Focus on solar energies A selection of articles on IEC standardization and

conformity assessment work

e-techA select ion of art ic les from the I EC magazine

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Plug and play for refugees ...........................................................................................

IEC calls on disruptive technology for universwal energy access ................................

Smart cities to boost energy efficiency .......................................................................

Supporting technologies for photovoltaics ...................................................................

Stacking solar, setting standards ................................................................................

Ensuring renewavle energy systems are safe ..............................................................

The rise of renewable energies ...................................................................................

the growing importance of global-scale renewable energy .........................................

The off-grid solar revolution ........................................................................................

International debut of IECRE ........................................................................................

Solar energy – IEC standardization and conformity assessment

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the global organization that publishes International Standards and supports all forms of conformity assessment for the millions of devices that produce or use electricity. Several of its technical committees (TCs) cover renewable energies such as solar (PV and thermal), wind, marine and hydro.

The IEC established TC 82: Solar photovoltaic energy systems, in 1981 to develop International Standards for systems of photovoltaic conversion of solar energy into electrical energy and for all the elements in the entire photovoltaic energy system.

On the conformity assessment side, the IEC launched IECRE, the IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Renewable Energy Applications, in 2014 to provide testing, inspection and certification for renewable energy sectors such as wind energy, marine energy and solar PV (photovoltaic) energy. The solar PV sector expects to issue its first certificate

before the end of 2017.

www.iec.ch

www.iecre.org

This brochure contains a selection of articles from our magazine, e-tech, on the work of IEC for solar energy.

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Focus on solar energy

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PLUG AND PLAY FOR REFUGEES

Access to clean and affordable energy

for all is a sustainable development

goal for the United Nations and the

IEC is contributing to the effort with a

number of its International Standards.

While access to electricity remains an

issue for many of the world’s poorest,

refugee camps are finding that cheap

solar energy is a way of overcoming

the odds.

One of the horrendous consequences

of natural disasters is that people can

lose their homes and virtually all their

belongings in one fell swoop. Many

are then forced to live in emergency

shelter situations or join the ranks of

people who have fled war zones or

famine situations to dwell in refugee

camps. According to the Office of the

United Nations High Commissioner for

Refugees (UNHCR), there are

2,6 million refugees in the world who

have lived in camps for over five years.

While the distress of their predicament

cannot be understated, several low-

cost technologies are helping them

find some level of comfort and solace.

Here comes the sun

Solar energy is the thread linking them

together. Solar Pico Systems (SPS) are

cheaper than traditional photovoltaic

systems because they use much

smaller compact and lightweight solar

panels to generate a small amount

of electricity to power low energy-

requirement objects such as lamps or

mobile phones. SPS are plug and play

and generally cost under USD 200.

The development of SPS goes hand

in hand with the increasing use of

light emitting diode (LED) technology:

LEDs can provide bright electric light

with very little electric power and are

much more efficient than conventional

incandescent lamps. Rechargeable

batteries are also part of the mix.

Plug and play for refugeesLow-cost technologies are helping refugee camps get some basic comforts

By Catherine Bischofberger

IKEA has teamed up with UNHCR to provide a shelter equipped with a solar panel roof (Photo: Better Shelter)

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PLUG AND PLAY FOR REFUGEES

Lithium-ion batteries may still be a

little expensive, but they have a high-

energy density allowing for additional

charge/discharge cycles. They are

also small and provide comparatively

great energy efficiency.

There are two types of SPS available:

Pico solar lanterns which provide

light but can also provide energy to

charge a mobile phone or operate

a radio and Pico PV Home Systems

which can provide energy for several

lights, mobile phones and radios.

The advantage of Home Systems is

that they are scalable and can meet

growing electrical demands.

Ikea flat-pack

SPS technology is already improving

the lives of refugees as it replaces

dangerous, expensive and toxic

kerosene lights in camps around the

world. Examples abound, starting

with the work accomplished by the

Global Bright Light Foundation, a

non-profit outfit which aims to bring

safe, healthy and cost-effective

solar power to people living without

access to electricity. The foundation

helped refugees in the Kiziba camp

adjacent to Lake Kivu in Rwanda get

access to light by supplying them with

solar lanterns. As a result, women

and children in the camp felt safer,

especially when they had to use the

camp latrines at night time.

Similarly, IKEA has teamed up with

the UNHCR through its not-for-profit

foundation to provide a flat-pack self-

assembly refugee shelter equipped

with a solar panel roof. The pack fits

into two boxes and can be assembled

by four people in four hours following

the Swedish company’s familiar

picture-based instructions. The solar

roof provides four hours of electric

light or mobile phone charging via a

USB port. The shelter, which is made

of insulated polypropylene panels,

costs USD 1 250. While this is more

expensive than a tent, it provides

a secure, weather resistant shelter

which will last at least three years.

Médecins Sans Frontières employed

the shelters as clinics following the

deadly 2015 earthquake in Nepal.

Many are used in Irak and in Djibouti

for refugees fleeing Yemen.

Big (solar!) farm

Plans are afoot for using solar

energy on a wider scale. The

UNHCR, together with the Jordanian

government, has opted to develop

a power grid and solar power plant

for the Asraq refugee camp which is

situated in the Jordanian desert. The

camp is home to

50 000 Syrian refugees and while

solar lanterns are used, most of

the power is generated by diesel

generators.

IKEA has teamed up with UNHCR to provide a shelter equipped with a solar panel roof (Photo: Better Shelter)

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PLUG AND PLAY FOR REFUGEES

The decision was taken partly

because it fitted in with the Jordanian

Government’s target of increasing

the contribution made by renewable

energy to its electrical needs. But

according to the UNHCR, it will

also reduce the cost of electricity

in the camp as well as making it

more widely available and cleaner

for the environment. The plant will

fully meet the electricity needs of the

camp and any surplus will be sold to

neighbouring communities.

Asraq is the first refugee camp to

be powered by a solar plant but the

UNHCR views it as an example for

other camps to follow.

Crucial and renewable

The IEC has published a wide number

of International Standards in the

field of renewable energies and has

focused its considerable expertise on

solar energy. Some of this work comes

under the remit of IEC Technical

Committee (TC) 82: Solar photovoltaic

energy systems which includes SPS.

