standards process; 83 “member” and 83 “affiliate” countries. All standards are approved on the basis of “one vote per country” (represented by national committees (NCs)).

There are 174 technical committees (TCs) and subcommittees (SCs) within IEC. The committee scope and work programme for each TC is approved by vote of the participating NCs. National committees also appoint experts to participate in each standards development project, with a minimum of five participating countries for a new project, each nominating at least one expert. The TCs and SCs operate

under rules defined under ISO/IEC (International Organization for Standardization/ International Electrotechnical Commission) directives, which are all intended to support the fundamental principles established by the WTO.

IEC Technical Committee 82 covers “solar photovoltaic energy systems.” The scope of TC82 is stated as:

To prepare international standards for systems of photovoltaic conversion of solar energy into electrical energy and for all the elements in the entire photovoltaic energy system. In this context, the ‘photovoltaic energy system’ includes the entire field from light input to a photovoltaic cell to and including the interface with the electrical system(s) to which energy is supplied.

TC82 was established in 1981 and has representatives from 49 countries; which includes 39 “participating” (i.e. voting) members and 10 “observing” members. There are over 350 individual experts who participate in one or more of nine active working groups (WGs). Each WG is dedicated to a particular aspect of PV, as shown below.

TC82 Working GroupsWG 1 Glossary

WG 2 Modules, non-concentrating

WG 3 Systems

WG 6 BOS components

WG 7 Concentrator modules

WG 8 Cells

JWG 1 Off-grid systems

JWG 32 Electrical safety of PV system installations (TC64)

JWG 82 Secondary cells and batteries for renewable energy storage (TC21)

Table 2. Working Groups under IEC Technical Committee (TC) 82 and their areas of work

TC82 has 86 published standards and technical specifications2 and the largest work programme of any IEC committee, with 67 projects underway (54 new and 13 revisions). Annex A presents

a listing of publications and current work in progress for IEC PV standards, organised by the relevant WG. (Not all WGs were considered relevant for the purposes of this compendium.)

2 Refer to Annex A Table for an explanation of the distinction between standards and technical specifications.

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WG2 on PV modules is by far the largest and most active working group. Their efforts can be divided into several major technical areas

as shown in the following table. The list of WG2 standards in Annex A is grouped corresponding to these technical areas.

In recent years, the focus of IEC standards in many industries has been towards a “systems approach,” aimed at assuring the interoperability of multiple electrical technologies. Similarly, in TC82 there has been an increasing emphasis on the work of WG3 (PV systems), WG6 (balance of system components), and JWG1 (off-grid systems). This “joint working group” (with TC 88, TC 21, and SC 21A) has published an extensive series of technical specifications (IEC/TS 62257) that are particularly applicable to developing countries, but are also becoming increasingly applicable to microgrids and storage systems in developed countries.

The installation, operation, and maintenance of PV systems are presently the areas where the most significant differences exist in national standards. Therefore, the work of WG3 and JWG1 are particularly important to harmonise existing diversity and potentially further facilitate international trade in both products and services.

2.5.2 ASTM International

The ASTM Committee E44 on Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources was formed in 1978. The committee, with a current membership of approximately 180, has jurisdiction over 54 published standards, and four new projects underway. E44 has nine technical subcommittees that maintain these standards. Membership is open to anyone who wants to use their expertise to influence

standards, and balance is maintained between “voting interests” (producer, user, general interest). These standards have and continue to play a pre-eminent role in all aspects important to the technology for conversion of solar and geothermal renewable energy to directly usable energy forms. The scope of E44 is stated as:

The promotion of knowledge, stimulation of research and the development of standard test methods, specifications, guides, practices and terminology concerned with the technology for conversion of solar and geothermal renewable energy to directly usable energy forms and the application of such technology for the public benefit. The areas of interest shall encompass standards relating to methods and applications of solar and geothermal energy conversion. These methods and applications shall include the following: heating of domestic hot water; active and passive space heating and cooling; process heating; thermal conversion power generation; photovoltaic generation of electricity; and advanced energy conversion, including wind energy. Consideration shall be given to applicable materials components, subsystems, and systems in each of these methods and applications.

The ASTM standards are typically known for their technical accuracy and clarity. Most of the E44 standards fall into the previously identified categories of measurement and testing or

TC82 Working Group 2—Technical AreasMeasurement principles

Qualification and safety tests

Power and energy ratings

Specialised stress tests

Module components

Module materials

Module lifetime predications

Table 3. Technical Areas Covered by IEC TC Working Group 2

13Climate and Energy

quality, although in recent years several important standards have been published in the areas of system performance (E2848 and E2939) and installation (E2766 and E3010). A full list of E44 publications is presented in Annex A.

The ASTM standards development process is driven by the contributions of its members, which are comprised of the world’s top technical experts and business professionals representing 135 countries. There are over 130 ASTM TCs covering diverse industry areas ranging from metals to the environment. ASTM members develop test methods, specifications, guides, and practices that support industries and governments worldwide. Development of ASTM standards is an open and transparent process, with requirements for balancing interests of multiple stakeholders (categorised as producers, users and general interest). Membership of ASTM is on an individual basis, so there may be multiple representatives of a particular entity (company, or government agency) but only one of these may be designated to vote on behalf of the stakeholder entity.

2.5.3 Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International

Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) is an organisation that represents the worldwide semiconductor, PV, and flat panel display industries. In recent years, efforts have focused on developing standards for materials and chemicals used in the solar cell manufacturing process, corresponding to the previously identified interface and production categories. The SEMI PV group consists of regional task forces that focus on different standardisation issues relevant to the stakeholders (usually manufacturing companies) in their region. A list of PV-specific SEMI standards is presented in Annex A.

There is access for industry experts to the SEMI standards development process whereby they can meet, discuss, and develop essential standards and guidelines. SEMI standards are developed through an industry-based task force which begins the process by drafting a

document in response to an industry need. The draft is reworked until consensus has been achieved. Subsequently, it is submitted for comments and approval through a broader consensus-based approval process, which includes regional TCs and, when relevant, international TCs. After achieving these steps, a call for worldwide balloting begins to confirm that the document enjoys global consensus. This development process culminates with the application of the new standard by the industry.

2.5.4 Underwriters Laboratories

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) develops more than 1,000 safety standards including standards for PV-related products. The UL standards are essential for helping to ensure public safety and confidence, reduce costs, and improve quality and market products and services. Certification to UL standards by a nationally recognised testing laboratory is required in order to receive an electric permit in most of the US and Canada.

The UL standards are recognised nationally and internationally as the benchmarks for product safety. Underwriters Laboratories has a collaborative standards development process, which provides online access to enable review and the submission of information as well as volunteer participation in a UL standards technical panel. A list of PV-specific UL standards is included in Annex A.

2.5.5 International Code Council

The International Code Council (ICC) is an organisation that develops a single set of comprehensive international “model” construction codes focused on building safety and fire prevention. Despite the name, it is primarily a US organisation, which forms working groups of volunteer experts to develop these codes through a process of discussion and consensus. Individual jurisdictions (city, state, or country) may use all or part of a “model” code as the basis for local regulations. Many ICC Codes (also known as I-Codes) have sections relevant to PV installations, including:

14

• International Building Code (IBC)—includes requirements for the fire class rating of PV systems and wind load calculations;

• International Fire Code (IFC)—includes requirements for PV markings, access and spacing, and the location of DC connectors;

• International Residential Code (IRC)—includes PV systems for one- and two-family residences;

• International Green Construction Code (IGCC)—a model code focused on new and existing commercial buildings addressing green building design and performance; and

• International Code Council Evaluation Services (ICC-ES)—includes four acceptance criteria relevant to solar, which are listed in Annex A.

2.5.6 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

The IEEE is an organisation made up of more than 426,000 individual members in more than 160 countries. The IEEE standards portfolio includes hundreds of industry-driven consensus standards in a broad range of technologies and applications, including PV systems and integration with the utility grid.

IEEE SCC21 oversees the development of standards in the areas of fuel cells, PV, dispersed generation, and energy storage, and coordinates efforts in these fields among the various IEEE societies and other affected organisations to ensure that all standards are consistent and properly reflect the views of all applicable disciplines. The IEEE SCC21 systems-level focus is on grid interconnection, integration and impacts, and Smart Grid interoperability including electric-sourced transportation and energy storage systems. PV-specific and systems-level IEEE SCC21 standards are listed in Annex A (the letter “P” before the number indicates standards that are currently being developed).

Because there is no formal coordination between IEEE and IEC, there exists some risk of duplication of standards. As previously stated, it is generally in the best interests of the industry to avoid multiple standards covering details of the same topic, since this can lead to unnecessary complexity and cost in testing. The SDOs are aware of this situation, and usually try to make their efforts complementary rather than competing. Many of the experts involved in the standards development process work with both organisations, or in close cooperation with colleagues who are involved in other SDOs. In most cases, there is a conscious effort by these experts to avoid duplication while keeping the efforts aligned.

2.6 Compilation of PV Standards

The table in Annex A lists the most important and relevant standards developed by the six SDOs described above. For each standard listed, we have identified the present status of the development work, the value chain segment to which it applies, and the broad category into which it fits. Additionally, there has been an analysis of the potential impact each standard may have on cost reduction for the industry, based on interviews with several of the international experts working with each SDO.

It can be seen from the table in Annex A that there are a considerable number of standards that could reduce product and system costs if they were more widely adopted. In most cases, these are relatively new standards and the process of adoption typically takes many years to be fully effective. Many manufacturers tend to view standards as adding to their costs, particularly because the required testing and certification is expensive and time consuming. But most of the major players have now come to realise that standards really have the potential to drive down manufacturing costs by eliminating variability, and to grow markets by making it easier for customers to adopt PV technology.

As the industry has grown substantially in the past several years, new financial stakeholders (such as bankers, investors, and insurers) have

15Climate and Energy

become more interested in standardisation and certification as a means of reducing risk. Their input has been extremely valuable in identifying areas where there are problems or gaps, and in directing the development of standards that have more impact on both cost and profitability. While there continue to be significant differences in national and regional requirements, there is a clear trend towards commonalities that will encourage international adoption of PV technology as a major energy source worldwide.

2.7 Summary and Observations on PV Standards

Based on the overview of the standards listed in Annex A, and using the terms defined in the references above, it can be concluded that PV standards have developed in a pattern that is similar in many industries. At first, measurement and testing standards are important to establish basic agreement on measurements and appropriate tests. In the

PV industry, ASTM initially took the lead role in this area, with a subsequent shift to IEC. When the focus shifted to quality and safety standards, necessary for consumer confidence and acceptance, IEC and UL became the primary SDOs. As markets matured and expanded, especially with the shift of the manufacturing base, production standards became essential, to reduce manufacturing costs and facilitate international trade in raw materials and manufacturing equipment. SEMI has done most of the work in this area for the PV industry.

Most recently, the PV industry has reached the stage where interface standards are increasingly important, to allow for integration of the new technology into overall infrastructure of goods and services. IEC and ASTM have put an increased amount of effort into this category of standards, while ICC and IEEE have contributed by developing codes for construction and grid integration of PV. There is now a robust and standards development infrastructure serving all aspects of the PV industry.

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Renewable energy products are among the most heavily traded globally among all environmental technologies. They have been included in various trade liberalisation initiatives on environmental goods worldwide, most notably a decision by Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies in 2012 to reduce tariffs to 5 percent on environmental goods contained within a subset of 54 environmental goods as well as in the draft lists being discussed as part of a plurilateral negotiation in Geneva by 17 countries for an Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA). Environmental goods in this context include equipment as well as components used in all major segments of renewable energy generation—solar PV, wind, and biomass. All of these sectors are characterised by the development of standards along their value-chain segments. Some, like solar PV and wind, could be considered more “standards-intensive” than, for example, the biomass sector.

Negotiations on environmental goods so far have focused on tariff reduction or elimination, but many intensively traded clean-energy goods such as solar panels are already traded duty-free in major exporting and importing countries. Thus, it is likely that standards and associated non-tariff measures such as conformity assessment requirements will emerge as relatively more important obstacles in the years ahead.

At present though, standards have not resulted in significant trade disruption in solar-PV cells and modules. This contrasts with trade-remedy measures such as anti-dumping and countervailing duties that are creating serious obstacles to exporters of solar-PV panels particularly Chinese ones. This lack of disruption may be attributed to the reliance generally on international standards such as those set by the IEC. However,

countries often add additional requirements that importers have to meet. These are usually based on national differences. Some may be justified while others may not, and the risk exists that these additional requirements could be designed for protectionist intent. Further, there have been instances of market access issues caused by differences in conformity assessment measures related to clean-energy standards. These measures, rather than the standards themselves could have a bigger impact on trade. However, this paper, as highlighted earlier, will keep the focus on standards while acknowledging the potential trade impact of diverse conformity assessment measures.

3.1 An Introduction to Standards Regulation in the WTO

The WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) governs the application of technical regulations and standards with respect to its impact on international trade. Unlike in industry, where the term “standards” is used to refer to both mandatory and voluntary standards, the WTO TBT Agreement distinguishes between (mandatory) technical regulations and (voluntary) standards. The TBT Agreement also applies to conformity assessment procedures for goods.3

Article 2.2 of the TBT Agreement clearly lays down that technical regulations “... shall not create unnecessary obstacles to trade.” Further it also lays down that technical regulations shall not be more trade restrictive than necessary to fulfil a legitimate objective taking into account the risks that non-fulfilment would create. The TBT Agreement further states that members shall use “relevant international standards” as the basis for both technical regulations

3. TRADE POLICY IMPLICATIONS

3 Technical regulation is defined as a “document which lays down product characteristics or their related processes and production methods, including the applicable administrative provisions, with which compliance is mandatory.” Such product characteristics may include packaging and labelling requirement provisions among others. On the other hand, a standard is a “document approved by a recognized body that provides for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for products or related processes and production methods with which compliance is not mandatory.” (Annex 1 of the TBT Agreement).

17Climate and Energy

(Article 2.4) as well as conformity assessment measures (Article 5.4), except where it becomes ineffective or inappropriate for domestic policy purposes (e.g. fundamental geographical or climatic factors, or technological problems). This creates a rebuttable presumption of compliance with the TBT Agreement.

The TBT Agreement does not define an international standard or exhaustively list international standard-setting organisations, but it does provide the definition of an “international body” or “system” as the one “…whose membership is open to relevant bodies of at least all members.” Payosova (Rai and Payosova 2016) also points to existing WTO case law whereby the Appellate Body in the US-Tuna II (Mexico) case addressed the definition of an international standard starting with the TBT Agreement. An explanatory note to Annex 1.2 of the TBT Agreement refers to the ISO/IEC guide which includes an additional pre-requisite for such international standards, namely that they are adopted by consensus.4 However it is noted in the Appellate Body decision that according to the explanatory note, the TBT Agreement also covers documents that are not based on consensus. The Appellate Body drew on interpretative guidance in the TBT Committee Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations with Relation to Articles 2 and 5, and Annex 3 to the Agreement, which stipulates the principles and procedures for development of international standards.5

A key principle of the decision is openness, meaning that relevant bodies of WTO members should enjoy access without de jure or de facto discrimination to participation at the policy development level and at all stages of standards development. The appellate body found that a standardising body can be considered international only where such openness is given “at every stage of standards development”.6

The TBT Agreement in general gives preference to technical regulations and standards that are based on performance requirements, rather than on design and descriptive characteristics, as the latter has a greater potential for being used to restrict trade (Rai and Payosova 2016). The TBT rules apply not only to technical regulations issued by the central government bodies (e.g. the national law providing for certain fire safety standards that also applies to PV equipment), but also to those regulations adopted by local government bodies and even non-governmental bodies. However, while compliance with Article 2 is unconditional for the technical regulations applied by central government bodies, with regard to those applied by local government and non-governmental bodies, WTO members are only expected to take “reasonable measures” available to them to ensure compliance. In addition to the TBT Agreement, WTO panels may also apply broader General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) rules to cases involving standards and technical regulations, particularly GATT Article I (the “most-favoured nation” or

4 The ISO/IEC guide provides general terms and definitions concerning standardisation and related activities. It is intended to contribute fundamentally towards mutual understanding amongst the members of ISO and IEC and the various governmental and non-governmental agencies involved in standardisation at international, regional, and national levels. In addition, the guide is intended to provide a suitable source for teaching and for reference, briefly covering basic theoretical and practical principles of standardisation, certification, and laboratory accreditation. The guide was first published by ISO in 1976 and was prepared by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE) in consultation with ISO, primarily to facilitate the work of the UN/ECE aimed at removal of barriers to international trade arising from lack of harmonisation of standards or inadequate international application of standards.

