III Congresso Nazionale AIGE

Parma, 4-5 Giugno 2009

THE ROADMAP FOR NEW GLOBAL STANDARDS ABOUT PHOTOVOLTAICS

DeJong C.a, Dumas A.b, Picarello P.a, Zumbo L. F.c,Trancossi M.c
a
A.S.T.M. International – E44 Comittee
b
Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Dipartimento di Scienza e Metodi dell’Ingegneria
c
Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia - Enexergy s.c. Spin Off. del Dipartimento di Scienza e Metodi dell’Ingegneria

ABSTRACT
The present paper describes the state of the art of the Solar Energy Standards Strategic Planning inside the ASTM Committee
E44 about “Solar, Geothermal, and Other Renewable Energy Sources”, referring to current status of the Solar Industry and its need
for new standards development.
After a short presentation of the ASTM E44 committee, the authors present the activity of the Committee ASTM E44 connected
to the SOLAR ABC (Solar America board for Codes and Standard) and the SEMI PV Initiative, International Standards Roadmap,
the describe the state of the art of the discussion on:
- state of the industry relative to standards development.
- specific standards needs;
- action plan moving forward.
The present paper will end presenting future deadlines in order to participate to the standardization process both defining
standards needs and contributing to their definition, discussion and decisional processes.
This activity can assume a particular importance after the recent decisions of Italian Government decisions which could condemn
Italy to be out of global renewable energies market and to be chronically late on renewable energy.

SOMMARIO
Questo intervento intende presentare lo stato dell’arte della programmazione strategica all’interno del comitato normativo ASTM
E44 in materia di “Solare, Geotermico e altre fonti di energia rinnovabili”, con particolare riferimento all’attuale stato dell’industria
solare e alla sua esigenza di sviluppare nuovi standard.
Dopo una breve presentazione del comitato ASTM E44, gli autori presentano l’attività del comitato in collegamento alle
iniziative SOLAR ABC e SEMI PV, che delinea un percorso verso uno standard internazionale, e presentano lo stato dell’arte della
discussione in merito a:
- situazione industriale in merito allo sviluppo di nuovi standard;
- bisogni specifici di nuovi standard
- il piano di azione normativa in corso di sviluppo.
Questo intervento congressuale conclude presentando le future scadenze al fine di presentare il processo di standardizzazione per
partecipare alla definizione di bisogni di nuovi standard, alla loro discussione e alla decisione.
Quest’attività può assumere un’importanza decisiva dopo le recenti decisioni del governo italiano che possono condannare
l’Italia a essere esclusa dal mercato globale delle energie rinnovabili e a essere cronicamente in ritardo in materia di energie
rinnovabili.

wait until the bottom of the longwave until more resources

INTRODUCTION
While the whole Planet is encouraging investments on
renewable energy as an exit strategy from the economic crisis,
it seems that an Italian dominant cultural, political, energetic
and financial lobby looks in opposition to this great
possibility.
The present economic crisis can be interpreted using the
cyclical technological theory by Mensch [1] and the long wave
economic theory by Kondratieff [2, 3].
Applying the description of the economic and technologic
period of maturity theorised by these economists it is possible
to demonstrate a strong correlation between today economy
and recession periods.
Kondratieff gave two possible explanations for these
cycles. The first was that businesses tend to over-invest by the
top of the longwave and thus being drain of resources, must
could be accumulated for further investments [2]. The second
explanation was that there were more innovations in the
market place at certain phases of the longwave, which brings
about economic prosperity. When innovations decline, so does
the economy [3].
Today leading economy and industry are dominated by
mature technologies which are evolving to a fast obsolescence
and to a fast concentration of competitors. This unfavourable
positioning of the actual economical and technological
scenario is the real cause of the actual economic crisis in
which the rule of finance has had an uncontrollable growth in
the economic scenario and industrial activities reduces their
importance [4].
The role of renewable energies in a process of reduction of
the effects of the present and to prevent future economic crisis
could be really important, both in economic terms and in order
to prevent unfavourable effects on occupation, which is the
primary exigency to be preserved in recessive macroeconomic
scenarios, and in order to reduce the economic dependence on
fossil fuels (petroleum, coal, natural gas, uranium, etc.).
Solar and Photovoltaic equipments assume a particular
importance because of their great economic potentiality, and
because of the important possibility to be used as a possibility
of re-qualifying the existing buildings and the large derived
economy connected with construction industry and localized
energetic production and territorial energetic self-sufficiency.
Nowadays the global reduction of photovoltaic prices is
making PV plants a more effective energetic production,
because the legend of difficult disposal of photovoltaic cells
has been completely refuted by the technological process [7].
The standardization process assumes a great importance in
this scenario. It is the most important way in order to increase
the quality, the durability and the safety of component and
system for renewable energy production, in order to realize a
safeguard system for consumers and for good quality
producers. In particular we analyse the future development of Figure 1 - SEMI PV roadmap initiative presentation
standardization process about Photovoltaic Systems [5].