Larger installations are within the

scope of IEC TC 117: Solar thermal

electric plants. The TC prepares

International Standards for systems of

solar thermal electric (STE) plants for

the conversion of solar thermal energy

into electrical energy and for all the

elements (including all sub-systems

and components) in the entire STE

energy system. Another Committee

involved in the lighting field is

IEC TC 34: Lamps and related

equipment for general, professional

and emergency lighting. On the

battery front, IEC TC 21: Secondary

cells and batteries works on

Standards related to renewable

energy, for instance the

IEC 61427 series.

Quality control is also ensured thanks

to the essential work carried out by

the IEC in the area of conformity

assessment. Global testing and

certification systems offered by the

IEC System of Conformity Assessment

Schemes for Electrotechnical

Equipment and Components (IECEE)

guarantee that equipment like SPS

and solar plants meets the required

quality, performance and efficiency

benchmarks, as defined by

IEC International Standards. IECQ,

the IEC Quality Assessment System

for Electronic Components, has put

in place the IECQ Scheme for LED

Lighting that can be applied to certify

manufacturers and suppliers of

electronic components, modules and

assemblies used in the production

of LED packages, engines, lamps,

luminaires and associated LED

ballasts/drivers.

Safe lighting is one way to improve housing for refugees (Photo: Christopher Herwig)

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IEC calls on disruptive technology for universal access

IEC CALLS ON DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR UNIVERSAL ACCESS

LVDC Conference on Sustainable Electricity Access, 22-23 May 2017, Nairobi, Kenya

By Janice Blondeau

Energy, and especially electricity,

is the golden thread that impacts

the majority of the 17 United

Nations Sustainable Development

Goals (SDGs), and furthermore,

the development of every nation

and economy. The UN recognizes

electricity access as a key pillar for

economic development because it

helps to reduce poverty and hunger,

improves educational opportunities

and enables higher quality healthcare.

Electricity access – an agent of

economic growth

However worldwide 1,3 billion people don’t have any access to electricity

and 2,7 billion people have very limited access. In Africa, more than 600 million people, that is two out of three Africans, lack access to electricity.

The work of the IEC has a direct impact on 12 of the 17 SDGs – it provides the technical foundation for the whole energy chain and all equipment that is driven by electricity. Against this backdrop, the IEC is joining forces with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to host the inaugural LVDC Conference on Sustainable Electricity Access. Standardization work for LVDC is perhaps one of the biggest societal impact initiatives undertaken by the IEC to date. It requires a concerted effort by all stakeholders.

Low voltage direct current (LVDC), a disruptive technology that fundamentally changes and

accelerates energy access, has the potential to transform lives, livelihoods and leisure by helping millions of people gain access to electricity. The IEC is driving the development of LVDC, making this technology safe and broadly accessible.

Thought leadership platform

The LVDC Conference on Sustainable

Electricity Access took place in Nairobi,

Kenya, on 22 and 23 May 2017. Holding

this conference in Africa will provide a

real understanding of electricity access

needs to IEC experts and stakeholders.

The IEC invites participation from all

those concerned with the Sustainable

Developments Goals, especially Goal

7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable,

sustainable and modern energy for all. The conference will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders

Vimal Mahendru, Chair of the IEC SyC LVDC and LVDC for Electricity Access, and IEC Ambassador

LVDC Conference on Sustainable Electricity Access, 22-23 May 2017, Nairobi, Kenya

LVDC ConferenceSustainable Electricity Access

- Letterhead size of “logo” with text

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IEC CALLS ON DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR UNIVERSAL ACCESS

including policy makers, power utilities, equipment manufacturers, NGOs, technology gurus, industry experts, systems engineers, funding agencies and insurers. It will be a thought leadership platform to effectively engage with policymakers and regulators. The LVDC Conference on Sustainable Electricity Access will also help gain the technological and economic information needed to evolve LVDC standards and drive the technology’s commercialization.

The recent evolution of LVDC

Over the last 20 years, several mega-trends have created a groundswell of demand for LVDC. The need to mitigate the effects of climate change has seen a renewed focus on Energy Efficiency and sustainability, taking power generation increasingly towards renewable sources and away from fossil fuels. In addition, the cost of energy generation from solar photovoltaics (PV) has become more accessible, while LED lighting has made the conventional incandescent lamp a thing of the past. These trends challenge the traditional model of electricity distribution via alternating current (AC). Also, many of the technical issues that blocked the development of DC are no longer an obstacle. A diverse group of global experts in the IEC is currently preparing the technical foundation needed for the broad roll-out of LVDC.

Without realizing it, today we live in a “direct current” world, with most of our electronic devices already being able to use current that is produced by renewable sources directly, without conversion. Everything – from electric vehicles, Renewable Energy technology, kitchen appliances, lighting, transport, smart phones and tablets; to systems with data and embedded electronics, such as the Internet of Things, smart homes and Smart Cities – runs on DC.

Get engaged!

Vimal Mahendru, Chair of the IEC Systems Committee on LVDC (SyC LVDC), and IEC Ambassador said, “For areas where grid connection is too expensive, LVDC is the only economic way to provide electricity access to everyone: it is clean, safe and affordable.

“This conference is your opportunity to input your local needs and requirements, to hear about economic opportunities linked to LVDC, and to contribute to the development of key performance and risk assessment

indicators to allow regulators and systems administrators to benchmark LVDC solutions.”

As well as attending the LVDC Conference on Sustainable Electricity Access, you are invited to track low voltage direct current developments and engage on the topic of LVDC and its standardization. Join the LVDC discussion on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8587064.

For further reading, please see the article DC takes the driving seat in e-tech of June 2015, and also visit the SEG 4 and SyC LVDC web pages.

Sioma solar microgrid project in Zambia (Photo: Empowered By Light)

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In hundreds of smart city projects

around the world, governments,

municipalities and private

stakeholders are investing in smart

grids, open data platforms and

networked transport systems to meet

the challenges of environmental

sustainability, population growth and

urbanization.

Smart cities drivers

The continuing influx of people to cities, especially in Asia, Africa and Latin America, is predicted to add 2,5 billion people to the world’s urban population by 2050.

The primary drivers of smart cities are operational efficiency, cost reduction and environmental sustainability. Smart technologies have been most evident in sectors like energy, lighting, transport and water management.

Separate market studies in 2016 by consultancy firms Technavio and Frost & Sullivan estimate that the overall value of the global smart cities market will grow to between USD 1 400 - 1 500 billion in 2020. Asia-Pacific and Europe are expected to dominate the market because of government initiatives to accelerate smart city development.

IEC standards promote integration

Electricity and electronics are indispensable for the operation of the myriad interconnected services in smart cities and buildings.