5 ABR US-Tuna II para. 366. Decision of the Committee on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations with relation to Articles 2, 5 and Annex 3 of the Agreement, in WTO document G/TBT/1/Rev.10, Decisions and Recommendations adopted by the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade since 1 January 1995, 9 June 2011, pp. 46–48. Appellate Body in US-Tuna II (Mexico) found that the Decision by the TBT Committee had a status of subsequent agreement between the parties regarding the interpretation of the treaty or the application of its provisions within the meaning of Article 31(3) (a) of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties – see para. 371 of the Appellate Body report.

6 ABR US Tuna II. para 113 in Rai and Payosova (2016).

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MFN clause) prohibiting discrimination between trading partners, GATT Article III prohibiting discrimination between “like” products of domestic and imported origin, as well as the general exceptions contained in Article XX. A WTO panel would also test cases of both de jure as well as de facto discrimination. The former is easier to establish as compared to the latter because the differentiation is clearly written in law. To establish de facto discrimination a panel would have to “carefully scrutinize the particular circumstances of the case, that is, the design, architecture, revealing structure, operation, and application of the technical regulation at issue, and, in particular, whether that technical regulation is ‘even-handed’.” This would enable the panel to weigh a legitimate regulatory distinction against discrimination (Rai and Payosova 2016). Thus each case involving a clean-energy equipment technical regulations or standards would be assessed on its own merits.

3.2 SpecificConcernsonNationalSolar-PV Standards Raised in the WTO TBT Committee

In 2010, the United States raised its concerns to the TBT Committee with regard to a Korean standard that applied to thin-film solar panels (KS 61646:2007 thin-film terrestrial PV modules). While the Korean standard incorporates much of IEC 61646 (the international standard applying to all types of thin-film solar panels), the Korean standard applied to only one type of thin-film solar panel which was based on amorphous silicon. Although mandatory compliance was not required by the Korean standard, solar panels had to be certified by the Korea Energy Management Company (KEMCO) in order to be sold on the Korean market and KEMCO only certified one type of solar panel according to that standard. Consequently, all other types of panels were excluded from the Korean market (Hufbauer, Meléndez-Ortiz, and Samans 2016). Although Korean representatives at the WTO TBT Committee maintained that the standards and related certification system was

not mandatory and products could be placed in the Korean market without certification, the concern has remained unaddressed. The proposed US solution to Korea was to apply an international standard (Rai and Payosova 2016). Korea’s contention also was that cadmium telluride and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar panels were not included in the test standard owing to the use of cadmium either in the production process or in the final product and that a decision would be taken on inclusion or exclusion following results of a study that had been launched by KEMCO.7 The study, completed in May 2012, showed, according to Korea, that when cadmium telluride modules were damaged or discarded, a significant amount of cadmium was leached into the surrounding environment. Korea said that given the low amount of cadmium in CIGS modules, Korea was considering setting up a certification system for this type of module.8

3.3 Applying a Value-chain Perspective in Standards and Trade Law

While trade policy makers are not directly responsible for negotiating standards, it would be useful for them to get an understanding of the standards landscape along important clean-energy value chains that the earlier sections explore. This section seeks to draw on those findings to raise some important questions and considerations for trade policy makers. These include, inter alia:

• Are the required standards set to fulfil legitimate policy objectives such as health, safety, product performance, and environmental protection?

• Can they be considered as “relevant international standards” as defined by the TBT Agreement?

• Are the technical regulations relating to product requirements based on performance as opposed to design or descriptive characteristics?

7 Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade, Minutes of the Meeting of 23–24 June 2010, G/ TBT/M/51, paras. 33–35.

8 Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade, Minutes of the Meeting of 13–15 June 2012, G/ TBT/M/57, paras. 119–122

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• Have the relevant SDOs accepted the WTO’s Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards (Annex III of the TBT Agreement)?

• Are the relevant SDOs within the territory of a member or a regional standardising body making every effort to avoid duplication of, or overlap with, the work of other standardising bodies in the national territory or with the work of relevant international or regional standardising bodies?

• To what extent are the standards evolving or newly emerging? To what extent are they also related to services (which do not fall under the purview of the existing WTO TBT Agreement)?

While this paper may not provide an answer to all of these questions, their discussion may enable WTO members to gauge the development of value chain-related standards in the clean-energy sector and help shape EGA members’ approaches to identifying potential standards-related “bottlenecks” as they embark on possible future negotiations to address non-tariff barriers under an EGA.

3.4 Trade Policy Questions Relevant to Solar-PV Standards

The previous section and the annexed tables on development of standards along the solar value chain clearly show the diversity as well as dynamic evolution of standards in the solar-PV sector. Based upon an assessment of the previous section, the present section raises a number of questions with responses that could be important for trade policy makers to consider.

3.4.1 What segments of the solar-PV value chain do they affect?

(i) Products: a large number of standards set are product related, affecting PV modules and systems that are heavily traded. They also deal with BOS components such as power converters, electric cables, solar trackers, secondary cells and batteries, and battery charge controllers.

(ii) Systems: in addition, there are system-related standards such as those dealing with PV hybrid and off-grid systems as well as upstream segments such as guides for high purity water used in photovoltaic cell processing and feedstock materials used in photovoltaic applications. Moreover, there are a number of standards, some under development, which deal with the downstream services aspects of the solar value chain such as installation, operation, inspection, and inter-connecting distributed resources with electric power systems. In some cases, standards such as those relating to fire prevention (that by their nature may entail country-specific standards) affect both goods and service segments.

From a trade policy and negotiations perspective, it is important to identify the type of equipment that both existing and emerging standards apply to, as interests of different WTO members may lie in different segments of the value chain. Clearly, from a trade volumes point of view, solar-PV cells and modules are still the most important part of the value chain, but in the future other segments, including services segments, may well see growth potential and service suppliers will need to be aware of and comply with relevant IEC standards as well as additional national requirements that may be set.

3.4.2 Which standards can be considered as “relevant international standards” as defined by the TBT Agreement? What are their objectives? Are they based on performance rather than design or descriptive characteristics?

Solar-PV standards set by the IEC would, given the nature of the standard-setting process and its compliance with the TBT Code of Good Practice, be considered “relevant international standards” in accordance with the TBT Agreement. Technical regulations that are based on or replicate IEC standards would therefore likely be in a “safe-zone” with respect to potential WTO challenge. Other standards, particularly if participation is restricted to national stakeholders, may not thus may not be covered by the compatibility

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presumption and, in the event of a trade dispute are likely to face an uphill challenge if their use cannot be justified on the basis of local needs and circumstances. It is important to emphasise that a WTO challenge would arise only if one contracting party’s trade is affected and decides to bring a dispute failing other means of settlement including through bilateral consultations. While a specific case on solar-PV standards has not yet arisen at the WTO, there is no reason to assume it may not arise in the future.

In the interests of transparency, the WTO’s TBT Code of Good Practice requires that standardising bodies that have accepted its terms notify this to the ISO/IEC Information Centre in Geneva. The UL, for instance, is an independent non-profit organisation that both certifies and develops its own standards for safety. As mentioned earlier, in the solar-PV sector, efforts are made, as far as possible, to avoid duplication of safety standards being set by organisations such as the IEC. While the nature of participation in the UL standards processes may not be comparable to the IEC, it is based on the elements of criteria laid down by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) that accepts the TBT Code of Good Practice. ANSI is the official US representative to the ISO and IEC (Ji 2009) and also coordinates the development of private standards in the US although such coordination is not mandatory (IBP 2015). ANSI itself does not develop standards but standards that become American National Standards (ANSs) are written by one of more than 270 standards developers that can submit their completed standards to ANSI for acceptance as ANSs. Composition of UL’s Standards Technical Panels (STPs) are fairly open to participation and proposals are accepted from any party materially affected by the standards. UL safety standards themselves are made public and open to comments and appeal before finalisation. In recognition of the need to promote harmonisation, UL has also undertaken harmonisation of its standards with IEC or ISO standards by either adopting IEC standards

with a minimum of national differences or propagation of a UL standard as an IEC or ISO standard where none existed previously. UL also works closely with STPs and other parties interested to identify IEC standards for possible adoption. It also places importance on reducing national differences in existing IEC-based UL standards by identifying and removing national differences not critical to the US standards system or by proposing revisions to the IEC-based standard thus eliminating the need for national differences in the US version (Bird, Brooks, and Deborah 2003).

SEMI is a global industry-driven organisation whereas the ICC, while US-based, is a global membership-driven organisation and the IEEE is a global professional association.

It is debatable whether standards set by non-IEC SDOs would be considered as “international” standards given the nature of their membership and decision making, and may thus not benefit from the rebuttable presumption in Article 2.5 of the TBT Agreement that international standards automatically enjoy of not creating obstacles to international trade. However, safety is one of the objectives (as explained below) whereby differences or deviations can be maintained if they are deemed “necessary” even if there is a trade-restrictive effect. In addition, in case no international standards exist, it may also be desirable to try and harmonise internationally de facto national or private-sector standards that are accepted in the global market place.

Even when many national technical regulations are based on international standards such as those set by the IEC, a number of national differences and additional national requirements do exist and it is these differences, unless justified on the basis of legitimate objectives such as safety and local conditions, that have the potential to cause a trade-restrictive impact. Sunny Rai (Rai and Payosova 2016) mentions the example of India, which while following IEC standards, had an additional requirement to include

9 This is reportedly ensuring against counterfeit products and reducing the likelihood of theft which is a very real risk in India. (See Rai and Payosova (2016) and Government of India (2008). According to private sector sources in India, this is not a requirement any more.

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radio frequency identification traceability in each module.9 Article 2 of the TBT Agreement does allow for differences or deviations to be maintained even if they have trade-restrictive effects for legitimate domestic objectives, such as: national security requirements; the prevention of deceptive practices; protection of human health or safety, animal or plant life or health, or the environment. In addition, Article 2.4 provides for exceptions for the use of international standards, or their relevant parts, if they “…would be an ineffective or inappropriate means for the fulfilment of the legitimate objectives pursued, for instance because of fundamental climatic or geographical factors or fundamental technological problems.” Such differences, where they may not be required or justified, can only be truly resolved through harmonisation initiatives pursed by standard-setting bodies themselves.

The non-IEC standards in the Annex tables to this paper deal with aspects such as safety, performance, measurement, testing, design requirements, and qualification of modules. Safety, as mentioned earlier, is a legitimate public policy objective in conformity with Article 2 of the TBT Agreement. While design aspects appear to be covered by several standards and they need not be set in a manner that is discriminatory, more details, in the event that a trade dispute does arise, will only be known by a detailed examination of the relevant national standard.

3.4.3 Are the relevant SDOs within the territory of a member or a regional standardising body making every effort to avoid duplication of, or overlap with, the work of other standardising bodies in the national territory or with the work of relevant international or regional standardising bodies?

An encouraging trend highlighted in the previous sections is the more or less successful efforts being undertaken by SDOs active in the solar space to avoid duplication in standard setting. Participation of the same set of experts in the activities of various SDOs has certainly helped. A number of SDOs have their areas of focus in

the type of standards being developed such as, for instance, in the building and fire codes developed by the ICC and grid-connection codes being developed by the IEEE. There is still some duplication, however, as has been pointed out, given the desire of SDOs to be responsive to stakeholders as well as their charter obligations to meet national requirements. Greater degrees of coordination and efforts at harmonisation with IEC in the future to ensure minimal duplication, as well as removal of unjustifiable national differences, would certainly help to avoid trade-restrictive outcomes as long as legitimate objectives for which differences may be maintained, such as safety, are not compromised.

3.4.4 To what extent are they also related to services (which do not fall under the purview of the existing WTO TBT Agreement)?

A number of solar PV-related standards as shown by the table in Annex A are in the process of being developed and are critical from a value-chain perspective as they deal with grid interconnection codes and services standards. The ICC also deals with a number of standards in the construction industry so would also cover both goods and services in the long term and apply to sectors such as Building Integrated PV (BIPV). This clearly shows the need for a holistic approach to clean-energy goods and services trade by trade policymakers and negotiators.

A number of clean energy-related services sectors are presently classified under the UN Central Product Classification and GATS W/120 broader services sectors such as “construction” and “other technical, professional and business” services. This can be a disincentive for WTO members to make trade liberalisation commitments specific to clean energy since clean energy-relevant services are not specifically defined (Monkelbaan 2013). Trade negotiators may therefore be wary of making unintended liberalisation commitments in broader sectors such as construction and other professional services. This concern may be addressed by negotiators carefully specifying the “end-use” of the service that is being liberalised. For

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example, they may wish to limit liberalisation commitments only to “construction services for solar PV projects” under the broader heading of “construction services.” In any event, a discussion of clean energy-related services standards in the WTO may need to go beyond just market access negotiations and involve issues of classification, domestic regulation, and the bigger issue of services-related rules. In such a case a broader sustainable energy trade initiative approach as proposed by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) may be required. From a standards point of view, market access for service segments along the solar-PV value chain such as installation, testing, maintenance, etc. could be conditioned in future by newly emerging or established standards. It would be in the interests of governments, as they pursue Sustainable Development Goal No. 710 and the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to ensure that trade in such service segments is facilitated to the greatest extent possible including through standards harmonisation and international standards, and through relevant mutual recognition of conformity assessment or accreditation schemes, given the importance of services for scaling-up clean-energy supply.

Article VI (5) (a) of the WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) pertaining to domestic regulation provides that in sectors where members have undertaken specific commitments they shall not apply licensing and qualification requirements and technical standards that nullify or impair such specific commitments in a manner which is: (i) not based on objective and transparent criteria, such as competence and the ability to supply the service; (ii) not more burdensome than necessary to ensure the quality of the service; and (iii) in the case of licensing procedures, not in themselves a restriction on the supply of the service. In addition, such licensing and qualification requirements and technical

standards that nullify or impair specific market commitments cannot also be applied in a manner which could not reasonably have been expected of that member at the time the specific commitments in those sectors were made. Article VI (5) (b) of GATS further states that in determining whether a member is in compliance with the provisions of Article 5 (a) GATS mentioned above, account shall be taken of international standards of relevant international organisations applied by that member.11 Article VII of GATS, pertaining to recognition, provides for WTO members to recognise standards and other requirements affecting service suppliers set in other members through harmonisation or an agreement or even autonomously. However, it should also provide adequate opportunity for other members to accede to such agreements or negotiate comparable ones. In addition, Article VII (3) GATS prohibits members from according recognition in a manner that would discriminate between countries in the application of its standards or criteria for the authorisation, licensing or certification of services suppliers, or a disguised restriction on trade in services. Further, Article VII (5) GATS states that wherever appropriate, recognition should be based on multilaterally agreed criteria. In appropriate cases, members are obliged to work in cooperation with relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations towards the establishment and adoption of common international standards and criteria for recognition and common international standards for the practice of relevant services trades and professions. However, it is clear that the requirements in the GATS with respect to adopting international standards are much softer as compared to the TBT Agreement. In addition, Article XIV of GATS also allows WTO members to maintain trade restrictions in the interests of “human or plant life or health” as well as “safety.” This would presumably enable WTO members to maintain installation standards associated with safety etc. that are justifiable based on local

10 “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.” (UN n.d.).