OVERVIEW OF STANDARDIZATION PROCESS ON

PHOTOVOLTAICS

The standardization roadmap on photovoltaic energy

equipments is complex and has involved different institutions.
The most active both in terms of influence and of activity are:
1. Solar ABCs (Solar American Board of Codes and
Standards):
The Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar
ABCs) is a collaborative effort among experts to formally
gather and prioritize input from the broad spectrum of
solar photovoltaic stakeholders including policy makers,
manufacturers, installers, and consumers resulting in
coordinated recommendations to codes and standards
making bodies for existing and new solar technologies.
The U.S. Department of Energy funds Solar ABCs as part
of its commitment to facilitate wide-spread adoption of
safe, reliable, and cost-effective solar technologies.
2. ASTM E44.09 Sub committee
ASTM Committee E44 is standardization committee
about the whole spectrum of renewable energy production
systems. It currently has 105 members and 49 approved
standards, published with in five technical subcommittees.
Solar Heating and Cooling Systems and Materials, PV
Electric Power Conversion, Geothermal Field
Development, Utilization and Materials.
The Solar Heating and Cooling Subcommittee has 20
published standards and the PV subcommittee has 22.
Sub committee E44.09 about PV work has been the most
active recently with a growing membership (currently has
57 members).
3. SEMI PV Initiative: International Standards
Roadmap
The SEMI PV Core Group was chartered in May 2008.
Win discussed the SEMI Roadmap Guidance document,
their focus areas of PV, the application of SEMI standards
(Phase 1) and their program next steps (Phase 2). Figure 2 Standardization process and integration
SEMI PV Roadmap has its main objectives in the field of between different organizations
PV manufacturing processes and feedstock materials to
finished cells and modules.