Many IEC Technical Committees (TCs) and Subcommittees (SCs) coordinate on the development of International Standards for the broad range of electrotechnical systems, equipment and applications used to build and maintain smart cities and smart buildings, with an emphasis on safety and interoperability.

The IEC White Paper Orchestrating infrastructure for sustainable Smart Cities stresses that cities can only

achieve economic, social and environmental sustainability by integrating their infrastructures and services to improve urban efficiencies.There are hundreds of IEC International Standards that enable the integration of smart solutions for energy, buildings and homes, lighting and mobility.

Optimizing energy consumption

One of the key drivers for integrating systems and making buildings more intelligent is the energy savings that can be achieved.

A report published in October 2016 by the International Renewable Energy

Smart cities to boost energy efficiencyA wide range of technologies will help cities optimize energy use

By Peter Feuilherade

SMART CITIES TO BOOST ENERGY EFFICIENCY

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Agency (IRENA) noted that cities account for 65% of global energy use and 70% of man-made carbon emissions. This makes optimizing energy consumption a fundamental objective of a smart city.

IRENA’s director-general Adnan Z. Amin believes that renewable sources can meet most of the energy needs of commercial and residential buildings in cities “either in a centralized way (i.e. delivering renewables sourced elsewhere to buildings via energy distribution networks) or in a decentralized way (i.e. through solar thermal collectors and solar PV panels located at the site where energy is needed)”.

Energy research analysts at Technavio have identified the top three trends driving the global energy-efficient building market as increased government support and investments, rising energy prices and reductions in emission levels of greenhouse gases.

The IEC Systems Committee on Smart Energy (SyC Smart Energy), aims to create one international platform for a comprehensive portfolio of efficient and easy-to-use standards that can be used by any project working on smart energy. The work of SyC Smart Energy includes wide consultation within the IEC community and a broader group of external stakeholders, in the areas of smart energy and smart grid, also including heat and gas.IEC TC 8: Systems aspects for electrical energy supply, prepares and coordinates, in cooperation with other IEC TCs, the development of International Standards in these areas. IEC SC 8A prepares International Standards for the grid integration of large-capacity renewable energy sources.

IEC TC 57: Power systems management and associated information exchange, deals with communications between the

equipment and systems in the electrical power industry, a central element of smart buildings, cities and grid projects.

International Standards developed by IEC TC 82: Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems and IEC TC 88: Wind turbines, (IEC 61400 series) are also central to smart energy.

In smart cities, both residential and commercial buildings are more efficient and use less energy. The consumption of energy is analyzed, data are collected and power production is optimized through different sources and distributed energy production.

Proper energy management requires accurate metering. Multi-function, communicating smart meters that measure energy exported and imported, demand and power quality, and management of load, local generation, customer information and other value-added functions, are essential when creating smart grids to

coordinate supply and demand. IEC TC 13: Electrical energy measurement and control, develops International Standards for such meters, in liaison with other IEC TCs such as TC 8 and TC 57.

Another key component is the use of smart energy sensors with multiple functions to collect and share data for predictive analytics. These data can be used to detect and predict energy needs and provide valuable insights during times of peak demand.

IEC SC 47E: Discrete semiconductor devices, prepares International Standards for components used in a variety of sensors.

Microgrids

A new generation of low-carbon microgrids is changing the ways in which densely populated cities design and operate utility systems using the concept of locally generated and consumed energy. Microgrids

Solar panels on modern apartment building in Zurich, Switzerland

SMART CITIES TO BOOST ENERGY EFFICIENCY

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allow predictive maintenance and are particularly promising for ensuring resilience in the energy demands of cities.

“Coupled with rapid declines in the cost of emissions-free renewable energy technology such as wind and solar photovoltaic, recent drops in the cost of advanced stationary battery storage technology have altered the technological make-up of microgrids dramatically,” in the view of the Microgrid Media website.Another significant factor behind the growth in renewable energy microgrids is the global drive to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. Transparency Market Research forecasts that by 2020 the microgrid market worldwide will be worth more than USD 35 billion.

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of interconnected objects or devices embedded with sensors and mobile devices which are able to generate data and communicate and share that data with one another. The spread of IoT-related technologies including low-cost sensors and high-speed networking will accelerate the adoption rate of smart city solutions over the next few years. IT research and analysis firm Gartner estimates that almost 10 billion connected devices will be in use in smart cities around the globe by 2020.

A major feature of a smart city is the analysis and use of data collected by IoT devices and sensors to improve infrastructure, public utilities and services, as well as for predictive analytics. In Malaga and Madrid, for example, environmental sensors fitted to bicycles and post carts monitor air pollution, uploading data to a publicly-accessible web portal. And London is just one of many cities trying to alleviate urban traffic congestion by

enabling drivers to quickly locate parking spaces and pay for them via smartphone apps, without having to carry cash.

Intelligent lighting, too, can serve as enabling technology for a range of IoT uses beyond illumination, as manufacturers embed video cameras, acoustic sensors and data communications capabilities into LED fixtures and bulbs.

The IEC White Paper entitled Internet of Things: Wireless Sensor Networks surveys the role of wireless sensor networks in the evolution of the IoT. It also highlights the need for standards to achieve interoperability among wireless sensor networks from different vendors and across varied applications, in order to unleash the full potential of the IoT.

As the IoT expands, so does the need for robust cybersecurity protection against malicious attacks on IoT-connected devices, applications and networks. This was demonstrated in October 2016 when hackers used software connected to tens of millions of commonly-used devices like webcams to launch a Distributed Denial of Service attack (DDoS) in the US which blocked some of the world’s most popular websites for several hours. The IEC is developing Standards and working on conformity assessment related to cybersecurity.

Self-learning buildings

A European consortium is developing ways to enable self-learning buildings to use wireless sensor technology and data mining methods to increase their energy efficiency over time by anticipating and meeting their occupants’ needs.“In practice this will involve collecting various data, such as temperature, humidity, luminance, and occupancy via wireless sensors. The software

then learns to optimize heating and ventilation so that user comfort is satisfied but energy consumption is minimized,” according to the University of Salford in the UK, which is taking part in the three-year Europe-wide project.

As self-learning buildings become more widespread, technologically advanced buildings will be able to communicate electronically with each other to ensure that energy consumption is balanced.

The next generation

The next generation of smart cities will benefit from innovative ways to integrate renewable energy and energy-efficient and intelligent building technologies.

Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed transparent solar panels that can be mounted on the windows of buildings in order to capture more sunlight than traditional roof-mounted panels.