11 The term “relevant international organizations” refers to international bodies whose membership is open to the relevant bodies of at least all members of the WTO. See WTO (n.d.)

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requirements and where “like conditions,” as noted by Article XIV, may not prevail.

According to a recent paper by Hoekman and Mavroidis (2015), much of what is embodied in the TBT Agreement cannot be extended to services as there is much less international standardisation in the services sector compared to trade in goods. Moreover, services regulations pertain to both service suppliers and the services produced while the TBT Agreement focuses on the characteristics of the products and not characteristics of the producers themselves. However, certain TBT principles relevant to services regulation have been incorporated into the GATS, most notably the requirement that domestic regulation of services be least trade restrictive. Even so, operationalising this through GATS negotiations on disciplines pertaining to domestic regulations in services has not made much headway and has proved controversial and divisive. The authors attribute this to possible uncertainty associated with adopting clear disciplines such as with regard to a “necessity test” or worries among WTO members about what a future appellate body might rule in specific disputes. Given such intractability, Hoekman and Mavroidis (2015) advocate immediate steps such as: (i) increasing transparency, including with a mapping of international standardisation at the sectoral level and transnational private efforts to establish norms for services suppliers as well as documenting efforts of preferential trade agreements to reduce regulatory barriers; (ii) ensuring that the regulatory process in services conforms to what are generally accepted as “good practices” which would be highly correlated with satisfying any eventual “necessity test;” and (iii) focusing on working towards creating a process encouraging WTO members to raise instances where domestic regulation is perceived to be unnecessarily trade restrictive, or more far-reaching, to be less effective than it might be in attaining a regulatory objective. This could take place under the auspices of the Council for Trade in Services in the Working Party on Domestic Regulation as an activity similar to the approach used in TBT and SPS committees where

members can table so-called specific trade concerns arising from proposed or implemented regulatory policies pertaining to a product and involve industry associations and businesses in discussions. An absence of such steps would mean nothing happening in the WTO with countries moving towards pursuing regulatory cooperation in bilateral regional or plurilateral settings (Hoekman and Mavroidis 2015).

From this perspective, standardisation efforts along the services segments of the solar-PV value chain can only have a positive impact. The more standards that are created by international bodies such as the IEC, the easier it will be for domestic regulators in the solar-PV services segment to draw up measures that do not unfairly penalise international suppliers. Following on the suggestion by Hoekman and Mavroidis (2015) for the mapping of international standards in services at the sectoral level for greater transparency, clean-energy sectors and their value chains would certainly be well suited for such mapping in the interest of facilitating trade in clean-energy goods and services. Such services sectors could be identified based on classification including the GATS W/120 and others used by WTO members in the services negotiations. Examples of specific clean-energy services sectors for which standards can be mapped could include construction, engineering, and installation for clean-energy solar, wind, hydro, and biomass plants.

3.5 Facilitating Trade through Rule-making: Developments in Preferential Trade Initiatives

As is clearly evident from earlier sections of this paper, standards are decided in standardisation bodies and often the major obstacle to trade may arise not from standards per se but rather due to the way that conformity assessment rules are designed and applied. Concerns in the WTO’s TBT Committee that arose due to the Korean action on thin-film solar panels are a good example of this.

Outside of the WTO there have been developments in standards and related conformity assessment-related rules in preferential trade settings

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that will have implications for the ease with which clean-energy goods will be traded in the future. Two noteworthy agreements with binding provisions in this regard are the recently concluded Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) and the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The TPP was signed on 4 February 2016 in Auckland and is a FTA that will liberalise trade and investment between 12 Pacific-rim countries: New Zealand, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, the US, and Viet Nam. It has, however, not yet entered into force (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade n.d.). The TPP sets a high level of ambition as compared to other FTAs. It not only eliminates tariffs on goods but also includes a series of provisions aimed at addressing “behind the border measures” that are necessary for the development of supply chains but which are not provided for in the WTO agreements. These include those governing investment, competition, state-owned enterprises, electronic commerce, cross-border mobility of business persons, and regulatory coherence. It also calls for establishing a uniform set of standards for intellectual property protection at the highest possible level (Kawase 2016).

The TPP incorporates a number of important provisions from the TBT Agreement. However, it also adds a number of new and interesting provisions. These include, for instance, Article 8.6 (1) (the first time in a trade agreement), which obligates parties to extend MFN and national treatment benefits to each other with regard to the treatment of conformity assessment bodies, and Article 8.6 (4) (a), which prohibits parties from requiring that conformity assessment-related inspection, testing, and certification be carried out by bodies located within its territory. A number of provisions also encourage mutual recognition of conformity assessment bodies and procedures among parties and those based on international and regional mutual recognition initiatives.

The TPP provides clear guidance on the determination of what is an international standard. Article 8.5 of the TPP clearly states that further to Articles 2.4 and 5.4 and Annex 3 of the TBT Agreement, in determining whether an international standard, guide or recommendation within the meaning of Articles 2 and 5 and Annex 3 of the TBT Agreement exists, each party shall apply the Decision of the TBT Committee on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations With Relation to Articles 2, 5 and Annex 3 of the TBT Agreement (G/TBT/1/Rev.10), issued by the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (USTR n.d.a). These include the principles of transparency, openness, impartiality and consensus, effectiveness and relevance, coherence, and the development dimension.12

The TPP also includes a number of broad-ranging transparency-related provisions. For example, it specifically refers parties to, inter alia, the relevant Decisions and Recommendations Adopted by the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade since 1 January 1995 (G/TBT/1/Rev. 10) in determining whether a proposed technical regulation or conformity assessment procedure may have a “significant effect on trade of other Members” and should be notified pursuant to relevant articles of the TBT Agreement (USTR n.d.a). This would include consideration of elements such as: (a) the value or other importance of imports in respect of the importing and/or exporting members concerned, whether from other members individually or collectively; (b) the potential growth of such imports; and (c) difficulties for producers in other members to comply with the proposed technical regulations. Further the TBT Committee document states that “the concept of a significant effect on trade of other Members should include both import-enhancing and import-reducing effects on the trade of other Members, as long as such effects are significant” (WTO 2011).

While the services chapter of the TPP does not cover too much additional ground with

12 For details please see WTO (2011).

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regard to domestic regulation beyond the GATS, it includes annexes on various services including engineering and architectural services particularly relevant to clean-energy delivery. These annexes provide for parties to recognise the previous work done in APEC to promote the mutual recognition of professional competence in engineering and architecture, and the professional mobility of these professions, under the APEC Engineer and APEC Architect frameworks. It also obliges TPP members to authorise their relevant bodies to work towards becoming authorised to operate APEC Engineer and APEC Architect Registers and such bodies to also to enter into mutual recognition arrangements with the relevant bodies of other parties operating those registers (USTR n.d.b).

The EU-Singapore FTA concluded in December 2014 is also noteworthy in that it contains a stand-alone chapter dealing with Renewable

Energy. Chapter 7 on Non-Tariff Barriers to Trade and Investment in Renewable Energy Generation states in Article 7.5 (1) that the parties shall use international or regional standards or their relevant parts where they exist unless they would be ineffective or inappropriate for fulfilling the legitimate objectives pursued by the parties. For the purposes of applying the paragraph, the agreement provides that the ISO and IEC shall in particular be considered relevant international standard-setting bodies. Article 7.5 (3) also provides for the EU and Singapore to mutually accept each other’s declaration of conformity for placing their products on the market. However, it excludes from such mutual acceptance the parties’ Building Codes which pertain to services suppliers (European Commission 2015). On the services side, however, the EU-Singapore agreement sticks to a more cautious approach that mirrors the one taken so far in GATS as well as in other regional trade agreements.

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It is clear from the solar-PV case example that standards along the clean-energy value chain are more developed for goods than for services. The annexed tables also show that standards are undergoing revision and new ones are being developed along both the solar-PV goods and services value chains. Both areas will continue to see further standards’ evolution as well as harmonisation driven by international standards, best practices, and market realities. A number of standards have already been shown to have a cost-reduction potential in terms of equipment, installation, and operation. Negotiators and trade policy makers will need to keep an eye on emerging national standards, particularly in the services area, to ensure that they are not discriminatory or unduly restrict trade. Moreover, the fact that some standards jointly apply to both goods and services further reinforces the argument that trade negotiators also cannot deal with the two segments (i.e. goods and services) in isolation and a holistic perspective towards market access will be required. This is irrespective of whether or not negotiations to deal with clean-energy goods and services take place in separate negotiating settings. Another aspect for trade policy makers to address in the long term is whether a TBT-like agreement will also be required to address standards-related issues in services including clean energy.

While standards-related issues do not pose immediate challenges to solar-PV goods or services, a pre-emptive approach towards clarifying rules would ensure that standards development along the clean-energy value chain continues to meet legitimate objectives and support the effective, safe, and efficient scale-up of clean energy while keeping markets open and ensuring fair access to clean-energy equipment and services from all over the globe.

The diversity of local conditions and preferences which often constitutes a basis for differences between two national standards (even if both use international standards as a base) could, unless justified, potentially sow the seeds for future trade friction. However, regular consultations among WTO members could well lead to resolving such differences and also preventing major trade disputes from being brought to the WTO’s dispute settlement body. IRENA (2013) also calls for dialogue with relevant standardisation bodies to take place before local standards are developed.

While the study has not examined conformity assessment measures in detail, they will likely be more important than standards themselves as a potential obstacle to trade in solar-PV products and services. Trade policy negotiators, whether at the WTO or through regional, bilateral, and plurilateral initiatives, should continue to monitor and address conformity assessment measures as an important part of any work programme on non-tariff measures. They should also pursue innovative ways to overcome obstacles that may arise based on lessons learnt from existing cooperation in the public sphere. “Low-hanging” opportunities should be pursued based on already identified problems. Rai and Payosova (2016) already highlight examples such as inadequate information provided in installation manuals, inadequate communication channels between technology developers and standards bodies, and language requirements for product documentation in different markets that create delays, etc. Greater coordination and well-functioning channels of communication between solar-energy industry associations, national conformity assessment bodies, trade ministries, as well as international standard-setting bodies could help deal more quickly with problems as they arise and help make global diffusion of solar-PV products and services as seamless and problem-free as possible.

4. CONCLUSION

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Kawase, T. 2016. “The Trans-Pacific Partnership as a Set of International Economic Rules.” ICTSD E-15 Opinion Piece. http://www.ictsd.org/opinion/the-trans-pacific-partnership-as-a-set-of-international-economic-rules

MCIE (Ministry for Commerce, Industry and Energy) 2011. Basic Plan for Korean National Standards System. Seoul: Ministry for Commerce, Industry and Energy.

Monkelbaan, J. 2013. Trade in Sustainable Energy Services. Geneva: International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development. http://www.ictsd.org/downloads/2013/10/trade-in-sustainble-energy-services.pdf

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. n.d. “Trans-Pacific Partnership.” Available at: https://www.tpp.mfat.govt.nz/

NSTC (National Science and Technology Council). 2011. Federal Engagement in Standards Activities to Address National Priorities. Background and Proposed Policy Recommendations. https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/documents/standardsgov/Federal_Engagement_in_Standards_Activities_October12_final.pdf.

OECD and Eurostat (2005), Oslo Manual – Guidelines for Collecting and Interpreting Innovation Data, OECD, Paris

Phaal, R., E. O’Sullivan, M. Routley, S. Ford, and D. Probert. 2011. “A Framework for Mapping Industrial Emergence.” Technological Forecasting and Social Change 78(2): 217–30.

PVQAT. n.d. “International PV Quality Assurance Task Force.” Home Page. http://www.pvqat.org/

Rai and Payosova. 2016.“Selling the Sun Safely and Effectively: Solar Photovoltaic Standards, Certification Testing and Implications for Trade Policy: December 2013.” In The Law and Economics of a Sustainable Energy Trade Agreement, edited by G.C. Hufbauer, R. Meléndez-Ortiz, and R. Samans. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Roessner, J. 1982. “Government-Industry Relationships in Technology Commercialization: The Case of Photovoltaics.” Solar Cells 5(2): 101–34.

29Climate and Energy

Swann, G.M.P. 2010. “The Economics of Standardization: An Update.” Report for the UK Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). Innovative Economics Limited. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/461419/The_Economics_of_Standardization_-_an_update_.pdf.

Tassey, G. 2000. “Standardization in Technology-based Markets.” Research Policy 29(4–5): 587–602.

United Nations. n.d. “Sustainable Development Goals.” UN Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/?menu=1300

USTR (Office of United States Trade Representative). n.d.a. “The Trans-Pacific Partnership-Technical Barriers to Trade.” https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/documents/standardsgov/Federal_Engagement_in_Standards_Activities_October12_final.pdf

USTR (Office of United States Trade Representative). n.d.b. “Annex 10 A, ‘Professional Services’ of Chapter 10 ‘Cross-Border Trade in Services’.” Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Full Text. Washington, DC: USTR.

White House. 2011. A Strategy for American Innovation: Securing Our Economic Growth and Prosperity. Washington, DC: National Economic Council, Council of Economic Advisers, and Office of Science and Technology Policy. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/InnovationStrategy.pdf

WTO (World Trade Organization). 2011. “Decisions and Recommendations adopted by the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade since 1 January 1995.” Note by the Secretariat, 9 June. https://docsonline.wto.org

WTO (World Trade Organization). n.d. “Uruguay Round Agreement: General Agreement on Trade in Services (Article I — XXVI).” https://www.wto.org/english/docs_e/legal_e/26-gats_01_e.htm#ftnt3

30

ANNEX A : STANDARDS RELEVANT TO PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGY (BY STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION)

The list of standards in this table is categorised according to several parameters as described in the text. The first column contains the document number and title. The second column indicates the status of development: either published (PUB), revision in process (REV), or new work item (NEW). The third column shows whether the standard applies to products (P) or services (S). The fourth column designates the broad

category into which the standard fits, defined as measurement and testing (MT), quality (QA), interface (IF), or production (PR). Note that safety standards are considered part of quality in this context. The final column is marked if there is potential for significant cost reduction if the standard were widely adopted, either for equipment (E), installation (I), or operation (O).

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionIEC Standards:(Note: The designation “TS” in a document number indicates technical specification, which is one step below an international standard (IS). This means there is slightly less consensus among the experts, usually because the topic is new and there are some unresolved issues. Often a TS will be upgraded to an IS in the second or third edition.)

