Improving the design, construction and operation of photovoltaic power systems and subsystems is the objective of Task 2 of the IEA  PVPS programme. One of the key activities within the task has been the development of an international database containing detailed information on PV systems installed around the world.

The database, containing design and operational figures from stand-alone systems, dispersed grid-connected systems and larger PV power plants, is intended to be used as a tool to assist designers and assessing various concepts for PV plants and their components. The international database is approaching completion.

The database in effect comprises two user-friendly software programmes. The first offers a general description of each project - the type of plant, typical use and site data - together with comprehensive details relating to the design, system setup, economic and operational performance for each of the various installation (see Table).

The second offers data selection, reporting and graphical presentation facilities. Systems can be selected according to PV nominal power, location, type of plant, site data, irradiation, expected array output, subsystems, module manufacturer or auxiliary supply. The program has a graphical output, showing recorded climatic and load data, calculated inverter and yield losses, DC/AC output, performance ratio and inverter efficiency. Comprehensive reports containing the relevant information can be viewed on-screen, or alternatively can be printer or stored as ASCII files.

Information
For further information or to register for this facility, contact the Operating Agent of Task 2.

Details of various installations are included in the database

Design data	System data	Economic/operational data
Nominal power	Existing subsystems	Total system costs
Climatic data	PV array	Installed PV array power
Load	Integrated converters	Maintenance costs
Expected energy production	Inverters Storage Auxiliary supply	Energy sold to the utility Monthly recorded climatic data Load Production Component performance General remarks

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