Another innovation is a small, ultra-light wind turbine built into a building or other urban structure. These are already in use or undergoing trials around the world, from the Eiffel Tower to Bahrain’s World Trade Centre and the Pearl River Tower in Guangzhou, China.

The falling costs of sensors, controllers and gateways will see the IoT gain further traction in the smart buildings market, especially among owners of small and medium-sized buildings.

In these and many associated areas, the work of the IEC on standardization and conformity assessment as a fundamental principle in the development of future smart city technology is set to play a central role.

SMART CITIES TO BOOST ENERGY EFFICIENCY

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There are a number of technologies

supporting the development and

further implementation of photovoltaic

(PV) devices. International Standards

developed by several IEC Technical

Committees (TCs) and Subcommittees

(SCs) in the barrier layer assemblies

and printed electronics domains

underpin this implementation.

Barrier layer assemblies

Traditional silicon-based photovoltaics needs some physical protection from the weather when mounted on the outside of a building. This is most commonly achieved by assembling the active layers between two sheets of rigid material, usually glass or plastic. These act as a physical barrier, preventing damage to the electrically-active assemblies. However, some of the newer PV technologies have additional needs to keep them stable; a chemical barrier shielding them from the external environment.

The reason being that some of the materials used in thin-film electronics are very sensitive to environmental exposure. The principal chemical entities causing the damage are ubiquitous – water and oxygen. Sheets of rigid glass provide a very effective

chemical barrier to water and oxygen. But if market demands cause a move away from rigid assemblies, a barrier layer is required. The purpose of these barrier layers is to prevent the passage of these small molecules from the surroundings into the electronics assemblies.

Using the new thin-film technologies, photovoltaics can now be produced on flexible substrates. This allows new design freedoms and it is anticipated that this will become an increasingly important market sector. However, as

these assemblies now have to move away from the protection afforded by rigid sheets of glass, additional chemical barrier shielding must be provided. This can be provided by a multilayer barrier film glued or deposited onto the product to be protected.

Multiple products needed for multilayer barrier

Multilayer barrier requires several types of products that also dictate

Supporting technologies for photovoltaicsBarrier layer assemblies and printed electronics bound to play major role, especially in flexible PV

By Dr Alan Hodgson, Chair IEC TC 119: Printed Electronics, Member IEC SMB SG 10: Wearable Smart Devices

Final installation and layout of Uni-Solar Ovonic’s thin film flexible solar PV panels (Photo: Ken Fields)

SUPPORTING TECHNOLOGIES FOR PHOTOVOLTAICS

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the standardization regime. There are prefabricated barrier films that are sold with a self-adhesive layer to protect sensitive products. There are also barrier adhesives that allow assemblies to be constructed without providing a conduit for water and oxygen into the device.

There are two major electrotechnical product groups that have a need for barrier layers and it is useful to compare and contrast them from this perspective. The first is Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) for both display and lighting, the second is photovoltaics. OLED materials used for display in items such as smartphones and televisions and in emerging lighting modules exhibit a high sensitivity to atmospheric oxygen and water. However, they are in general used in a comparatively benign environment and in general are expected to have product lifetimes measured in small numbers of years.

Photovoltaics is a rather different proposition in terms of barrier performance expectations. The emerging thin-film technologies are rather less sensitive to water and oxygen than the materials used in OLED devices. However, these products need to survive in an outdoor environment for a service life of at least 20 years. As a result the overall performance requirements for barrier layer assemblies may actually be more similar than at first sight.

As a consequence the testing of barrier layer performance is a critical part of the assessment of the potential lifetime of OLED display and lighting and photovoltaics. And this illustrates the need for standardization in this area.

Standardization of barrier layer performance

Barrier layers are not used exclusively for electrotechnology. Indeed the main use of barrier layers is in plastic

films incorporated into packaging to exclude moisture and oxygen from food products. Consequently the International Standards for the testing of these products have evolved not within the IEC but within ISO TC 61: Plastics. ISO TC 61/SC 11: Products, has two working groups (WGs) covering barrier layer technology. The first, WG 3: Plastics films and sheeting, is defining test methods for barrier layer assemblies. The second, WG 5: Polymeric adhesives, is starting a similar task for barrier layer adhesives.

However, the interest in this work is not confined to ISO. For example, the Organic Electronics Association (OE-A) is an active supporter of International Standards for flexible electronics and has established a WG entitled Encapsulation. Their goal is to further facilitate the International Standards development process by conducting round robin testing of adhesive and barrier layer materials. They have also organized workshops in this area.

There is also understandable interest in this work through the IEC TC structure. For example IEC TC 110: Electronic display devices, and IEC TC 82: Solar photovoltaic energy systems, have interest as barrier layer technology is important in these applications. In addition, WG 6 of IEC TC 47: Semiconductor devices, has commenced work on a test method for barrier layer performance for flexible and stretchable semiconductor devices.

Barrier layer performance is also of importance in the field of printed electronics. As a result IEC TC 119: Printed Electronics, has resolved to start a liaison relationship with ISO TC 61/SC 11 to contribute to the work on barrier layer performance.

Printed Electronics

As photovoltaics moves into the area of flexible substrates, the use of printing techniques to manufacture electronics assemblies becomes an attractive prospect. This is because these techniques allow industry to fabricate devices and structures over a wide area. And printing processes are also amenable to roll-to-roll processing, as described in e-tech August 2016.

TC 119 is working on Standards for the terminology, materials, processes and equipment that will facilitate the industrialization of printed electronics. Printing could be a significant benefit to photovoltaics as it moves into new thin-film technology. For example, printing technology has the potential of significantly reducing the cost of CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) photovoltaics over the alternative sputtering process. It can increase materials utilisation whilst facilitating high speed roll-to-roll deposition. As an example companies are aiming to develop a production-scale CIGS ink to accelerate the adoption of this technology.

Printing will also allow photovoltaics to be incorporated into other electronics systems into the future. The use of photovoltaics for energy harvesting at low light levels is currently attracting

Ultra-thin Sanyo solar cell (Photo: Sanyo)

SUPPORTING TECHNOLOGIES FOR PHOTOVOLTAICS

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significant attention. The ability to replace the thick and rigid coin cell batteries with a combination of printed photovoltaics and energy storage could facilitate a number of applications.

Wearable devices, as described in e-tech January 2016 is one area where this could become important and where standardization is needed.