WG2 – Measurement PrinciplesIEC 60891: Photovoltaic Devices – Procedures for Temperature and Irradiance Corrections to Measured I-v Characteristics

PUB P MT

IEC 60904-1: Photovoltaic Devices – Part 1: Measurement of Photovoltaic Current-voltage Characteristics

REV P/S MT

IEC 60904-1-1: Photovoltaic Devices – Part 1-1: Measurement of Current-voltage Characteristics of Multi-junction Photovoltaic Devices

NEW P MT

IEC 60904-2: Photovoltaic Devices – Part 2: Requirements for Photovoltaic Reference Devices

PUB P MT

IEC 60904-3: Photovoltaic Devices – Part 3: Measurement Principles for Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Devices with Reference Spectral Irradiance Data

PUB P MT

IEC 60904-4: Photovoltaic Devices – Part 4: Reference Solar Devices – Procedures for Establishing Calibration Traceability

PUB P MT

IEC 60904-5: Photovoltaic devices – Part 5: Determination of the Equivalent Cell Temperature (ECT) of Photovoltaic (PV) Devices by the Open-circuit Voltage Method

PUB P MT

IEC 60904-7: Photovoltaic Devices – Part 7: Computation of the Spectral Mismatch Correction for Measurements of Photovoltaic Devices

REV P MT

31Climate and Energy

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionIEC 60904-8: Photovoltaic Devices – Part 8: Measurement of Spectral Responsivity of a Photovoltaic (PV) Device

PUB P MT

IEC 60904-8-1: Photovoltaic Devices – Part 8-1: Measurement of Spectral Responsivity of Multi-junction Photovoltaic (PV) Devices

NEW P MT

IEC 60904-9: Photovoltaic Devices – Part 9: Solar Simulator Performance Requirements

REV P MT/IF

IEC 60904-9-1: Photovoltaic Devices – Part 9-1: Collimated Beam Solar Simulator Performance Requirements

NEW (WG7) P MT/IF

IEC 60904-10: Photovoltaic Devices – Part 10: Methods of Linearity Measurement

PUB P MT

IEC/TS 60904-12: Photovoltaic Devices – Part 12: Infrared Thermography of Photovoltaic Modules

NEW P QA E

IEC/TS 60904-13: Photovoltaic Devices – Part 13: Electroluminescence of Photovoltaic Modules

NEW P QA E

WG2–ModuleQualificationTests(Note: IEC 61215, which defines the requirements for module design qualification, is probably the most important WG2 standard. Edition 3 of IEC 61215 has been combined with IEC 61646 and split into multiple parts for different PV technologies)

IEC 61215-1: Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules - Design Qualification and Type Approval – Part 1: General Requirements

PUB P QA E

IEC 61215-2: Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules - Design Qualification and Type Approval – Part 2: Test Methods

PUB P QA

IEC 61215-1-1: Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules - Design Qualification and Type Approval – Part 1-1: Special Requirements for Testing Crystalline Si

PUB P QA

IEC 61215-1-2: Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules - Design Qualification and Type Approval – Part 1-2: Special Requirements for Testing CdTe

PUB P QA

IEC 61215-1-3: Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules - Design Qualification and Type Approval – Part 1-3: Special Requirements for Testing a-Si

PUB P QA

IEC 61215-1-4: Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules - Design Qualification and Type Approval – Part 1-4: Special Requirements for Testing CIGS and CIS

PUB P QA

32

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionIEC/TS 62915: Photovoltaic (PV) Modules – Retesting for Type Approval, Design and Safety Qualification

NEW P QA

WG2 – Module Safety TestsIEC 61730-1: Photovoltaic (PV) Module Safety Qualification – Part 1: Requirements for Construction

PUB P QA E

IEC 61730-2: Photovoltaic (PV) Module Safety Qualification – Part 2: Requirements for Testing

PUB P QA E

WG2 – Power and Energy RatingsIEC 61853-1: Photovoltaic (PV) Module Performance Testing and Energy Rating – Part 1: Irradiance and Temperature Performance Measurements and Power Rating

PUB P MT

IEC 61853-2: Photovoltaic (PV) Modules Performance Testing and Energy Rating – Part 2: Spectral Response, Incidence Angle and Module Operating Temperature Measurements

PUB P MT

IEC 61853-3: Photovoltaic (PV) Module Performance Testing and Energy Rating – Part 3: Energy Rating of PV Modules

NEW P MT/QA

IEC 61853-4: Photovoltaic (PV) Module Performance Testing and Energy Rating – Part 4: Standard Reference Climatic Profiles

NEW P MT

WG2 – Specialized Stress TestsIEC 61701: Salt-mist Corrosion Testing of Photovoltaic (PV) Modules

PUB P QA

IEC 62716: Photovoltaic (PV) Modules – Ammonia Corrosion Testing

PUB P QA

IEC/TS 62804-1: Photovoltaic (PV) Modules – Test Methods for the Detection of Potential-induced Degradation – Part 1: Crystalline Silicon

PUB P QA

IEC/TS 62804-2: Photovoltaic (PV) Modules – Test Methods for the Detection of Potential-induced Degradation – Part 2: Thin-film

NEW P QA

IEC 62759-1: Photovoltaic (PV) Modules – Transportation Testing – Part 1: Transportation and Shipping of Module Package Units

PUB S QA

IEC/TS 62782: Cyclic Mechanical Load Testing for Photovoltaic (PV) Modules

PUB P QA

IEC 62938: Non-uniform Snow Load Testing for Photovoltaic (PV) Modules

NEW P QA

33Climate and Energy

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionWG2 – Module ComponentsIEC 62790: Junction Boxes for PV Modules – Safety Requirements and Tests

PUB P QA/PR

IEC 62852: Connectors for DC Applications in PV Systems – Safety Requirements and Tests

PUB P QA/PR O

IEC/TS 62916: Bypass Diode Electrostatic Discharge Susceptibility Testing for Photovoltaic Modules

NEW P QA

IEC 62979: Photovoltaic Module Bypass Diode Thermal Runaway Test

NEW P QA

WG2 – Module MaterialsIEC 62788-1-2: Measurement Procedures for Materials Used in Photovoltaic Modules – Part 1-2: Encapsulants – Measurement of Volume Resistivity of Photovoltaic Encapsulation and Backsheet Materials

PUB P MT

IEC 62788-1-4: Measurement Procedures for Materials Used in Photovoltaic Modules – Part 1-4: Encapsulants – Measurement of Optical Transmittance and Calculation of the Solar-weighted Photon Transmittance, Yellowness Index, and UV Cut-off Frequency

PUB P MT

IEC 62788-1-5: Measurement Procedures for Materials Used in Photovoltaic Modules – Part 1-5: Encapsulants – Measurement of Change in Linear Dimensions of Sheet Encapsulation Material Resulting from Applied Thermal Conditions

PUB P MT/PR

IEC 62788-1-6: Measurement Procedures for Materials Used in Photovoltaic Modules – Part 1-6: Encapsulants – Test Methods for Determining the Degree of Cure in Ethylene-vinyl Acetate Encapsulation for Photovoltaic Modules

NEW P MT/QA

IEC 62788-2: Measurement Procedures for Materials Used in Photovoltaic Modules – Part 2: Polymeric Materials Used for Front Sheets and Back Sheets

NEW P QA/PR

IEC 62805-1: Method for Measuring Photovoltaic (PV) Glass – Part 1: Measurement of Total Haze and Spectral Distribution of Haze

NEW P MT/PR

IEC 62805-2: Method for Measuring Photovoltaic (PV) Glass – Part 2: Measurement of Transmittance and Reflectance

NEW P MT/PR

34

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionWG3 – PV SystemsIEC 61724-1: Photovoltaic System Performance Monitoring – Part 1: Monitoring

REV S IF O

IEC/TS 61724-2: Photovoltaic System Performance Monitoring – Part 2: Capacity Evaluation Method

PUB S QA I

IEC/TS 61724-3: Photovoltaic System Performance Monitoring – Part 3: Energy Evaluation Method

PUB S QA O

IEC 61725: Analytical Expression for Daily Solar Profiles

PUB S QA

IEC 61727: Photovoltaic (PV) Systems – Characteristics of the Utility Interface

PUB S IF

IEC 61829: Photovoltaic (PV) Array – on-site Measurement of Current-voltage Characteristics

PUB S MT

IEC 62253: Photovoltaic Pumping Systems – Design Qualification and Performance Measurements

PUB P QA

IEC 62446-1: Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems – Part 1: Minimum Requirements for System Documentation, Commissioning Tests and Inspection

PUB S QA/IF

IEC 62446-2: Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems – Part 2: Maintenance of PV Systems

NEW S QA

IEC/TS 62446-3: Outdoor Infrared (IR) Thermography of Modules and Systems

NEW S QA O

IEC 62548: Photovoltaic (PV) Arrays – Design Requirements

PUB S QA/IF I/O

IEC/TS 62738: Design Guidelines and Recommendations for Photovoltaic Power Plants

NEW S QA/IF I/O

IEC/TS 63019: Information Model for Availability of Photovoltaic (PV) Power Systems

NEW S IF O

WG6 – Balance-of-System (BOS) ComponentsIEC 61683: Photovoltaic Systems – Power Conditioners – Procedure for Measuring Efficiency

PUB P MT

IEC 62093: Balance-of-system Components for Photovoltaic Systems - Design Qualification Natural Environments

REV P QA E

IEC 62109-1: Safety of Power Converters for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems – Part 1: General Requirements

PUB P QA

35Climate and Energy

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionIEC 62109-2: Safety of Power Converters for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems – Part 2: Particular Requirements for Inverters

PUB P QA

IEC 62109-3: Safety of Power Converters for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems – Part 3: Particular Requirements for Electronic Devices in Combination with Photovoltaic Elements

NEW P QA

IEC 62116: Utility-interconnected Photovoltaic Inverters – Test Procedure of Islanding Prevention Measures

PUB P IF

IEC 62509: Battery Charge Controllers for Photovoltaic Systems – Performance and Functioning

PUB P QA E

IEC 62891: Overall Efficiency of Grid-connected PV Inverters

NEW P MT

IEC 62894: Data Sheet and Name Plate for Photovoltaic Inverters

REV P QA

IEC/TS 62910: Test Procedure of Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) Measurement for Utility-interconnected PV Inverter

PUB P IF O

IEC 62920: EMC Requirements and Test Methods for Grid-Connected Power Converters Applying to Photovoltaic Power Generating Systems

NEW P IF

IEC 63027: DC Arc Detection and Interruption in Photovoltaic Power Systems

NEW P QA

WG7 – Concentrator ModulesIEC 62108: Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) Modules and Assemblies – Design Qualification and Type Approval

PUB P QA

IEC 62670-3: Photovoltaic Concentrators (CPV) – Performance Testing – Part 3: Performance Measurements and Power Rating

NEW P MT

IEC 62688: Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) Module and Assembly Safety Qualification

NEW P QA

IEC/TS 62727: Photovoltaic Systems – Specification for Solar Trackers

PUB P QA

IEC 62817: Photovoltaic Systems – Design Qualification of Solar Trackers

PUB P QA

IEC TS 62989: Primary Optics for Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems

NEW P MT

36

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionJwg1 – Pv Off-Grid SystemsIEC/TS 62257-1: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 1: General Introduction to IEC 62257 Series and Rural Electrification

PUB S IF

IEC/TS 62257-2: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 2: from Requirements to a Range of Electrification Systems

PUB S IF

IEC/TS 62257-3: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 3: Project Development and Management

PUB S QA I

IEC/TS 62257-4: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 4: System Selection and Design

PUB P/S QA E

IEC/TS 62257-5: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 5: Protection Against Electrical Hazards

PUB P/S IF

IEC/TS 62257-6: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 6: Acceptance, Operation, Maintenance and Replacement

PUB S IF O

IEC/TS 62257-7: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 7: Generators

REV P QA

IEC/TS 62257-7-1: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 7-1: Generators – Photovoltaic Generators

REV P QA E

IEC/TS 62257-7-3: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 7-3: Generator Set – Selection of Generator Sets for Rural Electrification Systems

REV P QA

37Climate and Energy

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionIEC/TS 62257-8-1: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 8-1: Selection of Batteries and Battery Management Systems for Stand-alone Electrification Systems – Specific Case of Automotive Flooded Lead-acid Batteries Available in Developing Countries

PUB P QA

IEC/TS 62257-9-1: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 9-1: Micro Power Systems

PUB P/S IF

IEC/TS 62257-9-2: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 9-2: Micro Grids

PUB P/S IF

IEC/TS 62257-9-3: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 9-3: Integrated System – User Interface

PUB P IF

IEC/TS 62257-9-4: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 9-4: Integrated System – User Installation

PUB S IF I

IEC/TS 62257-9-5: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 9-5: Integrated System – Selection of Stand-alone Lighting Kits for Rural Electrification

PUB P QA E

IEC/TS 62257-9-6: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 9-6: Integrated System – Selection of Photovoltaic Individual Electrification

REV P QA E

IEC/TS 62257-12-1: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 12-1: Selection of Self-ballasted Lamps (CFL) for Rural Electrification Systems and Recommendations for Household Lighting Equipment

PUB P QA E

NormativereferencesfromotherIECTCs:IEC 60269 (all parts): Low voltage Fuses PUB P QA

IEC 60287 (all parts): Electric Cables – Calculation of the Current Rating

PUB P QA

IEC 60364 (all parts): Electrical Installations of Buildings

REV P/S QA/IF I

38

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionIEC 60439 (all parts): Low Voltage Switchgear and Control Gear Assemblies

REV P QA

IEC 61140: Protection Against Electric Shock – Common Aspects for Installation and Equipment

PUB P/S QA/IF

IEC 61173: Over-voltage Protection for Photovoltaic (PV) Power Generating Systems – Guide

PUB P QA E

IEC 61427: Secondary Cells and Batteries for Photovoltaic Energy Systems (PVES) – General Requirements and Methods of Test

PUB P QA E

ASTM standards:E772-13: Standard Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion

PUB P/S IF

E927-10: Standard Specification for Solar Simulation for Terrestrial Photovoltaic Testing

PUB P QA/PR

E948-16: Standard Test Method for Electrical Performance of Photovoltaic Cells Using Reference Cells Under Simulated Sunlight

PUB P MT

E973-16: Standard Test Method for Determination of the Spectral Mismatch Parameter Between a Photovoltaic Device and a Photovoltaic Reference Cell

PUB P MT

E1021-15: Standard Test Method for Spectral Responsivity Measurements of Photovoltaic Devices

PUB P MT

E1036-15: Standard Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Non-concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference Cells

PUB P MT

E1038-10: Standard Test Method for Determining Resistance of Photovoltaic Modules to Hail by Impact with Propelled Ice Balls

PUB P QA

E1040-10: Standard Specification for Physical Characteristics of Non-concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells

PUB P IF

E1125-16: Standard Test Method for Calibration of Primary Non-Concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells Using a Tabular Spectrum

PUB P MT

E1143-05: Standard Test Method for Determining the Linearity of a Photovoltaic Device Parameter with Respect to a Test Parameter

PUB P MT

39Climate and Energy

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionE1171-15: Standard Test Methods for Photovoltaic Modules in Cyclic Temperature and Humidity Environments

PUB P QA

E1362-15: Standard Test Method for Calibration of Non-Concentrator Photovoltaic Secondary Reference Cells

PUB P MT

E1462-12: Standard Test Methods for Insulation Integrity and Ground Path Continuity of Photovoltaic Modules

PUB P QA

E1597-10: Standard Test Method for Saltwater Pressure Immersion and Temperature Testing of Photovoltaic Modules for Marine Environments

PUB P QA

E1799-12: Standard Practice for Visual Inspections of Photovoltaic Modules

PUB P/S QA I

E1802-12: Standard Test Methods for Wet Insulation Integrity Testing of Photovoltaic Modules

PUB P QA

E1830-15: Standard Test Methods for Determining Mechanical Integrity of Photovoltaic Modules

PUB P QA

E2047-10: Standard Test Method for Wet Insulation Integrity Testing of Photovoltaic Arrays

PUB S QA

E2236-10: Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Electrical Performance and Spectral Response of Non-concentrator Multi-junction Photovoltaic Cells and Modules

PUB P MT

E2481-12: Standard Test Method for Hot Spot Protection Testing of Photovoltaic Modules

PUB P QA

E2527-15: Standard Test Method for Electrical Performance of Concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Systems Under Natural Sunlight

PUB P MT

E2685-15: Standard Specification for Steel Blades Used with the Photovoltaic Module Surface Cut Test

PUB P PR

E2766-13: Standard Practice for Installation of Roof Mounted Photovoltaic Arrays on Steep-Slope Roofs

PUB S IF I

E2848-13: Standard Test Method for Reporting Photovoltaic Non-Concentrator System Performance

PUB S QA O

E2908-12: Standard Guide for Fire Prevention for Photovoltaic Panels, Modules, and Systems

PUB P/S QA

40

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionE2939-13: Standard Practice for Determining Reporting Conditions and Expected Capacity for Photovoltaic Non-Concentrator Systems

PUB S QA I

E3010-15: Standard Practice for Installation, Commissioning, Operation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Systems (ICOMP)