Figure 3 SEMI PV standardization process overview
Inside this process of standardization on PV energy
production ASTM, Solar ABCs and SEMI PV Roadmap are
strongly integrating, this process is favoured by the USA
administration policy on renewable energy production which
is incrementing the influence of USA in the standardization
process and in the market of PV equipments.
The main objectives of PV standardization are connected
with a strong quality and durability insurance on PV systems.
Figure 4 Standardization committees and correlations
INTERACTION BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONS
Actually ASTM and Solar ABCs are strongly integrating
their activities in order to produce an unified standardization
platform inside the SEMI PV main present and future
activities are connected with different interests.
Over 45 standardization requirements has been identified
by ASTM, over 100 by ABC Solar. These needs can be
summarized into some precise groups related to international
roadmap SEMI PV:
1. Photovoltaic Module Power Ratings
Effective module power rating standards to address
current market and deployment concerns is a high priority
topic. Solar ABCs has developed a recommendation on
PV module power rating tolerances. With input from
stakeholders a more detailed policy shall be developed to
address related issues such as stabilization, measurement
uncertainty, warrantees and other issues. This will include
a more detailed power rating tolerances policy including
the issues above and a recommendation on the venue for
its certification.
2. Photovoltaic System Energy Rating
Gap Analysis determined that a method is needed to
develop and validate the procedure for a Simplified PV
System Energy Rating to provide annual system energy
output for typical residential and small commercial PV
systems. In addition, a process for validating PV modules
is needed, leading to a possible standard. The
Organizations will develop and validate the procedure for
an accurate, effective PV System Energy Rating. Under
this task, additional information will be collected to refine
the needs of PV stakeholders with regard to System
Energy Ratings and to identify the specific approaches
that the participants in this work will follow to meet those
goals. In addition, a number of performance simulation
programs are available for predicting the output of a PV
system but there is currently no standard method or sets of
data for use in evaluating and comparing the accuracy of
these models. Committees must develop a process for
validating PV performance system energy models. And
finally, a procedure for determining the annual energy
output of flat-plate grid-connected residential PV systems
and possibly small commercial PV systems under
“optimal” conditions will be developed and validated.
This would provide an estimate of PV system
performance to homeowners, businesses, government and
other renewable energy rebate granting agencies.
3. Standards to Certify the Accuracy of Inverter Meters
Committees will create a standard set of requirements for
integrated meters in inverter-based power generation
systems, reformatting the proposed requirements defined
by the California Public Utilities Commission in
appropriate language to serve as a standard, and be guided
through the process of review, integration of comments,
and be voted on by an appropriate standards-making
organization.
4. Photovoltaic Module Frame Grounding Issues
Committees will develop and simple, documented and
practical proscriptive “recipe” procedure for equipment
grounding of PV components will be developed and made
publicly available. Test methods will be developed for the
purpose of evaluating the long-term reliability of the
ground connections between metal parts in a PV array
applicable to any roof-or ground mounted PV array
mounted on metal structures. The resulting methods will
be applicable to any roof-or ground mounted PV array
mounted on metal structures.
5. Wind Load Testing, Analysis, and Design Code
Development
Gap Analysis identified that there are a multitude of code
interpretations, yielding different answers to the same
design questions, for wind loading and PV mounting
systems. It is necessary to develop the background
research to identify actual forces on roof mounted PV
arrays thus meeting the needs of industry to reduce
significant liability for structural failures of modules and
mounting systems. To address, it will be conducted wind
tunnel testing to determine the flow field and wind
induces forces on PV modules and arrays mounted
parallel to the slope of the roof surface. With this
information, recommendations will be made for changes
or additions to the applicable codes. Guidance and
publications will be developed for recommended practices
or calculation methods to fill a void that currently exists
for designers and code officials.
6. Accelerated Lifetime Testing
It is necessary to produce a comprehensive literature
review and evaluation to develop transfer functions for a
draft test protocol PV module accelerated life test
protocol. Specific data needs will be identified for test
procedures as well as the methods by which the validity
of these procedures will be demonstrated.
7. Electrical Code and Fire Official Permitting and
 Guidelines Development
Gap Analysis identified that multiple permitting standards
across jurisdictions and lengthy review processes are a
barrier to greater PV system deployment. Committees will
develop electrical code permit application checklist and a
draft guidebook for fire officials to clearly state the
processes for implementing safe standards for PV system
deployment. Training for both professional groups will be
provided.
These standards appears really important if compared with the
advancement in research about new panels. The certification
of panels require a time to market which appears too long, so
new standards whic can ensure the quality and the durability
of products permitting a reduction of the time to market are