IEC SMB Strategy Group (SG) 10: Wearable Smart Devices, has resulted

in an SMB decision to create a new TC in this area, and working with other Technical Committees, IEC TC 119 will be contributing to this. As an example of this contribution IEC TC 119 has published IEC TR 62899-250:2016, a technical report on the material technologies required in printed electronics for wearable smart devices. Further work is now being initiated on standards documents covering materials for flexible wearable smart devices, such as stretchable substrates and inks.

PV technology potential move into wearables

As PV technology moves into flexible form factors, new technologies such as barrier layers and printed electronics become a priority. International Standards are developed to support this from a number of directions. There is the potential for these new photovoltaics to move into wearable electronics too and structures within the IEC are growing to accommodate this.

OLED applications extend from flexible displays for mobile devices to flexible PV modules (Photo: LG)

SUPPORTING TECHNOLOGIES FOR PHOTOVOLTAICS

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Rapid development of new materials

and production techniques in solar

photovoltaics (PV) is pushing both

the limits of technology and relevant

industry standards. With a swathe

of new PV cell types emerging, the

solar sector is set for a revolution.

International Standards developed by

IEC Technical Committee (TC) 82 and

the IECEE certification scheme for PV

help support this expansion.

Multitrack approach to better PV performance at lower cost…

New materials, new processes and new ideas continue to break records for solar photovoltaic technology cost and performance. In many places across the world, solar is already cost-competitive and the advances continue apace. In November, for instance, Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy System (ISE) working with Austrian company EV Group announced that it had achieved a record 30,2% conversion efficiency with a multi-layered solar cell.

Perhaps though, the biggest breakthroughs are yet to come. A host of novel materials are set to emerge in the coming years that are widely

anticipated to transform solar into the lowest-cost energy option on a dollar per kWh basis.

Principal ways in which researchers are addressing PV costs are the use of cheaper materials and achieving higher conversion efficiencies.

…through different chemistries, the art of stacking…

Currently the solar market is dominated by crystalline silicon technology. A relatively expensive material, alternatives have already

been successfully launched. Lower-cost, though typically lower-efficiency, thin-film technologies such as cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) are commercially mature. For example, in October, one of Jordan’s largest solar installations, the 52,5 MW Shams Ma’an plant featuring CdTe modules from First Solar Inc., was commissioned.

However, as the theoretical limits of conversion efficiency come closer for crystalline silicon and other cell chemistries, the next generation of PV technologies are looking at

Stacking solar, setting standardsSolar photovoltaic installations on the cusp of significant performance boost

By David Appleyard

Fraunhofer ISE and EVG recently announced a record 30,2% conversion efficiency with a multi-layered solar cell (Photo: Fraunhofer ISE)

STACKING SOLAR, SETTING STANDARDS

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stacking cells in order to more effectively absorb a wider range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Fraunhofer’s 30%+ efficiency cell is just such an arrangement, effectively a hybrid between a conventional crystalline silicon cell with three-semi-transparent thin-film solar layers above, including commercially emerging materials gallium-indium-phosphide (GaInP), gallium-arsenide (GaAs) cells.

…and better tuning

By ‘tuning’ each of the cells to a specific range of receptive wavelengths, the overall range of the stacked cell is significantly improved, allowing more of the spectrum to be utilized.

Indeed, there are a host of novel photovoltaic materials and technologies under development. Some of the more promising that are suitable for this kind of stacking approach include perovskites, quantum dot and organic PV.

But, to achieve commercial success, prospective new semiconductor materials require both attractive conversion efficiencies and low-cost primary materials. Such materials must also be reproducible at an industrial scale while maintaining performance and multi-decade longevity. Large-scale low-cost manufacturing

Certainly, many of the new materials being explored today offer opportunities through the use of lower-cost primary materials, but there are also advances anticipated in large-scale, and therefore low-cost, manufacturing. Tom Aernouts, R&D team leader at the Belgian research and innovation hub imec, explains: “Mostly those technologies are thin-film technologies, so less materials and also mostly quite low-cost materials and also advantages

in processing. Most are looking to solution processing with the idea of going to roll-to-roll processing in the future, but this will probably take some time before it really will be a commercial product.

“Nevertheless, solution processing potentially can make the processing low-cost with high throughputs at low temperatures. These are some of the claims that these technologies make and some of them have even shown that it is possible, and therefore can be at a competitive level – if the efficiency and stability become also competitive with silicon PV, which is still dominating the market.”

Tyler Ogden, Research Analyst at US-based market intelligence firm Lux Research Inc. highlights one emerging prospect: “One of the hottest topics – in terms of emerging technologies in the solar world – is perovskites in regards to their skyrocketing efficiency gains. They are currently at a record efficiency above 20%, which has caught up pretty rapidly to where the record efficiency for more mature thin-film technology such as CdTe currently are.”

“One of the major concerns is wanting to try to maintain a high efficiency in the production of modules, going from cell to module. But also insuring that these cells and modules are produced for commercial installation, meet reliability and durability standards set by crystalline silicon.”

Scaling up is the challenge

This is a point echoed by Aernouts, who says: “For such a young technology, which has only been out there for a few years, the challenge will be to see if it can be up-scaled, if you can make modules out of that.”

He adds: “We think technologically it’s possible, especially with the fact that [perovskite] cells have already shown

that efficiency can go up to 22% and potentially even higher. The potential is definitely there, the scalability is thought to be also possible.”

Most start-ups using perovskite technology are in the process of demonstrating that the technology has the potential to meet the same standards as the industry incumbents.

UK-based Oxford Photovoltaics, for example, is currently one of the more advanced players in the perovskite sector as, following an GBP 8,7 million (USD 10,4 million) funding round, it is now establishing a demonstration production line in Germany in order to showcase their technology in tandem with standard crystalline silicon technology.

This is a trend picked up by Ogden: “A lot of the research is based around pairing perovskite technology with existing silicon or even thin-films. After demonstrating core efficiency of perovskites alone, it has turned to looking at how we can integrate perovskites with industry incumbent technology.

“They’re aiming to pair up the technology and lead to a module achieving greater than 22% upwards to 25% or even higher and breaking the [theoretical] limit for silicon.”

Though positive about the promise of perovskites, Aernouts does sound a note of caution: “Lifetime is the next key issue. The stability is still to be improved. There are signs of improvement, but the initial stability was pretty poor on perovskite devices because of high sensitivity to the humidity, which really can deteriorate the quality of the active layer.”