PUB S IF I/O

UL Standards:UL 13: Standard for Power-Limited Circuit Cables

PUB P QA

UL 44: Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables PUB P QA

UL 83: Thermoplastic-Insulated Wires and Cables

PUB P QA

UL 94: Standard for Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances

PUB P QA

UL 467: Grounding and Bonding Equipment PUB P QA

UL 486A-486B: Wire Connectors PUB P QA

UL 486C: Splicing Wire Connectors PUB P QA

UL 486D: Sealed Wire Connector Systems PUB P QA

UL 486E: Standard for Equipment Wiring Terminals for Use with Aluminium and/or Copper Conductors

PUB P QA

UL 493: Standard for Thermoplastic-Insulated Underground Feeder and Branch-Circuit Cables

PUB P QA

UL 508: Standard for Industrial Control Equipment

PUB P IF

UL 508C: Standard for Power Conversion Equipment

PUB P IF

UL 580: Standard for Tests for Uplift Resistance of Roof Assemblies

PUB P IF

UL 746A: Standard for Polymeric Materials – Short Term Property Evaluations

PUB P QA

UL 746B: Standard for Polymeric Materials – Long Term Property Evaluations

PUB P QA

UL 746C: Standard for Polymeric Materials – Use in Electrical Equipment Evaluations

PUB P QA

UL 758: Standard for Appliance Wiring Material PUB P QA

UL 790: Standard for Standard Test Methods for Fire Resistance of Roof Covering Materials

PUB P IF

UL 854: Standard for Service-Entrance Cables PUB P QA

UL 969: Standard for Marking and Labelling Systems

PUB P QA/PR

UL 1581: Reference Standard for Electrical Wires, Cables, and Flexible Cords

PUB P QA

41Climate and Energy

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionUL 1694: Standard for Tests for Flammability of Small Polymeric Component Materials

PUB P QA

UL 1699: Standard for Safety for Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupters

PUB P QA

UL 1699B: Outline of Investigation for Photovoltaic (PV) dc Arc-Fault Circuit Protection

NEW P QA

UL 1703: Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels

PUB P QA E

UL 1741: Standard for Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use with Distributed Energy Resources

PUB P QA E

UL 2556: Wire and Cable Test Methods PUB P QA

UL 2579: Low Voltage Fuses – Fuses for Photovoltaic Systems

PUB P QA

UL 2703: Standard for Mounting Systems, Mounting Devices, Clamping/Retention Devices, and Ground Lugs for Use with Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels

PUB P QA/IF E/I

UL 3703: Standard for Solar Trackers NEW P QA/IF E/I

UL 4248-18: Fuse holders – Part 18: Photovoltaic

PUB P QA

UL 4703: Photovoltaic Wire PUB P QA

UL 5703: Determination of the Maximum Operating Temperature Rating of Photovoltaic (PV) Back Sheet Materials

NEW P QA

UL 6703: Connectors for Use in Photovoltaic Systems

NEW P QA

UL 6703A: Multi-Pole Connectors for Use in Photovoltaic Systems

NEW P QA

UL 8703: Concentrator Photovoltaic Modules and Assemblies

NEW P QA

SEMI StandardsSEMI PV1-0709: Test Method for Measuring Trace Elements in Photovoltaic-Grade Silicon by High-Mass Resolution Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry

PUB P MT

SEMI PV2-0709E: Guide for PV Equipment Communication Interfaces (PVECI)

PUB P IF

SEMI PV3-0310: Guide for High Purity Water Used in Photovoltaic Cell Processing

PUB P PR

42

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionSEMI PV4-0311: Specification for Range of 5th Generation Substrate Sizes for Thin-film Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV5-1110: Guide for Oxygen (O2), Bulk, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV6-1110: Guide for Argon (Ar), Bulk, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV7-1110: Guide for Hydrogen (H2), Bulk, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV8-1110: Guide for Nitrogen (N2), Bulk, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV9-0611: Test Method for Excess Charge Carrier Decay in PV Silicon Materials by Non-Contact Measurements of Microwave Reflectance After a Short Illumination Pulse

PUB P MT

SEMI PV10-1110: Test Method for Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) of Silicon

PUB P MT

SEMI PV11-1110: Specifications for Hydrofluoric Acid, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV12-1110: Specifications for Phosphoric Acid Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV13-0714: Test Method for Contactless Excess Charge Carrier Recombination Lifetime Measurement in Silicon Wafers, Ingots, and Bricks Using an Eddy-Current Sensor

PUB P MT

SEMI PV14-0211: Guide for Phosphorus Oxychloride, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV15-0211: Guide for Defining Conditions for Angle Resolved Light Scatter Measurements to Monitor the Surface Roughness and Texture of PV Materials

PUB P MT

SEMI PV16-0611: Specifications for Nitric Acid, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV17-1012: Specification for Virgin Silicon Feedstock Materials for Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV18-0912: Guide for Specifying a Photovoltaic Connector Ribbon

PUB P PR

SEMI PV19-0712: Guide for Testing Photovoltaic Connector Ribbon Characteristics

PUB P MT

SEMI PV20-1011: Specifications for Hydrochloric Acid, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV21-1011: Guide for Silane (SiH4), Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

43Climate and Energy

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionSEMI PV22-1011: Specification for Silicon Wafers for Use in Photovoltaic Solar Cells

PUB P PR

SEMI PV23-1011: Test Method for Mechanical Vibration of Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic (PV) Modules in Shipping Environment

PUB P QA I

SEMI PV24-1011: Guide for Ammonia (NH3) in Cylinders, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV25-1011: Test Method for Simultaneously Measuring Oxygen, Carbon, Boron and Phosphorus in Solar Silicon Wafers and Feedstock by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

PUB P MT

SEMI PV26-1011: Guide for Hydrogen Selenide (H2Se) in Cylinders, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV27-1011: Specifications for Ammonium Hydroxide, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV28-0212: Test Methods for Measuring Resistivity or Sheet Resistance with a Single-Sided Non-Contact Eddy-Current Gauge

PUB P MT

SEMI PV29-0212: Specification for Front Surface Marking of PV Silicon Wafers with Two-Dimensional Matrix Symbols

PUB P PR

SEMI PV30-0212: Specifications for 2-Propanol, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV31-0212: Test Method for Spectrally Resolved Reflective and Transmissive Haze of Transparent Conducting Oxide (TCO) Films for PV Application

PUB P MT

SEMI PV32-0312: Specification for Marking of PV Silicon Brick Face and PV Wafer Edge

PUB P PR

SEMI PV33-0212: Specifications for Sulfuric Acid, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV34-0213: Practice for Assigning Identification Numbers to PV Si Brick, Wafer and Solar Cell Manufacturers

PUB P PR

SEMI PV35-0215: Specification for Horizontal Communication Between Equipment for Photovoltaic Fabrication System

PUB P IF

SEMI PV36-0912: Specifications for Hydrogen Peroxide, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

SEMI PV37-0912: Guide for Fluorine (F2), Used in Photovoltaic Applications

PUB P PR

44

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionSEMI PV38-0912: Test Method for Mechanical Vibration of c-Si PV Cells in Shipping Environment

PUB P QA

SEMI PV39-0513: Test Method for In-Line Measurement of Cracks in PV Silicon Wafers by Dark Field Infrared Imaging

PUB P QA

SEMI PV40-0513: Test Method for In-Line Measurement of Saw Marks on PV Silicon Wafers by a Light Sectioning Technique Using Multiple Line Segments

PUB P PR

SEMI PV41-0912: Test Method for In-Line, Non-Contact Measurement of Thickness and Thickness Variation of Silicon Wafers for PV Applications Using Capacitive Probes

PUB P PR

SEMI PV42-0314: Test Method for In-Line Measurement of Waviness of PV Silicon Wafers by a Light Sectioning Technique Using Multiple Line Segments

PUB P PR

SEMI PV43-0113: Test Method for the Measurement of Oxygen Concentration in PV Silicon Materials for Silicon Solar Cells by Inert Gas Fusion Infrared Detection Method

PUB P MT

SEMI PV44-0513: Specification for Package Protection Technology For PV Modules

PUB P QA I

SEMI PV45-0513: Test Method for the Content of Vinyl Acetate (VA) in Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Applied in PV Modules Using Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA)

PUB P MT

SEMI PV46-0613: Test Method for In-Line Measurement of Lateral Dimensional Characteristics of Square and Pseudo-Square PV Silicon Wafers

PUB P PR

SEMI PV47-0513: Specification for Anti-Reflective-Coated Glass, Used in Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Modules

PUB P PR

SEMI PV48-0613: Specification for Orientation Fiducial Marks for PV Silicon Wafers

PUB P PR

SEMI PV49-0613: Test Method for the Measurement of Elemental Impurity Concentrations in Silicon Feedstock for Silicon Solar Cells by Bulk Digestion, Inductively Coupled-Plasma Mass Spectrometry

PUB P MT

SEMI PV50-0114: Specification for Impurities in Polyethylene Packaging Materials for Polysilicon Feedstock

PUB P PR

45Climate and Energy

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionSEMI PV51-0214: Test Method for In-Line Characterization of Photovoltaic Silicon Wafers by Using Photoluminescence

PUB P QA

SEMI PV52-0214: Test Method for In-Line Characterization of Photovoltaic Silicon Wafers Regarding Grain Size

PUB P PR

SEMI PV53-0514: Test Method for In-Line Monitoring of Flat Temperature Zone in Horizontal Diffusion Furnace

PUB P PR

SEMI PV54-0514: Specification for Silver Paste, Used to Contact with N+ Diffusion Layer of Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells

PUB P PR

SEMI PV55-0415: Data Definition Specification for a Horizontal Communication between Equipment for Photovoltaic Fabrication System

PUB P IF

SEMI PV56-1214: Test Method for Performance Criteria of Photovoltaic (PV) Cells and Modules Package

PUB P QA

SEMI PV57-1214: Test Method for Current-Voltage (I-V) Performance Measurement of Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) and Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC)

PUB P MT

SEMI PV58-0115: Specification for Aluminum Paste Used in Back Surface Field of Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells

PUB P PR

SEMI PV59-0115: Test Method for Determination of Total Carbon Content in Silicon Powder by Infrared Absorption After Combustion in an Induction Furnace

PUB P MT

SEMI PV60-0115: Test Method for Measurement of Cracks in Photovoltaic (PV) Silicon Wafers in PV Modules by Laser Scanning

PUB P PR

SEMI PV61-0115: Specification for Framing Tape for Photovoltaic (PV) Modules

PUB P PR

SEMI PV62-0215: Terminology for Back Contact Photovoltaic (PV) Cells and Modules

PUB P PR

SEMI PV63-0215: Specification for Ultra-Thin Glasses Used for Photovoltaic Modules

PUB P PR

SEMI PV64-0715: Test Method for Determining B, P, Fe, Al, Ca Contents in Silicon Powder for PV Applications by Inductively Coupled-Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry

PUB P MT

SEMI PV65-0715: Test Method Based on RGB for Crystalline Silicon (C-Si) Solar Cell Color

PUB P PR

46

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionSEMI PV66-0715: Test Method for Determining the Aspect Ratio of Solar Cell Metal Fingers by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope

PUB P PR

SEMI PV67-0815: Test Method for the Etch Rate of a Crystalline Silicon Wafer by Determining the Weight Loss

PUB P PR

SEMI PV68-0815: Test Method for the Wire Tension of Multi-Wire Saws

PUB P PR

SEMI PV69-1015: Test Method for Spectrum Response (SR) Measurement of Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) and Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC)

PUB P MT

SEMI PV70-0116: Test Method for In-Line Measurement of Saw Marks on Photovoltaic (PV) Silicon Wafers by Laser Triangulation Sensors

PUB P PR

SEMI PV71-0116: Test Method for In-Line, Non-Contact Measurement of Thickness and Thickness Variation of Silicon Wafers for Photovoltaic (PV) Applications Using Laser Triangulation Sensors

PUB P PR

SEMI PV72-0316: Test Method to Evaluate an Accelerated Thermo Humidity Resistance of Photovoltaic (PV) Encapsulation

PUB P QA

SEMI PV73-0216: Test Method for Thin-Film Silicon Photovoltaic (PV) Modules Light Soaking

PUB P QA

SEMI PV74-0216: Test Method for the Measurement of Chlorine in Silicon by Ion Chromatography

PUB P MT

SEMI PV75-1016: Test Method on Cell Level for Potential-Induced Degradation Susceptibility of Solar Cells and Module Encapsulation Materials

PUB P QA

SEMI PV76-0117: Test Method for Durability of Low Light Intensity Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) and Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC)

PUB P QA

ICC StandardsAC 365: ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Roof Coverings

PUB P IF

AC 428: ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Modular Framing Systems Used to Support PV Modules

PUB P IF

AC 13: ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Joist Hangers and Similar Devices

PUB P IF

47Climate and Energy

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionAC 286: ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Roof Flashing for Pipe Penetrations

PUB P IF

IEEE StandardsIEEE 1547: Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems

PUB S IF I/O

IEEE 1547.1: Standard for Conformance Tests Procedures for Equipment Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems

PUB S IF

IEEE 1547.2: Application Guide for IEEE 1547 Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems

PUB S IF

IEEE 1547.3: Guide For Monitoring, Information Exchange, and Control of Distributed Resources Interconnected with Electric Power Systems

PUB S IF

IEEE 1547.4: Guide for Design, Operation, and Integration of Distributed Resource Island Systems with Electric Power Systems

PUB S IF

IEEE 1547.6: Recommended Practice For Interconnecting Distributed Resources With Electric Power Systems Distribution Secondary Networks

PUB S IF I/O

IEEE P1547.7: Draft Guide to Conducting Distribution Impact Studies for Distributed Resource Interconnection

NEW S IF

IEEE P1547.8: Recommended Practice for Establishing Methods and Procedures that Provide Supplemental Support for Implementation Strategies for Expanded Use of IEEE Standard 1547

NEW S IF

IEEE 937: Recommended Practice for Installation and Maintenance of Lead-Acid Batteries for Photovoltaic Systems

PUB S IF

IEEE 1013: Recommended Practice for Sizing Lead-Acid Batteries for Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems

PUB S IF

IEEE 1361: Guide for Selection, Charging, Test and Evaluation of Lead-Acid Batteries Used in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems

PUB S QA

IEEE 1526: Recommended Practice for Testing the Performance of Stand-alone Photovoltaic Systems

PUB S QA

48

NumberandTitleDevelopment

Status

Value Chain

Segment

Broad Category

Potential for Cost

ReductionIEEE 1561: Guide for Optimizing the Performance and Life of Lead-Acid Batteries in Remote Hybrid Power Systems

PUB S QA

IEEE 1562: Guide for Array and Battery Sizing in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems

PUB S IF

IEEE 1661: Guide for Test and Evaluation of Lead-Acid Batteries Used in Photovoltaic (PV) Hybrid Power Systems

PUB S QA

IEEE 2030: Guide for Smart Grid Interoperability of Energy Technology and Information Technology Operation with the Electric Power System (EPS), and End-Use Applications and Loads

PUB S IF

IEEE P2030.1: Draft Guide for Electric-Sourced Transportation Infrastructure

NEW S IF

IEEE P2030.2: Draft Guide for the Interoperability of Energy Storage Systems Integrated with the Electric Power Infrastructure

NEW S IF I/O

IEEE P2030.3: Draft Standard for Test Procedures for Electric Energy Storage Equipment and Systems for Electric Power Systems Applications

NEW S QA

49Climate and Energy

ANNEX B: STANDARDS AND STANDARDISATION INITIATIVES AFFECTING SOLAR-PV GOODS (BY VALUE CHAIN SEGMENT)

Important Published Standards used by Manufacturers or Service Providers

Standards Presently Undergoing Revision

IfNoStandardsExistforaCertain Important Function or Attribute are any Standardisation Initiatives Underway that will Affect the SpecificValue-chainSegment?YES/NO.

