The process of solar PV acceptance ensures that photovoltaic systems are safe for operation, can remain compliant with environmental and planning requirements, meet design and performance objectives, and that any tests meet contractual requirements.
Acceptance is a critical part of the solar system development process for any PV system owner. Before the handover to commercial operations can begin, solar systems must pass a set of acceptance and performance tests conducted by the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor.
This best practice guide is PV System Commissioning or re-Commissioning Guide Supplement to characterize and maximize PV system performance. If a PV system is commissioned using industry standards, then it should produce as much energy as was expected, right? No, PV industry commissioning standards do not call for performance testing.
Solar PV acceptance requires more than a single step due to the complexity of the projects. In the European market, acceptance involves three key stages, provisional acceptance (PAC), intermediate acceptance (IAC) and final acceptance (FAC).
Standards available for the energy rating of PV modules in different climatic conditions, but degradation rate and operational lifetime need additional scientific and standardisation work (no specific standard at present). Standard available to define an overall efficiency according to a weighted combination of efficiencies.
To validate the PV plant performance at Provisional Acceptance phase, the PR test is conducted over a limited period and compared to the guaranteed PR, set based on simulations. The usual duration of PR tests is 7 to 15 days, depending on the contract.