EC Standards and Certification are central to solar development

Inevitably, where key considerations concern the performance and

STACKING SOLAR, SETTING STANDARDS

19

longevity of an electrical product, industry standards are a key requirement. IEC already has a number of appropriate instruments in place. A Technical Specification (TS) setting out general guidelines and recommendations for the design and installation of ground-mounted photovoltaic plants is under development by IEC TC 82: Solar photovoltaic energy systems.

For example, IEC 61215:2016 lays down requirements for the design qualification and type approval of terrestrial photovoltaic modules suitable for long-term operation and apply to all crystalline silicon terrestrial flat plate modules.

Ogden emphasizes the importance of standards evolution: “These start-ups, they are holding their technology to the same standards as thin-films are

held to under the IECEE certification scheme for PV – in terms of things like damp heat testing, UV exposure, temperature cycling. They’re aiming to meet the same type of standards that thin-film technologies like CIGS and CdTe have met in the past and led them to reach maturation.”

IECEE is the IEC System for Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components, it covers 23 categories of electrical and electronic equipment and testing services.

Ogden adds: “There is interest among developers of perovskites, for instance, or really any new or novel material, to develop new standards that better align with these emerging materials that don’t quite correspond with what we see currently in the industry.”

This is a point also noted by Aernouts: “If you look into the stacking aspect, I think that silicon and silicon standards are dominating. If you want to give a warranty on a stacked product, the perovskite part probably has to be able to withstand the same standards and testing also.”

However, he also emphasizes the challenge in developing new standards for emerging photovoltaic technologies: “Understanding the exact type of measurements that you need on the perovskite and on thin-film PV in general, the best way of measuring these devices and how much lifetime you can guarantee from this kind of accelerated lifetime testing, is not fully clear. That’s a crucial point to investigate and come to reasonably good standards, which might deviate quite a lot from conventional ones used for silicon PV.”

Perovskite technology is in the process of demonstrating that it has the potential to meet the same standards as crystalline silicon technology (Photo: EMPA)

STACKING SOLAR, SETTING STANDARDS

20

Ensuring renewable energy systems are safeIEC promotes the development of renewable sources for electricity production through standardization and certification

By Antoinette Price

Renewable Energy (RE) plays an

increasingly important role in

providing global populations with

clean, affordable, sustainable energy.

RE production and use continues to

increase thanks to the falling cost of

equipment and installation.

Testing already underway

Like any products and services, equipment used to produce renewable energy, such as solar panels, wind turbines or wave energy convertors, must be safely installed and maintained, as well as function reliably.

A number of IEC Technical Committees (TCs) produce International Standards for the technical performance and safety of renewable energy systems (see below). IECRE (IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Renewable Energy Applications) provides a framework within which to test and certify that RE equipment and systems fulfil the requirements of these Standards.

Established in June 2014, the IECRE now has 15 Members. Its marine, solar PV and wind energy sectors have

been working to put rules, processes and structures in place. Testing is underway and the first certificate for wind power is likely to be issued this year.

Awarding excellence

During the IEC GM in October 2015, Jonathan Colby, Chair of the Marine Energy Operational Management Committee (ME-OMC) and Convenor of the Renewable Energy Management Committee (REMC) WG001: Task Force and rules of procedure, now

disbanded, received the *1906 Award in recognition of his commitment to RE. As well as establishing marine energy International Standards, he was given the Award for his meticulous and enthusiastic leadership in key positions and dedication to IECRE work.

Colby is also Technical Advisor of the US Technical Advisory Group to IEC Technical Committee (TC) 114: Marine energy – Wave, tidal and other water current converters, where his involvement in the IEC began in 2008. He is currently Director of Technology

Solar panels convert sun rays into electricity (Photo: Siemens)

XXXXXENSURING RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS ARE SAFE

21

Performance for Verdant Power, a tidal energy technology developer based in New York City.

A global player in RE standardization

IEC works with a number of global organizations who develop standards for RE. Towards the end of 2015, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) launched an online platform called INSPIRE, which offers users access to 400 RE standards and more than two million patents.

Users can find information about IEC Technical Committees involved in RE standardization, including: IEC TC 1: Terminology, IEC TC 4: Hydraulic turbines, IEC TC 57: Power systems management and associated information exchange, IEC TC 82: Solar photovoltaic energy systems, IEC TC 88: Wind energy generation systems, IEC TC 114: Marine energy – Wave, tidal and other water current converters and IEC TC 117: Solar Thermal Electric Plants, as well as the International Standards developed by these TCs. A number of other IEC publications, for example, White Papers are also available on the site. In addition to standards and patents, INSPIRE offers a wealth of information

about standards, how they can be used, why they are important for quality assurance, investor confidence and technology training.

Participating in international events

Representatives from IECRE have begun participating in international events. During IRENA Innovation Week in May, Frank Ormel, Chair of WE-OMC (wind) presented at the session entitled Energy systems modelling and planning, where he talked about the IECRE system and highlighted some of its benefits.

“IECRE aims to offer a harmonized approach around the world, which ensures uniform implementation and mutual recognition between certification bodies and test labs.”

The System comprises national member bodies, experts from industry who make up the working groups as well as stakeholders, including certification bodies, test laboratories, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end users, which broaden the scope of participating parties.

Ormel emphasized the fact that IEC recognized Certification Bodies

and Test Laboratories themselves fulfil high-level requirements so as to be able to carry out the quality assessments. This is in line with the goal for IEC certified equipment and services to be widely accepted, for example, by local and national authorities.

Also speaking at the event, Vimal Mahendru, IEC Ambassador and Convenor of the IEC Systems Evaluation Group for low voltage direct current (LVDC) applications, distribution and safety for use in developed and developing economies (SEG 4), participated in the session entitled The future grid: electric highways.

LVDC also supports much technology used today, from electric vehicles, RE technology, kitchen appliances, lighting, transport, to smartphones and tablets. Systems with data and embedded electronics, such as the IoT, smart homes and smart cities run on it.

IEC SEG 4 is tasked with evaluating the status of standardization in the field of LVDC applications and products, as well as identifying new areas for standardization work.

More information: www.iecre.org.

Solar panels in the midst of a big city

ENSURING RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS ARE SAFE

22

During the United Nations Climate

Convention – 2015 Paris COP 21,

it was recognized that renewable

energy (RE) is a key part of the

answer to achieving sustainable

development and reducing the impact

of climate change. Global electricity

networks must adapt and include RE

technologies.