Solar-PVVALUECHAINSEGMENTS–GOODSA.B.Cetc.:Nameofstandards development organisation and general scope and relevance of standards:

I. SDO corresponding to ‘A’ above

II. SDO corresponding to ‘B’ above etc.

(i) Relevant Working Group or Committee if any and Standard(s) Nomenclature

a) Category: Measurement & Testing (M), Quality (Q), Interface (I) or Production (P). Note that safety standards are considered part of Quality in this context.

b) Are they international standards or if national or regional, are they based largely on international standards?

A.B.Cetc.:Nameofstandards development organisation and general scope and relevance of standards

I. SDO corresponding to ‘A’ above

II. SDO corresponding to ‘B’ above etc.

(i) Relevant Working Group or Committee if any and Standard(s) Nomenclature

a) Category: Measurement & Testing (M), Quality (Q), Interface (I) or Production (P). Note that safety standards are considered part of Quality in this context.

b) Are they international standards or if national or regional, are they based largely on international standards?

If YES to above then:

ThenA.B.Cetc.:Nameofstandards development organisation and general scope and relevance of standards

I. SDO corresponding to ‘A’ above

II. SDO corresponding to ‘B’ above etc.

(i) Relevant Working Group or Committee if any and Standard(s) Nomenclature

a) Category: Measurement & Testing (M), Quality (Q), Interface (I) or Production (P). Note that safety standards are considered part of Quality in this context.

b) Are they international standards or if national or regional, are they based largely on international standards?

50

Solar-PVVALUECHAINSEGMENTS–GOODSc) Istheresignificant

potential for cost reduction including for international trade purposes-whether for equipment, installation or operation?

c) Istheresignificantpotential for cost reduction including for international trade purposes –whether for equipment, installation or operation?

c) Istheresignificantpotential for cost reduction including for international trade purposes-whether for equipment, installation or operation?

PolysiliconA: SEMI Standards Affecting

Polysilicon

(i) SEMI PV17-1012: Specification for Virgin Silicon Feedstock Materials for Photovoltaic Applications

(ii) SEMI PV50-0114: Specification for Impurities in Polyethylene Packaging Materials for Polysilicon Feedstock

a) Product

b) Global private-sector/industry group standard

Silicon Wafers and IngotsA: SEMI Standards Affecting Silicon Wafers and Ingots

(i) SEMI PV1-0709: Test Method for Measuring Trace Elements in Photovoltaic-Grade Silicon by High-Mass Resolution Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry

(ii) SEMI PV9-0611: Test Method for Excess Charge Carrier Decay in PV Silicon Materials by Non-Contact Measurements of Microwave Reflectance after a Short Illumination Pulse

(iii) SEMI PV10-1110: Test Method for Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) of Silicon

51Climate and Energy

Silicon Wafers and Ingots(iv) SEMI PV13-0714: Test Method

for Contactless Excess Charge Carrier Recombination Lifetime Measurement in Silicon Wafers, Ingots, and Bricks Using an Eddy-Current Sensor

(v) SEMI PV22-1011: Specification for Silicon Wafers for Use in Photovoltaic Solar Cells

(vi) SEMI PV25-1011: Test Method for Simultaneously Measuring Oxygen, Carbon, Boron and Phosphorus in Solar Silicon Wafers and Feedstock by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

(vii)SEMI PV29-0212: Specification for Front Surface Marking of PV Silicon Wafers with Two-Dimensional Matrix Symbols

(viii)SEMI PV32-0312: Specification for Marking of PV Silicon Brick Face and PV Wafer Edge

(ix) SEMI PV34-0213: Practice for Assigning Identification Numbers to PV Si Brick, Wafer and Solar Cell Manufacturers

(x) SEMI PV39-0513: Test Method for In-Line Measurement of Cracks in PV Silicon Wafers by Dark Field Infrared Imaging

(xi) SEMI PV40-0513: Test Method for In-Line Measurement of Saw Marks on PV Silicon Wafers by a Light Sectioning Technique Using Multiple Line Segments

(xii) SEMI PV41-0912: Test Method for In-Line, Non-contact Measurement of Thickness and Thickness Variation of Silicon Wafers for PV Applications Using Capacitive Probes

52

Silicon Wafers and Ingots(xiii)SEMI PV42-0314: Test Method

for In-Line Measurement of Waviness of PV Silicon Wafers by a Light Sectioning Technique Using Multiple Line Segments

(xiv)SEMI PV43-0113: Test Method for the Measurement of Oxygen Concentration in PV Silicon Materials for Silicon Solar Cells by Inert Gas Fusion Infrared Detection Method

(xv) SEMI PV46-0613: Test Method for In-Line Measurement of Lateral Dimensional Characteristics of Square and Pseudo-Square PV Silicon Wafers

(xvi)SEMI PV48-0613: Specification for Orientation Fiducial Marks for PV Silicon Wafers

(xvii)SEMI PV49-0613: Test Method for the Measurement of Elemental Impurity Concentrations in Silicon Feedstock for Silicon Solar Cells by Bulk Digestion, Inductively Coupled-Plasma Mass Spectrometry

(xviii)SEMI PV51-0214: Test Method for In-Line Characterization of Photovoltaic Silicon Wafers by Using Photoluminescence

(xix)SEMI PV52-0214: Test Method for In-Line Characterization of Photovoltaic Silicon Wafers Regarding Grain Size

(xx) SEMI PV60-0115: Test Method for Measurement of Cracks in Photovoltaic (PV) Silicon Wafers in PV Modules by Laser Scanning

53Climate and Energy

Silicon Wafers and Ingots(xxi)SEMI PV67-0815: Test

Method for the Etch Rate of a Crystalline Silicon Wafer by Determining the Weight Loss

(xxii)SEMI PV70-0116: Test Method for In-Line Measurement of Saw Marks on Photovoltaic (PV) Silicon Wafers by Laser Triangulation Sensors

(xxiii)SEMI PV71-0116: Test Method for In-Line, Non-contact Measurement of Thickness and Thickness Variation of Silicon Wafers for Photovoltaic (PV) Applications Using Laser Triangulation Sensors

(xxiv)SEMI PV74-0216: Test Method for the Measurement of Chlorine in Silicon by Ion Chromatography

a) Measurement/Product/Quality

b) Global private-sector/industry group standard

Chemicals and other Materials used in PV Cell ManufacturingA: SEMI Standards Affecting Chemicals and other Materials used in PV Cell Manufacturing

(i) SEMI PV3-0310: Guide for High Purity Water Used in Photovoltaic Cell Processing

(ii) SEMI PV5-1110: Guide for Oxygen (O2), Bulk, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

(iii) SEMI PV6-1110: Guide for Argon (Ar), Bulk, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

(iv) SEMI PV7-1110: Guide for Hydrogen (H2), Bulk, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

(v) SEMI PV8-1110: Guide for Nitrogen (N2), Bulk, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

54

Chemicals and other Materials used in PV Cell Manufacturing(vi) SEMI PV11-1110: Specifications

for Hydrofluoric Acid, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

(vii) SEMI PV12-1110: Specifications for Phosphoric Acid Used in Photovoltaic Applications

(viii)SEMI PV14-0211: Guide for Phosphorus Oxychloride, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

(ix) SEMI PV16-0611: Specifications for Nitric Acid, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

(x) SEMI PV20-1011: Specifications for Hydrochloric Acid, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

(xi) SEMI PV21-1011: Guide for Silane (SiH4), Used in Photovoltaic Applications

(xii) SEMI PV24-1011: Guide for Ammonia (NH3) in Cylinders, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

(xiii)SEMI PV26-1011: Guide for Hydrogen Selenide (H2Se) in Cylinders, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

(xiv)SEMI PV27-1011: Specifications for Ammonium Hydroxide, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

(xv) SEMI PV30-0212: Specifications for 2-Propanol, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

(xvi)SEMI PV31-0212: Test Method for Spectrally Resolved Reflective and Transmissive Haze of Transparent Conducting Oxide (TCO) Films for PV Application

55Climate and Energy

Chemicals and other Materials used in PV Cell Manufacturing(xvii)SEMI PV33-0212: Specifications

for Sulfuric Acid, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

(xviii)SEMI PV36-0912: Specifications for Hydrogen Peroxide, Used in Photovoltaic Applications

(xix)SEMI PV37-0912: Guide for Fluorine (F2), Used in Photovoltaic Applications

(xx) SEMI PV45-0513: Test Method for the Content of Vinyl Acetate (VA) in Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Applied in PV Modules Using Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA)

(xxi)SEMI PV54-0514: Specification for Silver Paste, Used to Contact with N+ Diffusion Layer of Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells

(xxii)SEMI PV58-0115: Specification for Aluminum Paste Used in Back Surface Field of Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells

(xxiii)SEMI PV59-0115: Test Method for Determination of Total Carbon Content in Silicon Powder by Infrared Absorption After Combustion in an Induction Furnace

(xxiv)SEMI PV64-0715: Test Method for Determining B, P, Fe, Al, Ca Contents in Silicon Powder for PV Applications by Inductively Coupled-Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry

a) Product/Measurement

b) Global private-sector/industry group standard

56

PV CellsA: IEC Standards – WG2:

Measurement Principles for Photovoltaic Devices

(i) IEC 60891: Procedures for Temperature and Irradiance Corrections to Measured I-v Characteristic’

(ii) IEC 60904 (2): Requirements for Photovoltaic Reference Devices

(iii) IEC 60904 (3): Measurement Principles for Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Devices with Reference Spectral Irradiance Data

(iv) IEC 60904 (4): Procedures for Establishing Calibration Traceability for Reference Solar Device’

(v) IEC 60904 (5): Determination of the Equivalent Cell Temperature (ECT) of Photovoltaic (PV) Devices by the Open-circuit Voltage Method

(vi) IEC 60904 (8): Measurement of Spectral Responsivity of a Photovoltaic (PV) Device

A: IEC Standards – WG2: Measurement Principles for Photovoltaic Devices

(i) IEC 60904 (1): Measurement of Photovoltaic Current-voltage Characteristics

(ii) IEC 60904 (7): Computation of the Spectral Mismatch Correction for Measurements of Photovoltaic Devices

(iii) IEC 60904 (9): Solar Simulator Performance Requirements

a) Measurement/Interface

b) International standard

A: IEC Measurement Principle for Photovoltaic Devices

(i) IEC 60904 (1-1): Measurement of Current-voltage Characteristics of Multi-junction Photovoltaic Devices

(ii) IEC 60904 (8-1): Measurement of spectral responsivity of multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) Devices

(iii) IEC 60904 (1-2): Measurement of current-voltage characteristics of bifacial photovoltaic (PV) Devices

(iv) IEC 60904 (9-1): Collimated Beam Solar Simulator Performance Requirements

a) Measurement/Interface

b) International standard

57Climate and Energy

PV Cells(vii) IEC 60904 (10): Methods of

Linearity Measurement

a) Measurement

b) International standards

B: ASTM Standards Affecting Solar-PV Cells

(i) E948-16: Standard Test Method for Electrical Performance of Photovoltaic Cells Using Reference Cells Under Simulated Sunlight

(ii) E973-16: Standard Test Method for Determination of the Spectral Mismatch Parameter Between a Photovoltaic Device and a Photovoltaic Reference Cell

(iii) E1021-15: Standard Test Method for Spectral Responsivity Measurements of Photovoltaic Devices

(iv) E1036-15: Standard Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Non-concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference Cells

(v) E1040-10: Standard Specification for Physical Characteristics of Non-concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells

(vi) E1125-16: Standard Test Method for Calibration of Primary Non-Concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells Using a Tabular Spectrum

(vii) E1143-05: Standard Test Method for Determining the Linearity of a Photovoltaic Device Parameter with Respect To a Test Parameter

58

PV Cells(viii)E1362-15: Standard Test

Method for Calibration of Non-Concentrator Photovoltaic Secondary Reference Cells

(ix) E2236-10: Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Electrical Performance and Spectral Response of Non-concentrator Multi-junction Photovoltaic Cells and Modules

a) Measurement/Interface

b) Voluntary non-profit international standard-setting organisation

C: SEMI Standards Affecting PV Cells

(i) SEMI PV4-0311: Specification for Range of 5th Generation Substrate Sizes for Thin-film Photovoltaic Applications

(ii) SEMI PV15-0211: Guide for Defining Conditions for Angle Resolved Light Scatter Measurements to Monitor the Surface Roughness and Texture of PV Materials

(iii) SEMI PV18-0912: Guide for Specifying a Photovoltaic Connector Ribbon

(iv) SEMI PV19-0712: Guide for Testing Photovoltaic Connector Ribbon Characteristics

(v) SEMI PV28-0212: Test Methods for Measuring Resistivity or Sheet Resistance with a Single-Sided Non-contact Eddy-Current Gauge

(vi) SEMI PV38-0912: Test Method for Mechanical Vibration of c-Si PV Cells in Shipping Environment

59Climate and Energy

PV Cells(vii) SEMI PV56-1214:13 Test Method

for Performance Criteria of Photovoltaic (PV) Cells and Modules Package

(viii)SEMI PV57-1214: Test Method for Current-Voltage (I-V) Performance Measurement of Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) And Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC)

(ix) SEMI PV62-0215:14 Terminology for Back Contact Photovoltaic (PV) Cells and Modules

(x) SEMI PV65-0715: Test Method Based on RGB for Crystalline Silicon (C-Si) Solar Cell Color

(xi) SEMI PV66-0715: Test Method for Determining the Aspect Ratio of Solar Cell Metal Fingers by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope

(xii) SEMI PV69-1015: Test Method for Spectrum Response (SR) Measurement of Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) and Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC)

(xiii)SEMI PV72-0316: Test Method to Evaluate an Accelerated Thermo Humidity Resistance of Photovoltaic (PV) Encapsulation

(xiv)SEMI PV75-1016: Test Method on Cell Level for Potential-Induced Degradation Susceptibility of Solar Cells and Module Encapsulation Materials

(xv) SEMI PV76-0117: Test Method for Durability of Low Light Intensity Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) and Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC)

a) Product/Measurement/Quality

b) Global private-sector/industry group standard

13 Also applies to PV modules.

14 Also applies to PV modules.

60

Crystalline ModuleA: IEC Standards – WG2 – Module Qualification(DesignQualificationand Type Approval)

(i) IEC 61215 (1): General requirements

(ii) IEC 61215 (2): Test methods

(iii) IEC 61215 (1-1): Special Requirements for Testing Crystalline Si

(iv) IEC 61215 (1-2): Special requirements for testing C-dTE

(v) IEC 61730 (1): Requirements for construction

(vi) IEC 61730 (2): Requirements for testing.

a) Quality

b) International standard

c) Significant Cost Reduction Potential? YES – 61215 (1) for Equipment and IEC 61730 (1)(2) for Equipment

A: IEC – Design QualificationandTypeApproval

(i) IEC 61215 (1-3): Special Requirements for Testing a-Si,

(ii) IEC 61215 (1-4): Special Requirements for Testing CIGS and CIS

(iii) IEC /TS 62915: Retesting for Type Approval, Design and Safety Qualification

a) Quality

b) International standard

61Climate and Energy

Crystalline ModuleB: IEC Standards – WG2 – PV Module Performance: Testing and Energy Rating

(i) IEC 61853 (1): Irradiance and Temperature Performance Measurements and Power Rating

(ii) IEC 61853 (2): Spectral response, incidence angle and module operating temperature measurements

a) Measurement and Testing

b) International standard.

C: IEC – WG2 – Specialised Stress Tests

(i) IEC 61701: Salt-mist Corrosion of PV Modules

(ii) IEC 62716: Ammonia Corrosion Testing of PV Modules

(iii) IEC/TS 62804 (1): Test Methods for the Detection of Potential-induced Degradation in Crystalline Silicon

(iv) IEC 62782: Cyclic Mechanical Load Testing for Photovoltaic (PV) Modules

a) Quality

b) International standard

D: IEC – WG2 – Safety Requirements and Tests for Module Components

(i) IEC 62790: Safety Requirements and Tests for Junction Boxes for PV Modules

B: IEC – WG2 – PV Module Performance: Testing and Energy Rating

(i) IEC 61853 (3): Energy Rating of PV Modules

(ii) IEC 61853 (4): Standard Reference Climatic Profiles

a) Measurement and Testing/Quality

b) International standard.