necessary. The present state of the art on PV research is
reported in Figure 5.
Other standardization procedures are connected with specific
domestic USA needs:
1. Review of FERC’s SGIP Interconnection Screens
Gap Analysis identified that FERC’s Small Generator
Interconnection Procedure (SGIP) contains a series of
technical screens for interconnection of generating
facilities up to two megawatts that may be more stringent
than necessary. Solar ABCs will develop draft revisions
for consideration by FERC to simplify the technical
screens currently in use for interconnection of small
generation facilities.
2. Potential for AMI Data to Reduce Technical Issues
Related to Interconnection
Solar ABCs will publish a report documenting the
potential for AMI data to effectively reduce
interconnection problems and barriers currently
encountered in PV system deployments.
3. Examination of NREL Renewable Systems
Figure 5 – Photovoltaic Research Evolution
(Source:NRELhttp://www.nrel.gov/pv/thin_film/docs/kaz_best_research_cells.ppt)
Interconnection (RSI) Studies and Guidance to States
Adopting Interconnection Procedures and Net
Metering Laws.
Gap Analysis identified the need for readily
understandable conclusions about the NREL Renewable
Systems Interconnection (RSI). Solar ABCs will develop
key findings from each of the NREL Renewable Systems
Interconnection (RSI) studies to provide guidance to
states adopting interconnection procedures. Start 2010
4. Ownership of Data from AMI systems
Solar ABCs will develop model data management
standards for ownership and use of AMI/AMR data that
will be potentially of great value to utilities, regulators,
and planners.
THE ROLE OF ASTM E44 COMMITTEE
The ASTM E44 Standardization Committee is playing a
great role in the global standardization process.
The main objectives of the future activity are connected
with different objectives and is opening internationally in
order to acquire the necessary competences. The future
discussed objectives are:
Short Term
1. Indoor calibration methods & procedures for
broadband solar radiometers
2. Calibration and use of reference modules for
concentrating PV collectors; (similar to flat plate
reference modules)
3. Converting broadband irradiance data to irradiance
data on tilted surface
4. Converting total hemispherical solar radiation to
Direct Normal radiation (for concentrator
applications)
 Middle Term insufficient if compared to the enormous possibilities of the
1. Evaluating impact of natural spectral variation on country. The 30% green energy production objective is really
PV Device (cells, modules, systems) performance far to be realized and the present industrial tissue give only
2. Estimating terrestrial solar spectral distributions few signals in this direction.
from broadband solar irradiance data This situation is due to cultural, political and economic
3. Staying abreast of code compliance and reasons, especially connected to an energy market which
participation in code development. appear dominated by few players and is far from a
4. Standardized measurements and evaluation practices competitive scenario. Market distortive practices such as
5. Standardized Service Life Estimation Protocols Cip6 derived finance make less convenient environmental
Outdoor durability test protocols for both correct practices than large incinerators plants, even
components and finished modules/systems connected to a thermal energy recovery and utilization.
6. Agreement among NRTLs to abide by a common
Table 1 - The shares in energy production in 2005
set of published guidelines for retesting
were the following (data by Energy Balance published by
7. Wind generation 2MW and solar cell generation for
the Italian Ministry for Economic Development)
WW treatment.
8. Standards and test methods for measurement of
residual stress in tempered glass used in solar cells
and panels.
9. PV on Secondary Network Distribution Systems
(IEEE P1547.6),
10. Solid, rigid and well tested method in order to
determinate the main characteristic of different The insufficient political action of orientation, and the
panels, both in terms of performance and electric Italian attitude of the Italian capital to invest only in
circuit characteristics. speculative and short payback systems appears, a strong limit
11. Standard methodology for performing wind in solar energy. The new way to nuclear decided by Italian
calculations- (ASCE 7-05) Many assumptions exist Government, which is going to delete all national
but not explicitly laid out, nothing specific for contributions to the solar PV market by year 2011 requires to
mounting systems on rooftops. be analyzed by data.
12. ICC certification of mounting systems The typical Italian anomaly is connected with the energy
13. Guidance for information required by regulators, consumption by sector, which presents really far from the
administrators, manufacturers, utilities, etc. classic rule of one third.
14. Module Performance definitions Table 2 - Italian renewable energy production in 2005
15. Light source Calibrations 16. Layers of Spectrum (data source GSE)
for multi-junction cells
16. Working, maximum temperature or melting points
for PV
17. Analysis of differences between PV declared and
obtained performances.
Long Term
1. Flat plate and concentrator PV Module and system
Energy Rating methods (power production expected
for various climatic conditions)
2. Energy rating for concentrating solar thermal power
systems
3. Service lifetime prediction for flat plate and
concentrator systems (PV arrays; solar thermal?)
4. Use of concentrating PV reference modules
(evaluate system performance, monitor production
quality, etc.)
5. Indoor performance testing of concentrating PV
modules (using solar simulator)
6. Evaluating quality of and utilizing solar resource
data
7. Producing typical meteorological years for solar
energy conversion and buildings applications.
8. Physically evaluating prospective sites for solar
energy conversion systems.