IRENA innovation week

For the sixth consecutive year, renewable energy (RE) generation capacity increased by 8,3% during 2015, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). In this context, IRENA held its first Innovation Week in May, with the theme The Age of Renewable Power. Key industrial and political players discussed how technological, operational and systemic innovations in policy, regulation and business, interact and reinforce each other. IEC representatives presented and discussed the role of standardization and quality assurance in RE technology, as well as how it can help more people get access to electricity.

A framework for providing renewable energy safely

Like any products and services, equipment used to produce renewable energy, such as solar panels, wind turbines or wave energy convertors, must be safely installed and maintained, as well as function reliably.

The IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Renewable Energy Applications (IECRE) was set up in 2014 to provide a global framework for independent assessment of equipment and services related to RE applications. The System uses IEC International

The rise of renewable energies

Solar panels help power homes, cars and even the International Space Station

The falling cost of equipment and installation together with increased investment are driving the growth of renewable energies

By Antoinette Price

THE RISE OF RENEWABLE ENERGIES

23

Standards developed by various Technical Committees (TCs) including IEC TC 82: Solar photovoltaic energy systems, IEC TC 88: Wind energy generation systems and IEC TC 114: Marine energy – Wave, tidal and other water current converters. One of its goals is to facilitate international trade of the equipment and services.

During the session entitled Energy systems modelling and planning, Frank Ormel, Chair of IECRE-Wind highlighted some of the benefits of the system. “IECRE aims to offer a harmonized application around the world, which ensures uniform implementation and mutual recognition between certification bodies and test labs.”

The System structure comprises national member bodies and experts from industry who make up the working groups and stakeholders. These include certification bodies, test laboratories, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end users.

Ormel highlighted the fact that IEC-recognized Certification Bodies and Test Laboratories themselves fulfil high-level requirements, so as to be able to carry out the quality assessments. This is in line with the goal for IEC-certified equipment and services to be widely accepted, for example, by local and national authorities.

A new way of delivering electricityVimal Mahendru, IEC Ambassador and Convenor of the IEC Systems Evaluation Group for low voltage direct current (LVDC) applications, distribution and safety for use in developed and developing economies (SEG 4), participated in the session entitled The future grid: electric highways.

Putting LVDC in context, Mahendru explained that one in five people does not have access to electricity. “LVDC bridges the distance between the solar photovoltaic (PV) and the home, without conversion losses

and expensive, elaborate and cumbersome grids. LVDC networks are quick to erect, energy efficient and cost effective, enabling speedy electrification of homes and villages.”

LVDC also supports much technology used today, from electric vehicles, RE technology, kitchen appliances, lighting, transport, smartphones, tablets, to systems with data and embedded electronics. The Internet of Things (IoT), smart homes and smart cities run on it.

IEC SEG 4 is tasked with evaluating the status of standardization in the field of LVDC applications and products, as well as identifying new areas for standardization work. It is also assessing LVDC usage in different integration environments in developed and developing economies with the objective to enhance energy efficiency and develop new ways to utilize LVDC power.

THE RISE OF RENEWABLE ENERGIES

24

THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF GLOBAL-SCALE RENEWABLE ENERGY

Over the last five years, the cost

of renewable power generation

technologies has dropped while the

technology has improved. Biomass

for power, hydropower, geothermal

and onshore wind can all now provide

electricity competitively compared

to fossil fuel-fired power generation,

according to the International

Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

During the 2015 Paris COP 21 meeting, a number of important commitments were agreed to in order to tackle climate change by reducing emissions. Increasing renewable energy production is part of the solution and will help provide growing world populations with clean, affordable and sustainable energy. Moreover, a report by Bloomberg, says that by 2040, renewables will account for just under 60% of the world’s new power-generating capacity.

Lowering risks and inspiring confidence in the technology

Investment in renewable energy (RE) is vital to achieving the above-mentioned goals. Investors must be sure that the technology is safe, reliable and durable. Against this backdrop, the

IEC provides International Standards for technical performance and safety for renewable energy systems.The IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Renewable Energy Applications (IECRE) provides a framework within which to test and certify that solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, wind, and marine energy conversion systems fulfil the requirements of these Standards.

Established recently in June 2014, the IECRE sectors have been working to put rules, processes and structures in place. Testing is underway for what will be the first certificate for wind power, which may still happen this year.

Who develops the Standards?The following IEC Technical Committees (TCs) produce International Standards for RE:

IEC TC 4: Hydraulic turbines (water power – rivers)Focusing on turbine runners and pump impellers; hydro turbine acceptance tests; control systems testing; evaluating cavitation pitting and discharge measurement methods as well as hydraulic turbine efficiency;

vibration, stability, upgrading and rehabilitation.

IEC TC 114: Marine energy – Wave and tidal energy converters (water power – oceans)Covers system definition; performance measurement of wave, tidal and water current energy converters; resource assessment requirements; design and survivability; safety requirements; power quality; manufacturing and factory testing; evaluation and mitigation of environmental impact.

IEC TC 82: Solar photovoltaic energy systemsFor all the elements in the entire photovoltaic energy conversion system, including the interface with the electrical system(s) to which energy is supplied. For example, defining terms and symbols; salt mist corrosion testing; design qualification and type approval of crystalline silicon and thin-film modules as well as for methods to evaluate PV module performance in different conditions during the year; new technology storage systems; system commissioning, maintenance and disposal; system and component safety issues, also for grid-connected systems on buildings and utility-connected inverters; and aspects of environmental protection.

The growing importance of global-scale renewable energyIEC provides a framework to test and certify renewable energy technology

By Antoinette Price

25

THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF GLOBAL-SCALE RENEWABLE ENERGY

IEC TC 117: Solar thermal electric plantsFor systems of Solar Thermal Electric (STE) plants and all the elements of the entire STE energy system, define terminology, design and installation requirements; performance measurement techniques and test methods; safety requirements; “power quality” issues for all systems and address issues of connectivity

and interoperability with power grid connections.

IEC TC 88: Wind turbinesCovers safety, measurement techniques and test procedures for wind turbine generator systems, design requirements, performance; acoustic noise measurement techniques; measurement of mechanical loads, and

communications for monitoring and control of wind power plants. Also works on design requirements for offshore wind turbines, for gearboxes and wind farm power performance testing.

More information on IECRE: www.iecre.org

Solar farm

26

We don’t think twice about using

lights at home during the day or

after dark. We have also got used to

charging our smartphones wherever

we are – at the airport, on a train or

in the office – so that we can make

online purchases, read the news, send

messages, do banking or make a call.

When we forget our phones or there

is a blackout for an hour and we can’t

watch television, use the computer

or boil the kettle, we find it very

annoying, but imagine if this were the

norm.