C: IEC – WG2 – Specialised Stress Tests

(i) IEC 62804 (2): Test Methods for the Detection of Potential-induced Degradation in Thin-film PV Modules

(ii) IEC 62938: Non-uniform Snow Load Testing for Photovoltaic (PV) Modules

a) Quality

b) International standard

D: IEC – Safety Requirements and Tests for Module Components

(i) IEC/TS 62916: Bypass Diode Electrostatic Discharge Susceptibility Testing for PV Modules

62

Crystalline Module(ii) IEC 62852: Connectors for DC

Applications in PV Systems

a) Quality/Production

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – 62852 for Operations.

E: IEC – Measurement Procedures for Materials used in Photovoltaic Modules

(i) IEC 62788 (1-2): Encapsulants – Measurement of Volume Resistivity of Photovoltaic Encapsulation and Backsheet Materials

(ii) IEC 62788 (1-4): Encapsulants – Measurement of Optical Transmittance and Calculation of the Solar-weighted Photon Transmittance, Yellowness Index, and UV Cut-off Frequency

(iii) IEC 62788 (1-5): Encapsulants – Measurement of Change in Linear Dimensions of Sheet Encapsulation Material Resulting from Applied Thermal Conditions

(iv) IEC 62788 (1-6): Encapsulants – Test Methods for Determining the Degree of Cure in Ethylene-vinyl Acetate Encapsulation for Photovoltaic Modules

a) Quality/Production/Measurement

b) International standard

(ii) IEC 62979: Photovoltaic Module Bypass Diode Thermal Runaway Test

a) Quality

b) International standard

E: IEC – Measurement Procedures for Materials used in Photovoltaic Modules

(i) IEC 62788 (2): Polymeric Materials Used for Frontsheets and Backsheets

(ii) IEC 62805 (1): Method for Measuring Photovoltaic (PV) Glass – Measurement of Total Haze and Spectral Distribution of Haze

(iii) IEC 62805 (2): Method for Measuring Photovoltaic (PV) Glass – Measurement of Transmittance and Reflectance

a) Quality/Production/Measurement

b) International standard

63Climate and Energy

Crystalline ModuleF: IEC – WG7 – Concentrator

Modules

(i) IEC 62108: Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) Modules and Assemblies – Design Qualification and Type Approva’

a) Quality

b) International standard

G: ASTM Standards Affecting Solar-PV Modules

(i) E1038-10: Standard Test Method for Determining Resistance of Photovoltaic Modules to Hail by Impact with Propelled Ice Balls

(ii) E1171-09: Standard Test Methods for Photovoltaic Modules in Cyclic Temperature and Humidity Environments

(iii) E1462-12: Standard Test Methods for Insulation Integrity and Ground Path Continuity of Photovoltaic Modules

(iv) E1597-10: Standard Test Method for Saltwater Pressure Immersion and Temperature Testing of Photovoltaic Modules for Marine Environments

(v) E1799-12:15 Standard Practice for Visual Inspections of Photovoltaic Modules

F: IEC – WG2: Measurement Principles for Photovoltaic Devices

(i) IEC/TS 60904 (12): Infrared Thermography of Photovoltaic Modules

(ii) IEC/TS 60904 (13): Electroluminescence of Photovoltaic Modules

a) Quality

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – IEC/TS 60904 (12) (13) for Equipment

G: IEC – WG7 – Concentrator Modules

(i) IEC 62670-3: Photovoltaic Concentrators (CPV) – Performance Testing – Part 3: Performance Measurements and Power Rating

(ii) IEC 62688: Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) Module and Assembly Safety Qualification

(iii) IEC TS 62989: Primary Optics for Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems

a) Quality/Measurement

b) International standard

64

Crystalline Module(vi) E1802-12: Standard Test

Methods for Wet Insulation Integrity Testing of Photovoltaic Modules

(vii) E1830-15: Standard Test Methods for Determining Mechanical Integrity of Photovoltaic Modules

(viii)E2481-12: Standard Test Method for Hot Spot Protection Testing of Photovoltaic Modules

(ix) E2527-15: Standard Test Method for Electrical Performance of Concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Systems Under Natural Sunlight

(x) E2685-15: Standard Specification for Steel Blades Used with the Photovoltaic Module Surface Cut Test

a) Mostly Quality/one Measurement/one Product

b) Voluntary non-profit international standard-setting organisation

H: UL Standards Affecting Solar-PV Modules

(i) UL 1703: Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels

a) Quality

b) Regional standard (US/Canada)

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – UL 1703 for Equipment

65Climate and Energy

Crystalline ModuleI: SEMI Standards Affecting PV

Modules

(i) SEMI PV23-1011: Test Method for Mechanical Vibration of Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic (PV) Modules in Shipping Environment

(ii) SEMI PV44-0513: Specification for Package Protection Technology For PV Modules

(iii) SEMI PV47-0513: Specification for Anti-Reflective-Coated Glass, Used in Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Modules

(iv) SEMI PV61-0115: Specification for Framing Tape for Photovoltaic (PV) Modules

(v) SEMI PV63-0215: Specification for Ultra-Thin Glasses Used for Photovoltaic Modules

(vi) SEMI PV73-0216: Test Method for Thin-Film Silicon Photovoltaic (PV) Modules Light Soaking

a) Product/Quality

b) Global private-sector/industry group standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES SEMI PV23-1011 and SEMI PV44-0513 for Interface.

BIPV-Building Integrated PhotovoltaicsA: International Code Council

(ICC) Standards

(i) AC 365: ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Roof Coverings

a) Interface

b) US-based non-profit standard-setting organisation

66

Tracking Systems/MountingA: IEC – WG7 – Standards Affecting Concentrator Modules

(i) IEC/TS 62727: Photovoltaic Systems – Specification for Solar Trackers

(ii) IEC 62817: Photovoltaic Systems – Design Qualification of Solar Trackers

a) Quality

b) International Standard

Balance of Systems including Inverters, Cables,other Electrical ComponentsA: IEC – WG6 – Standards Affecting Balance-of-System (BOS) Components

(i) IEC 61683: Photovoltaic Systems – Power Conditioners – Procedure for Measuring Efficiency

(ii) IEC 62116: Utility-interconnected Photovoltaic Inverters – Test Procedure of Islanding Prevention Measures

(iii) IEC 62109 (1): Safety of Power Converters for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems – General Requirements

(iv) IEC 62109 (2): Safety of Power Converters for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems – Particular Requirements for Inverters

(v) IEC 62509: Battery Charge Controllers for Photovoltaic Systems – Performance and Functioning

(vi) IEC/TS 62910: Test Procedure of Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) Measurement for Utility-interconnected PV Inverter

A: IEC – WG6 – Standards Affecting Balance-of-System (BOS) Components

(i) IEC 62093: Balance-of-system Components for Photovoltaic Systems – Design Qualification Natural Environments

(ii) IEC 62894: Data Sheet and Name Plate for Photovoltaic Inverters

a) Quality

b) International standard

c) Significant Cost Reduction Potential? YES – IEC 62093 for Equipment

A: IEC – WG6 – Standards Affecting Balance-of-System (BOS) Components

(i) IEC 62109-3: Safety of Power Converters for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems – Particular Requirements for Electronic Devices in Combination with Photovoltaic Elements

(ii) IEC 62891: Overall Efficiency of Grid-connected PV Inverters

(iii) IEC 62920: EMC Requirements and Test Methods for Grid-Connected Power Converters Applying to Photovoltaic Power Generating Systems

(iv) IEC 63027: DC Arc Detection and Interruption in Photovoltaic Power Systems

a) Quality/Measurement/Interface

b) International standard

67Climate and Energy

Balance of Systems including Inverters, Cables,other Electrical Componentsa) Quality/Measurement/

Interface

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – IEC 62509 for Equipment and IEC/TS 62910 for Operations

B: IEC -Normative References from other IEC Technical Committees (TCs) Affecting Balance-of-System (BOS) Components

(i) IEC 60269: Low-voltage Fuses

(ii) IEC 60287: Electric Cables – Calculation of the Current Rating

(iii) IEC 61427: Secondary Cells and Batteries for Photovoltaic Energy Systems (PVES) – General Requirements and Methods of Test

a) Quality

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – IEC 61427 for Equipment

C: UL Standards Affecting Balance-of-System (BOS) Components

(i) UL 13: Standard for Power-Limited Circuit Cables

(ii) UL 44: Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables

(iii) UL 83: Thermoplastic-Insulated Wires and Cables

B: IEC – Normative References from other IEC Technical Committees (TCs) Affecting Balance-of-System (BOS) Components

(i) IEC 60364 (all parts):15 Electrical Installations of Buildings

(ii) IEC 60439 (all parts): Low-voltage Switchgear and Controlgear Assemblies

a) Quality

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – IEC 60364 for Interface

15 Also applies to services.

68

Balance of Systems including Inverters, Cables,other Electrical Components(iv) UL 94: Standard for Tests

for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances

(v) UL 467: Grounding and Bonding Equipment

(vi) UL 486A-486B: Wire Connectors

(vii) UL 486C: Splicing Wire Connectors

(viii)UL 486D: Sealed Wire Connector Systems

(ix) UL 486E: Standard for Equipment Wiring Terminals for Use with Aluminum and/or Copper Conductors

(x) UL 493: Standard for Thermoplastic-Insulated Underground Feeder and Branch-Circuit Cables

(xi) UL 508: Standard for Industrial Control Equipment

(xii) UL 508C: Standard for Power Conversion Equipment

(xiii)UL 580: Standard for Tests for Uplift Resistance of Roof Assemblies

(xiv)UL 746A: Standard for Polymeric Materials - Short Term Property Evaluations

(xv) UL 746B: Standard for Polymeric Materials - Long Term Property Evaluations

(xvi)UL 746C: Standard for Polymeric Materials - Use in Electrical Equipment Evaluations

(xvii)UL 758: Standard for Appliance Wiring Material

(xviii)UL 790: Standard Tests Method for Fire Resistance of Roof Covering Materials

69Climate and Energy

Balance of Systems including Inverters, Cables,other Electrical Components(xix) UL 854: Standard for Service-

Entrance Cables

(xx) UL 1581: Reference Standard for Electrical Wires, Cables, and Flexible Cords

(xxi) UL 1694: Standard for Tests for Flammability of Small Polymeric Component Materials

(xxii) UL 1699: Standard for Safety for Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupters

(xxiii)UL 1699B: Outline of Investigation for Photovoltaic (PV) dc Arc-Fault Circuit Protection

(xxiv)UL 1741: Standard for Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use With Distributed Energy Resources

(xxv) UL 2556: Wire and Cable Test Methods

(xxvi)UL 2579: Low-Voltage Fuses - Fuses for Photovoltaic Systems

(xxvii)UL 2703: Standard for Mounting Systems, Mounting Devices, Clamping/Retention Devices, and Ground Lugs for Use with Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels

(xxviii)UL 3703: Standard for Solar Trackers

(xxix)UL 4248-18: Fuseholders – Part 18: Photovoltaic

(xxx) UL 4703: Photovoltaic Wire

70

Balance of Systems including Inverters, Cables,other Electrical Components(xxxi)UL 5703: Determination of the

Maximum Operating Temperature Rating of Photovoltaic (PV) Backsheet Materials

(xxxii)UL 6703: Connectors for Use in Photovoltaic Systems

(xxxiii)UL 6703A: Multi-Pole Connectors for Use in Photovoltaic Systems

(xxxiv)UL 8703: Concentrator Photovoltaic Modules and Assemblies

a) Mostly Quality/some Interface

b) Regional standard (US/Canada)

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – UL 1741 for equipment, UL 2703 and UL 3703 for equipment and interface

D: International Code Council (ICC) Standards affecting Balance-of-System (BOS) components

(i) AC 428: ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Modular Framing Systems Used to Support PV Modules

(ii) AC 13: ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Joist Hangers and Similar Devices

(iii) AC 286: ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Roof Flashing for Pipe Penetrations

a) Interface

b) US-based non-profit standard-setting organisation

71Climate and Energy

Solar-PV Whole Systems standardsA: IEC – WG3 – Standards for PV Systems

(i) IEC 62253: Design Qualification and Performance Measurements for Photovoltaic Pumping Systems

a) Quality

b) International standard

B: IEC Normative References affecting Solar-PV Systems

(i) IEC 61140:16 Protection Against Electric Shock – Common Aspects for Installation and Equipment

(ii) IEC61173: Over-voltage Protection for Photovoltaic (PV) Power Generating Systems – Guid’

a) Quality/Interface

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – IEC 61173 for Equipment

C: ASTM Standards Affecting Solar-PV Systems

(i) E772-13:17 Standard Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion

(ii) E927-10: Standard Specification of Solar Simulation for Terrestrial Photovoltaic Testing

(iii) E2047-10: Standard Test Method for Wet Insulation Integrity Testing of Photovoltaic Arrays

(iv) E2908-12:18 Standard Guide for Fire Prevention for Photovoltaic Panels, Modules, and Systems

a) Quality/Interface/Production

b) Voluntary non-profit international standard-setting organisation

D: UL Standards Affecting Solar-PV Systems

(i) UL 969: Standard for Marking and Labelling Systems

a) Quality/Product

b) Regional standard (US/Canada)

16 Also applies to services.17 Also applies to services.18 Also applies to services.

72

PV Off-grid Systems

A: IEC – JWG1 – Standards for PV Off-grid Systems

Recommendations for renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural electrification

(i) IEC/TS 62257 (4):19 System Selection and Design

(ii) IEC/TS 62257(5):20 Protection Against Electrical Hazards

(iii) IEC/TS 62257(9-5): Integrated System – Selection of Stand-alone Lighting Kits for Rural Electrification

(iv) IEC/TS 62257 (12-1): Selection of Self-ballasted Lamps (CFL) for Rural Electrification Systems and Recommendations for Household Lighting Equipment’

v) IEC/TS 62257 (8-1): Selection of Batteries and Battery Management Systems for Stand-alone Electrification Systems - Specific Case of Automotive Flooded Lead-acid Batteries Available in Developing Countries

(vi) IEC /TS 62257(9-1):21 Micropower Systems

(vii)IEC/TS 62257(9-2):22 Microgrids

(viii)IEC/TS 62257(9-3): Integrated System: User-interface

a) Quality/Interface/Product

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – IEC 62257 (4), 62257 (9-5) and (12-1) for Equipment

A: IEC – JWG1 – Standards for PV Off-grid Systems:

Recommendations for renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural electrification

(i) IEC/TS 62257 (7): Generators

(ii) IEC/TS 62257 (7-1): Photovoltaic Generators

(iii) IEC /TS 62257 (7-3): Selection of Generator Sets for Rural Electrification Systems

(iv) IEC/TS 62257(9-6): Integrated System – Selection of Photovoltaic Individual Electrification

a) Quality/Interface

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – IEC (62257) (7-1) and (9-6) for equipment

19 Also applies to services.20 Also applies to services.21 Also applies to services.22 Also applies to services.

73Climate and Energy

ANNEX C: STANDARDS AND STANDARDISATION INITIATIVES AFFECTING SOLAR-PV SERVICES (BY VALUE CHAIN SEGMENT)

Important Published Standards used by Manufacturers or Service Providers

A.B.Cetc:Nameofstandardsdevelopment organisation and general scope and relevance of standards

Standards Presently Undergoing Revision

A.B.Cetc:Nameofstandards development organisation and general scope and relevance of standards

IfNoStandardsExistforaCertain Important Function or Attribute are any Standardisation Initiatives Underway that will Affect the SpecificValue-chainSegment?YES/NO.