ANALYSIS OF THE ITALIAN SITUATION

The present Italian scenario about renewable energies Figure 6 – Italian Energy consumption by sectors
and on PV electric production appears really favourable if (data by Energy Balance published by the Italian
connected to climatic conditions, but Italian green energy, Ministry for Economic Development 2005) .
and especially PV energy, production, seems completely

Figure 7 - Comparison between total and renewable
energy electricity gross productions (1994-2005) – source
and elaboration: GSE
Figure 8 – European solar thermal Energy Market
These data shows the present Italian gap both on thermal
solar energy and on photovoltaic solar energy. This gap
appears dramatic if compared in terms of installations.
The nuclear choice is certainly correct in order to define a
next energetic mix and to perform the future Italian role of
middle nuclear power in the centre of the Mediterranean sea,
but it needs to be realized with a large attention to avoid any
intervention which could increase the Italian gap in solar
energy, because a correct mix of energetic sources, which is
looking to the environmental and economic efficiency could
not be realized without a maximization of solar photovoltaic
and thermal energetic power, mostly realized using existing
roofs.
Figure 9 – European solar PV market
By this considerations a large Italian participation inside
the new open standardization process can be necessary in
order to promote the territorial energetic and environmental
excellence, in this moment characterized by favourable
events such as the 1$ / W barrier break by First Solar high
efficiency thin film PV panels and the next industrialization
of emerging technologies characterized by high
performances and reduced costs if compared to classic
technology of silicon.
The real model which could be followed in order to
reduce the effects of the economic crisis and to realize a
serious stimulus through present and future technologies
must consider a large intervention in the renewable energy
applications, which are the only way to future[15].
REFERENCES
[1] Mensch, G., Das Technologische Patt: Innovationen
Uberwinden die Depression , Frankfurt, Umschay, 1975
[2] Kondratiev, N.D., The Long Wave Cycle. N.Y.:
Richardson & Snyder, 1984.
[3] Kondratieff, Nikolai D., "The Long Waves in Economic
Life," Review of Economic Statistics. 17(6) Nov 1935
[4] Arno Tausch (with a postface by Christian Ghymers),
‘From the “Washington” towards a “Vienna
Consensus”? A quantitative analysis on globalization,
development and global governance’. Hauppauge, N.Y.:
Nova Science Publishers, 2007
[5] SEMI PV Global Standardization Roadmap
Presentation, February 2009
[6] ASTM E44 Committee Strategic Planning Session 2009,
February 2009
[7] PV Group White Paper, A vision for the Perfect
Industry, SEMI PV Initiative, 2009
[8] White Paper on the exploitation of energy from
renewable sources -ENEA: Report Energy and
Environment 2005
[9] GRTN: dati statistici sull’energia elettrica in Italia
(statistical data on electricity in Italy)
[10]GSE: Statistiche sulle Fonti Rinnovabili in Italia 2005
(2005 statistics on Renewable EnergySources in Italy)
[11]Italian ministry for Economic Development: “Scenari
Energetici tendenziali 2020” (2020 Trend energy
Scenarios)
[12]Italian Ministry for the Environment Land and Sea:
Italian report on demonstrable progress under article 3.2
of the Kyoto protocol -Italian Ministry for the
Environment Land and Sea: SIEEB
[13]Report from Italy in accordance with Article 3(3) and
Article 5(5) of Directive 2001/77/EC -TERNA: National
statistics 2005.
[14]Stryi-Hipp G., Solar Thermal Energy and Photovoltaic
Markets in Germany, German Solar Industry
Association (BSW-Solar), Int. Exhibition on Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources, 2009
[15]The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
(stimulus bill), U.S. Government, 2009