Turning on the lights

The 1,2 billion people who live without access to the power grid spend about USD 27 billion each year on lighting and mobile-phone charging with kerosene, candles, battery torches or other fossil-fuel powered technologies, according to the Off-grid solar market trends report 2016, commissioned by the Worldbank through its Lighting Global programme.

Solar-powered light and home kits are cheaper, cleaner and more efficient and in the last five years, this industry has seen rapid growth. Pico solar products, by definition have a photovoltaic (PV) panel smaller

than 10 W, and the large majority are portable lights. According to the report, by mid-2015, 20 million pico solar devices had been sold, improving energy access for around 89 million people in Africa and Asia.

Pico solar goes mainstream

Pico solar is becoming mainstream for millions of people who cannot wait for the traditional grid infrastructure

to reach them. Additionally, as solar power home systems continue to evolve, the report estimates that by 2020 seven million off-grid households in the developing world will use solar-powered fans and 15 million solar-powered televisions.

Ensuring quality products

In the pico solar industry, the market share of cheap generic or unbranded

The off-grid solar revolutionOff-grid solar powered products are booming and giving millions of people access to electricity

By Antoinette Price

THE OFF-GRID SOLAR REVOLUTION

Pico solar home system is an autonomous, mobile energy system for rural electrification (Photo: www.lcenergy.com.au)

27

products is at least as big as that of the quality-brand market. For this reason it is imperative to make sure that these vital products are up to standard.

The IEC System of Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components (IECEE) offers global testing and certification systems based on International Standards, to ensure safety, quality, efficiency and overall performance of components, devices and equipment for homes, offices and health facilities, including for pico solar products.

IEC Technical Committee (TC) 82: Solar photovoltaic energy systems, produced a Technical Specification, IEC TS 62257-9-5:2013, which covers recommendations for small renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural electrification including the selection of stand-alone lighting kits.

Lighting Global aims to provide an opportunity to reduce the presence of low quality products in these markets through the Lighting Global Quality Assurance (QA) framework, which is based on IEC TS 62257-9-5.

Find out more about how International Standards are being used globally to certify products in the e-tech article Electricity access for everyone, everywhere.

More information: www.iecee.org

THE OFF-GRID SOLAR REVOLUTION

Pico solar technology for charging a mobile phone (Photo: www.renewableenergyworld.com)

Solar panel water heater in South Africa

28

The IEC, which has been at

the forefront of international

standardization in the wind, solar and

marine energy fields for many years,

has now gone a step further and

launched IECRE, the IEC System for

Certification to Standards Relating

to Equipment for Use in Renewable

Energy Applications.

Inaugural meetings

The IECRE Management Committee held its inaugural meeting on 16-17 September 2014 in Boulder, Colorado, USA. Three parallel meetings of the Marine, Solar PV, and Wind Energy Sectors were also organized in conjunction with the REMC meeting.

Fast-paced developments

Approved by IEC CAB (Conformity Assessment Board) at its June 2013 meeting, the System provides testing, inspection and certification for renewable energy sectors such as wind energy, marine energy and solar PV (photovoltaic) energy. The CAB approval led to the setting up of the IECRE Forum, a working group bringing together stakeholders

from the renewable energy sector as well as officers and leading experts from the IEC CA side. The Forum, in charge of drafting the new System’s Basic Rules, met in October and November 2013 and again in early April 2014 to discuss and finalize the draft document. IECRE Basic Rules were approved by CAB at its June 2014 meeting.

Sectors and SchemesPractically speaking, the IECRE System is organized in sectors and schemes. Three sectors have currently been defined:• Solar PV Energy• Wind Energy• Marine Energy

Each of these sectors will be able to operate Schemes that cover:• Products, e.g. components and

systems• Services, e.g. installations and

other related offers of the sector

• Personnel, e.g. covering the competence of those working in the sector

A lot in common

Commonalities can be found in the technologies used for generating energy from the sun, the wind or the oceans: high capital investment and harsh environmental conditions in installation deployment, the need for a systems approach to cover stages from design concept to prototype, to production of equipment and components, transportation, installation and commissioning.

Membership

16 countries have joined the System: Austria, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Spain, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.

International debut for IECRETesting and certification fro renewable energies

By Claire Marchand

China built the world’s first panda solar plant, 248 acres of solar panels laid out like a giant bear (Photo: China Merchants New Energy)

INTERNATIONAL DEBUT FOR IECRE

29

30

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About the IEC

The IEC, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland,

is the world’s leading publisher of International

Standards for electrical and electronic

technologies. It is a global, independent, not-

for-profit, membership organization (funded

by membership fees and sales). The IEC

includes 170 countries that represent 99,1%

of world population and 99,2% of world energy

generation.

The IEC provides a worldwide, neutral and

independent platform where 20 000 experts

from the private and public sectors cooperate

to develop state-of-the-art, globally relevant

IEC International Standards. These form the

basis for testing and certification, and support

economic development, protecting people and

the environment.

IEC work impacts around 20% of global trade

(in value) and looks at aspects such as safety,

interoperability, performance and other essential

requirements for a vast range of technology

areas, including energy, manufacturing,

transportation, healthcare, homes, buildings or

cities.

The IEC administers four Conformity Assessment

Systems and provides a standardized approach

to the testing and certification of components,

products, systems, as well as the competence

of persons.

IEC work is essential for safety, quality and risk

management. It helps make cities smarter,

supports universal energy access and improves

energy efficiency of devices and systems. It

allows industry to consistently build better

products, helps governments ensure long-

term viability of infrastructure investments and

reassures investors and insurers.

Key figures

170 Members and Affiliates

>200

Technical committees and subcommittees

20 000

Experts from industry, test and research

labs, government, academia and consumer

groups

10 000

International Standards

in catalogue

4

Global Conformity Assessment Systems

>1 million

Conformity Assessment certificates issued

>100 Years of expertise

A global network of 170 countries

that covers 99% of world population and

electricity generation

Offers an Affiliate Country Programme to

encourage developing countries to participate

in IEC work free of charge

Develops International Standards and runs four

Conformity Assessment Systems to verify that

electronic and electrical products work safely

and as they are intended to

IEC International Standards represent a global

consensus of state-of-the-art

know-how and expertise

A not-for-profit organization enabling global

trade and universal electricity access

ABOUT THE IEC

T +41 22 919 0211info@iec.chwww.iec.ch

3 rue de Varembé PO Box 131CH-1211 Geneva 20Switzerland

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