Solar PV network installation standards and cost estimation guidelines for smart cities

Abstract

For smart cities, the successful large-scale implementation of solar PV technology, Quality Certification and Standards are mandatory. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a global organization for standardization consisting of all IEC national committees. The IEC PV standards comprise IEC technical committee 82 solar PV Energy System (IEC TC82) which develops and adopts all Photovoltaic related standards. There are nearly 80 standards applicable to photovoltaic and five working groups in IEC TC82. For necessary safety requirements ‘Quality and Standards’ technologically need to be revised and up to date. This paper presents PV standards developed by various technical committees worldwide, mainly focusing on various IEC PV standards, gaps identified by them and the recommendations provided by the committee in recent times. The breakup costs of the various sub-systems of a PV installation with an illustrative example for India is also discussed. It is intended to provide a guideline for consumers and investors, opting for solar PV installations.