IEA  PVPS Task 2, Operational performance and design of PV systems, releases the first edition of the international PV database in January 2000.

Preparation of the database, which contains operational data of 266 grid-connected and stand-alone PV systems from the participating member countries (Austria, EU, France, Germany, Israel, Japan and the Netherlands) has been one of the major activities of Task 2. The information contained within the database is assisting the preparation of a Technical Report on the Analysis of PV Systems, which will be published in March 2000. This will play an important role in assisting other IEA  PVPS Tasks, particularly Task 3, Stand-alone and Island Systems, and Task 7, Built Environment, to focus their efforts aimed at improving PV system design and performance, and reducing costs.

The database software, which consists of two programmes, PVbase and PVreport, allows system data to be processed and presented in tabular and graphical format. PVbase provides data entry and verification facilities, as well as options to export data to ASCII files to allow processing in other software packages. PVreport allows the user to select system data according to a broad range of criteria, including nominal power, country of installation, plant type, module manufacturer and so on. Meteorology and energy production may be displayed on a monthly basis for individual systems, or yearly basis for multiple systems. Energy yield, performance ratio and system/component efficiency figures can also be investigated.

Phase 1 of Task 2 ended in June 1999, but an extension has been agreed to 2004, which will allow the database to be maintained. It will be updated on a twelve-monthly basis to allow the inclusion of new data from the existing sites and the inclusion of new installation in other countries. This will also enable new types of systems, such as building integrated and bi-facial modules to be appended. A number of user workshops and seminars will be organised to help disseminate the program, and to allow feedback on areas for enhancement. The first edition of the database will be limited to a read-only CD-Rom, but future versions may include a facility to allow users to insert their own data.

The CD-Rom, together with instruction manual will be available at cost-price (approximately USD 50) through Task 2 national representatives.

Information:
For details contact:

• Ulrike Jahn
  ISFH
  Coburgerstrasse 69
  D-91056 Erlangen
  Germany
  Fax: +49 9131 481982.

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