If YES to above then:

A.B.Cetc:Nameofstandardsdevelopment organisation and general scope and relevance of standards

Solar-PVVALUECHAINSEGMENTS–SERVICESIII. SDO corresponding to ‘A’

above

IV. SDO corresponding to ‘B’ above etc.

(ii) Relevant Working Group or Committee if any and Standard(s) Nomenclature

a) Category: Measurement & Testing (M), Quality (Q), Interface (I) or Production (P). Note that safety standards are considered part of Quality in this context.

b) Are they international standards or if national or regional, are they based largely on international standards?

III. SDO corresponding to ‘A’ above

IV. SDO corresponding to ‘B’ above etc.

(ii) Relevant Working Group or Committee if any and Standard(s) Nomenclature

a) Category: Measurement & Testing (M), Quality (Q), Interface (I) or Production (P). Note that safety standards are considered part of Quality in this context.

b) Are they international standards or if national or regional, are they based largely on international standards?

III. SDO corresponding to ‘A’ above

IV. SDO corresponding to ‘B’ above etc.

(ii) Relevant Working Group or Committee if any and Standard(s) Nomenclature

a) Category: Measurement & Testing (M), Quality (Q), Interface (I) or Production (P). Note that safety standards are considered part of Quality in this context.

b) Are they international standards or if national or regional, are they based largely on international standards?

74

Solar-PVVALUECHAINSEGMENTS–SERVICESc) Istheresignificant

potential for cost reduction including for international trade purposes – whether for equipment, installation or operation?

c) Istheresignificantpotential for cost reduction including for international trade purposes –whether for equipment, installation or operation?

c) Istheresignificantpotential for cost reduction including for international trade purposes – whether for equipment, installation or operation?

Wholesale and DistributionProject DevelopmentA: IEC – JWG1 – Standards for PV Off-grid Systems

(i) IEC/TS 62257-1: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 1: General Introduction to IEC 62257 Series and Rural Electrification

(ii) IEC/TS 62257-2: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 2: from Requirements to a Range of Electrification Systems

(iii) IEC/TS 62257-3: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 3: Project Development and Management

A: IEC – JWG1 – Standards for PV Off-grid Systems

(i) IEC/TS 62257-9-1:23 Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 9-1: Micropower Systems

(ii) IEC/TS 62257-9-2:24 Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 9-2: Microgrids

a) Interface

b) International standard

A: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards

(i) IEEE P1547.7: Draft Guide to Conducting Distribution Impact Studies for Distributed Resource Interconnection

(ii) IEEE P1547.8: Recommended Practice for Establishing Methods and Procedures that Provide Supplemental Support for Implementation Strategies for Expanded Use of IEEE Standard 1547

(iii) IEEE P2030.1: Draft Guide for Electric-Sourced Transportation Infrastructure

23 Also applies to goods.24 Also applies to goods.

75Climate and Energy

25 Also applies to goods.26 Also applies to goods.27 Also applies to goods.

Project Development(iv) IEC/TS 62257-4:25

Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 4: System Selection and Design

(v) IEC/TS 62257-5:26 Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 5: Protection Against Electrical Hazards

a) Interface/Quality

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – IEC/TS 62257-3 for Installation and IEC 62257-4 for Equipment

B. ASTM Standards

(i) E772-13:27 Standard Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion

a) Interface

b) Voluntary non-profit international standard-setting organisation

(iv) IEEE P2030.2: Draft Guide for the Interoperability of Energy Storage Systems Integrated with the Electric Power Infrastructure

(v) IEEE P2030.3: Draft Standard for Test Procedures for Electric Energy Storage Equipment and Systems for Electric Power Systems Applications

a) Quality/Interface

b) Professional non-profit association setting international standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential?YES – IEEE P2030.2 for Installation and Operation

Design, Engineering and Construction (Including Transport of Materials)A: IEC – WG2 – Specialised

Stress Tests

(i) IEC 62759-1: Photovoltaic (PV) Modules – Transportation Testing – Part 1: Transportation and Shipping of Module Package Units

A: IEC – WG3 – Standards for PV Systems

(i) IEC 62548: Photovoltaic (PV) Arrays – Design Requirements

A: IEC – WG3 – Standards for PV Systems

(i) IEC/TS 62738: Design Guidelines and Recommendations for Photovoltaic Power Plants

76

Design, Engineering and Construction (Including Transport of Materials)a) Quality

b) International standard

B: IEC – JWG1 – Standards for PV Off-grid Systems

(i) IEC/TS 62257-1: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 1: General Introduction to IEC 62257 Series and Rural Electrification

(ii) IEC/TS 62257-2: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 2: from Requirements to a Range of Electrification Systems

(iii) IEC/TS 62257-3: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 3: Project Development and Management

a) Quality/Interface

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES- IEC 62548 for Installation and Operation

B: IEC – JWG1 – Standards for PV Off-grid Systems

(i) IEC/TS 62257-9-1:28 Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 9-1: Micropower Systems

(ii) IEC/TS 62257-9-2:29 Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 9-2: Microgrids

(iii) IEC/TS 62257-9-4: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 9-4: Integrated System – User Installation

a) Quality/Interface

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – ICE/TS 61724-2 for Installation and IEC/TS 62738 for Installation and Operation

B: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards

(i) IEEE P2030.1: Draft Guide for Electric-Sourced Transportation Infrastructure

(ii) IEEE P2030.2: Draft Guide for the Interoperability of Energy Storage Systems Integrated with the Electric Power Infrastructure

(iii) IEEE P2030.3: Draft Standard for Test Procedures for Electric Energy Storage Equipment and Systems for Electric Power Systems Applications

a) Interface/Quality

b) Professional non-profit association setting international standard

28 Also applies to goods.29 Also applies to goods.

77Climate and Energy

30 Also applies to goods.31 Also applies to goods.32 Also applies to goods.33 Also applies to goods.

Design, Engineering and Construction (Including Transport of Materials)(iv) IEC/TS 62257-4:30

Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 4: System Selection and Design

(v) IEC/TS 62257-5:31 Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 5: Protection Against Electrical Hazards

a) Interface/Quality

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – IEC/TS 62257-3 for Installation and IEC 62257-4 for Equipment

C: Normative References from Other IEC TCs

(i) IEC 61140:33 Protection Against Electric Shock – Common Aspects for Installation and Equipment

a) Quality/Interface

b) International standard

a) Interface

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES-IEC/TS 62257-9-4 for Installation

C: Normative References from Other IEC TCs

(i) IEC 60364 (all parts):32 Electrical Installations of Buildings

a) Quality/Interface

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES-IEC 60364 for Installation

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – IEEE P2030.2 for Installation and Operation

78

Design, Engineering and Construction (Including Transport of Materials)D: ASTM Standards

(i) E772-13:34 Standard Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion

(ii) E1799-12:35 Standard Practice for Visual Inspections of Photovoltaic Modules

(iii) E2047-10: Standard Test Method for Wet Insulation Integrity Testing of Photovoltaic Arrays

(iv) E2766-13: Standard Practice for Installation of Roof Mounted Photovoltaic Arrays on Steep-Slope Roofs

(v) E2939-13: Standard Practice for Determining Reporting Conditions and Expected Capacity for Photovoltaic Non-Concentrator Systems

(vi) E3010-15: Standard Practice for Installation, Commissioning, Operation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Systems (ICOMP)

a) Interface/Quality

b) Voluntary international standard-setting organisation

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – E1799-12, E 2766-13 and E2939-13 for Installation and E3010-15 for Installation and Operation

34 Also applies to goods.35 Also applies to services.

79Climate and Energy

Design, Engineering and Construction (Including Transport of Materials)E: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards

(i) IEEE 1547.1: Standard for Conformance Tests Procedures for Equipment Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems

(ii) IEEE 1547.2: Application Guide for IEEE 1547 Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems

(iii) IEEE 1013: Recommended Practice for Sizing Lead-Acid Batteries for Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems

(iv) IEEE 1562: Guide for Array and Battery Sizing in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems

(v) IEEE 1547: Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems

(vi) IEEE 1547.6: Recommended Practice For Interconnecting Distributed Resources With Electric Power Systems Distribution Secondary Networks

(vii)IEEE 937: Recommended Practice for Installation and Maintenance of Lead-Acid Batteries for Photovoltaic Systems

(viii)IEEE 1361: Guide for Selection, Charging, Test and Evaluation of Lead-Acid Batteries Used in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems

(ix) IEEE 1526: Recommended Practice for Testing the Performance of Stand-alone Photovoltaic Systems

80

Design, Engineering and Construction (Including Transport of Materials)(x) IEEE 1561: Guide for

Optimising the Performance and Life of Lead-Acid Batteries in Remote Hybrid Power Systems

(xi) IEEE 1661: Guide for Test and Evaluation of Lead-Acid Batteries Used in Photovoltaic (PV) Hybrid Power Systems

(xii)IEEE 2030: Guide for Smart Grid Interoperability of Energy Technology and Information Technology Operation with the Electric Power System (EPS), and End-Use Applications and Loads

a) Interface/Quality

b) Professional association setting international standards

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – IEEE 1547 and IEEE 1547.6 for Installation and Operation

Operations and MaintenanceA: IEC – WG3 – Standards for

PV Systems

(i) IEC 61725: Analytical expression for daily solar profiles

(ii) IEC 61727: Photovoltaic (PV) systems – Characteristics of the utility interface.

(iii) IEC 61829: Photovoltaic (PV) array – On-site measurement of current-voltage characteristics

(iv) IEC 62446-1: Grid-connected photovoltaic systems – Part 1: Minimum requirements for system documentation, commissioning tests and inspection

A: IEC – WG3 – Standards for PV Systems

(i) IEC 61724-1: Photovoltaic System Performance Monitoring – Part 1: Monitoring

a) Quality/Interface

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES-IEC 61724-1 for Operation

A: IEC – WG3 – Standards for PV Systems

(i) IEC 62446-2: Grid-connected Photovoltaic Systems – Part 2: Maintenance of PV Systems

(ii) IEC/TS 62446-3: Outdoor Infrared (IR) Thermography of Modules and Systems

(iii) IEC/TS 62738: Design Guidelines and Recommendations for Photovoltaic Power Plants

(iv) IEC/TS 63019: Information Model for Availability of Photovoltaic (PV) Power Systems

81Climate and Energy

Operations and Maintenance(v) IEC/TS 61724-2:

Photovoltaic system performance monitoring – Part 2: Capacity evaluation method.

(vi) IEC/TS 61724-3: Photovoltaic system performance monitoring – Part 3: Energy evaluation method

(vii)IEC 62548: Photovoltaic (PV) arrays – Design requirements

a) Quality/Interface/Measurement

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential?YES ¬– 61724-3 for Operation, 61724-2 for Interface, and 62548 for Installation and Operation

B: IEC – JWG1 – Standards for PV Off-grid Systems:

(i) IEC/TS 62257-5: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 5: Protection Against Electrical Hazards

(ii) IEC/TS 62257-6: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 6: Acceptance, Operation, Maintenance and Replacement

B: IEC – JWG1 – Standards for PV Off-grid Systems:

(i) IEC/TS 62257-9-1: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 9-1: Micropower Systems

(ii) IEC/TS 62257-9-2: Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 9-2: Microgrids

a) Interface

b) International standard

a) Quality/interface

b) International standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential?YES – IEC/TS, IEC/TS 62446-3 and IEC/TS 63019 for Operation and IEC/TS 62738 for Installation and Operation.

B: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards

(i) IEEE P2030.1: Draft Guide for Electric-Sourced Transportation Infrastructure

(ii) IEEE P2030.2: Draft Guide for the Interoperability of Energy Storage Systems Integrated with the Electric Power Infrastructure

82

Operations and Maintenance(iii) IEC/TS 62257-9-4:

Recommendations for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification – Part 9-4: Integrated System – User Installation

(a) Interface

(b) International standard

(c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – IEC 62257-6 for Operation and (9-4) for Installation

C: ASTM Standards

(i) E772-13:36 Standard Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion

(ii) E1799-12:37 Standard Practice for Visual Inspections of Photovoltaic Modules

(iii) E2047-10: Standard Test Method for Wet Insulation Integrity Testing of Photovoltaic Arrays

(iv) E2848-13: Standard Test Method for Reporting Photovoltaic Non-Concentrator System Performance

(v) E2908-12:38 Standard Guide for Fire Prevention for Photovoltaic Panels, Modules, and Systems

(vi) E3010-15: Standard Practice for Installation, Commissioning, Operation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Systems (ICOMP)

(iii) IEEE P2030.3: Draft Standard for Test Procedures for Electric Energy Storage Equipment and Systems for Electric Power Systems Applications

a) Interface/Quality

b) Professional non-profit association setting international standard

c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – IEEE P2030.2 for Installation and Operation

36 Also applies to goods.37 Also applies to services.38 Also applies to goods.

83Climate and Energy

Operations and Maintenance(a) Interface/Quality

(b) Voluntary non-profit international standard-setting organisation

(c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – 1799-12 for Installation, E2848-13 for Operation and E3010-15 for Installation and Operation.

D: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards

(i) IEEE 1547: Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems

(ii) IEEE 1547.3: Guide For Monitoring, Information Exchange, and Control of Distributed Resources Interconnected with Electric Power Systems

(iii) IEEE 1547.4: Guide for Design, Operation, and Integration of Distributed Resource Island Systems with Electric Power Systems

(iv) IEEE 1547.6: Recommended Practice For Interconnecting Distributed Resources With Electric Power Systems Distribution Secondary Networks

(v) IEEE 937: Recommended Practice for Installation and Maintenance of Lead-Acid Batteries for Photovoltaic Systems

(vi) IEEE 1361: Guide for Selection, Charging, Test and Evaluation of Lead-Acid Batteries Used in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems

84

Operations and Maintenance(viii)IEEE 1561: Guide for Optimizing

the Performance and Life of Lead-Acid Batteries in Remote Hybrid Power Systems

(ix) IEEE 1661: Guide for Test and Evaluation of Lead-Acid Batteries Used in Photovoltaic (PV) Hybrid Power Systems

(x) IEEE 2030: Guide for Smart Grid Interoperability of Energy Technology and Information Technology Operation with the Electric Power System (EPS), and End-Use Applications and Loads

(a) Quality/Interface

(b) Professional non-profit association setting international standard

(c) SignificantCostReductionPotential? YES – IEEE 1547 and IEEE 1547.6 for Installation and Operation

85Climate and Energy

www.ictsd.org

Other recent publications from ICTSD’s Programme on Climate and Energy include:

• The Relevance of the Environmental Goods Agreement in Advancing the Paris Agreement Goals and SDGs: A Focus on Clean Energy and Costa Rica’s Experience.

Monica Araya, 2016.

• Climate Change and Clean Energy in the 2030 Agenda: What Role for the Trade System? Kasturi Das and Kaushik Bandyopadhyay, 2016.

• Reducing Import Tariffs for Environmental Goods: The APEC Experience. Rene Vossenaar, 2016.

• Mutual Recognition Agreement on Conformity Assessment: A Deliverable on Non-Tariff Measures for the EGA?

Mahesh Sugathan, 2016

• The Nexus between the WTO and the Energy Charter Treaty in Sustainable Global Energy Governance: Analysis and Policy Implications.

Anna Marhold, 2016

• Enabling the Energy Transition and Scale-up of Clean Energy Technologies: Options for the Global Trade System.

Ricardo Meléndez-Ortiz, 2016.

• Global Rules for Mutually Supportive and Reinforcing Trade and Climate Regimes. James Bacchus, 2016.

About ICTSDThe International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) is an independent think- and-do-tank, engaged in the provision of information, research and analysis, and policy and multistakeholder dialogue, as a not-for-profit organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland. Established in 1996, ICTSD’s mission is to ensure that trade and investment policy and frameworks advance sustainable development in the global economy.