Managing the Quality of Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems
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Last updated: 7 August 2004

Author(s):
  • Alison Wilshaw
  • Lucy Southgate
  • Rolf Oldach
    IT Power Ltd, United Kingdom (GBR) with contributions from:
    • Philippe Jacquin, France
    • Michel Villoz, Switzerland
    • Noboru Yumoto, Japan
    		•  Managing the Quality of Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems - Recommended Practices
    Organization: IT Power Ltd, United Kingdom (GBR)
    Date of issue:January 2004
    Type: Report IEA  PVPS Task 3
    Reference: IEA  IEA PVPS T3-15:2003
    Details: 25 p.: figures, graphs, tables; with references
    Download: Open or download this report as PDF file (982 KB)
    Available from: Task 3 members
    Abstract: Task 3 of the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Implementing Agreement on Photovoltaic Power Systems deals with Stand-alone and Island Applications. Within this Task, Quality Assurance of PV systems is considered to be of special interest.

    A strong emphasis on quality aspects is essential for the long term success of any PV project. However, stand-alone PV systems are frequently installed with little or no attention to quality issues. One of the main reasons for this is that the work required to implement quality procedures is perceived as being complicated and costly. Unfortunately, this perception gives rise to many project failures which are both costly and difficult to rectify.

    A previous Task 3 study has shown that there are no QA guidelines specifically intended for managing stand-alone PV projects. Task 3 has therefore produced a set of QA guidelines for stand-alone PV project managers. The document aims to provide simple but effective guidance in order to implement quality procedures within a realistic project timeframe. Implementing these procedures will be less expensive than solving the problems that result when quality issues are not properly addressed.

    It is intended that the recommendations contained in this document are as realistic and effective as possible. They have been brought together based on the experience of Task 3 experts and using experience from the Task 3 Case Studies. Examples of selected Case Studies with both good and poor quality procedures are presented in the report Managing the Quality of Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems - Case studies.
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