October 2026: New Standards Advance Wind Energy and Solar Performance

In October 2026, the Energy and Heat Transfer Engineering sector sees the release of three pivotal international standards that are reshaping best practices in wind and solar energy. From facilitating sustainable end-of-life wind turbine operations to standardizing the performance assessment of hybrid solar modules and strengthening trust in computational modelling for wind projects, these standards offer robust frameworks for industry advancement and compliance.

Overview

Energy and Heat Transfer Engineering drives innovation in renewable energy, grid reliability, and environmental sustainability. Standards in this sector provide essential blueprints for safety, efficiency, and quality. This article dives deep into the latest standards released in October 2026, revealing what’s new and what it means for professionals, manufacturers, and operators in wind and solar energy.

Read on to gain:

• Clarity on decommissioning and recycling of wind turbines
• An understanding of robust measurement for hybrid CPV/PV solar modules
• Insight into current practices for validating computational models in wind power
• Actionable compliance and implementation guidance

Detailed Standards Coverage

IEC TS 61400-28-2:2026 - Decommissioning and Preparation for Recycling of Wind Turbines

Wind energy generation systems – Part 28‑2: Decommissioning and preparation for recycling

This technical specification provides a comprehensive framework for the decommissioning and preparation for recycling of wind turbines. It sets out the lifecycle tasks, on-site operational steps, material handling, and logistics for safe and sustainable turbine removal. The standard covers all main components—blades, hubs, nacelles, towers, foundations, generators, gearboxes, cabling, transformers, and electrical systems.

What’s covered and scope

• Step-by-step guidance from the initial dismantling phase to preparation for transport to recycling or reuse facilities
• Applies to onshore wind turbines
• Focuses on maximizing reuse, repurpose, recycling, and recovery
• Defines roles and responsibilities across manufacturers, asset owners, operators, recyclers, and site personnel

Key requirements and specifications

• Health, safety, and environmental management systems are mandatory
• Personnel qualifications, hazard identification, and risk analysis precede all work
• Detailed dismantling and material separation, tailored for different turbine components
• Explicit procedures for environmentally sound storage and transport
• Site restoration, soil remediation, and documentation protocols

Who needs to comply

• Wind farm owners and operators
• Decommissioning contractors
• Equipment recyclers
• Government regulators and local authorities involved in permitting and oversight

Practical implications and notable changes

This document marks a significant shift in ensuring end-of-life wind assets are handled with environmental responsibility and regulatory adherence. It guides project managers through detailed contingency planning, legislative compliance, and applies innovative best practices for circular economy outcomes. Differences from prior guidance include:

• Expanded environmental protection measures
• Greater emphasis on circularity (reuse, repurpose, recycle)
• Enhanced risk management and documentation

Key highlights:

• Full lifecycle approach: planning, dismantling, recycling, and site restoration
• Explicit environmental impact control and continuous improvement process
• Role-based safety and operational requirements for all involved personnel

Access the full standard:View IEC TS 61400-28-2:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 63387-1:2026 - Hybrid CPV/PV Modules: Performance Measurements and Power Rating

Hybrid CPV/PV modules: General characteristics and measurement procedures – Part 1: Performance measurements and power rating – Irradiance and temperature

With many solar installations increasingly relying on hybrid Concentrator Photovoltaic/Photovoltaic (CPV/PV) modules, standardized and accurate measurement of performance is critical. This standard introduces a unified methodology for evaluating hybrid solar module performance under varying irradiance and temperature conditions, ensuring bankable, comparable results across the industry.

What’s covered and scope

• Applies to CPV/PV hybrid modules with a geometric concentration ratio greater than 3x
• Specifies power rating under standard irradiance and temperature
• Describes test procedures for both diffuse and concentrated solar cell arrays
• Introduces the concept of effective nominal power for modules with integrated tracking

Key requirements and specifications

• Detailed test conditions for outdoor performance, including angle of incidence (AOI), field of view (FoV), and tracker responses
• Sampling criteria for module testing, including lot-based and prototype protocols
• Labelling and marking requirements for traceability and quality control
• Manufacturer data reporting, including area ratios, tracking geometry, and module alignment
• Reporting obligations for uncertainties, calibration traceability, and power measurement methods

Who needs to comply

• Manufacturers of hybrid CPV/PV modules
• Independent and in-house laboratories conducting performance qualification
• Developers, EPCs, and utilities seeking accurate bankable data
• Procurement teams evaluating new technology acquisitions

Practical implications and notable changes

This is the first of a new series targeting the growing hybrid CPV/PV field. Sector professionals gain a harmonized approach to evaluate module yield, support warranty claims, and ensure investment-grade system design. Compared to previous approaches:

• Performance rating now comprehensively captures combined CPV/PV behaviors
• Standardized test definitions bring consistency across global markets
• Enhanced focus on uncertainty quantification for power measurements

Key highlights:

• Robust methodology for power output testing under real-world conditions
• Consistent, comparable performance data for decision-makers
• Comprehensive manufacturer and laboratory reporting structure

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 63387-1:2026 on iTeh Standards

IEC PAS 61400-60:2026 - Validation of Computational Models for Wind Energy Systems

Wind energy generation systems – Part 60: Validation of computational models

Model-based analyses are fundamental in wind energy, supporting everything from turbine design to site selection, power forecasting, and grid compliance. IEC PAS 61400-60:2026 sets an international benchmark for the validation of computational models used within the wind sector. Crucially, it transparently codifies how accuracy and precision should be assessed for both legacy and novel models.

What’s covered and scope

• Applies to all computational models used in wind energy – both existing and future
• Defines validation criteria for principal turbine and wind plant models (e.g., loads, power performance, site assessment)
• Integrates compatibility with other IEC 61400 standards and operational documents

Key requirements and specifications

• Comprehensive terminology and roles (model builder, owner, operator)
• Structured processes for model identification, versioning, and intended use documentation
• Procedures for quantifying model uncertainty and reporting measurement accuracy/precision
• Lifecycle requirements for initial validation and periodic re-validation as models evolve
• Guidance for reporting validation results and uncertainty quantification

Who needs to comply

• Turbine manufacturers and design engineers
• Software developers and model owners in the wind energy sector
• Asset owners/operators relying on model results for decision-making
• Independent certification bodies and bankability assessors

Practical implications and notable changes

This Publicly Available Specification (PAS) introduces a transparent, process-driven approach for model validation in the wind sector. It outlines mandatory steps, including model verification, experimental data comparisons, and uncertainty reporting. Key advances from previous practice include:

• Explicit differentiation of intended model use cases
• Clear criteria for uncertainty quantification, including Monte Carlo approaches
• Establishment of both initial and periodic re-validation processes to maintain model trustworthiness

Key highlights:

• Ensures traceable, reliable use of computational models in critical decisions
• Codifies model lifecycle management and reporting obligations
• Supports international alignment on model validation for certification, compliance, and due diligence

Access the full standard:View IEC PAS 61400-60:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The introduction of these three standards marks a significant advance in risk reduction, transparency, and best-practice alignment throughout the energy sector.

Effects on businesses

• Decommissioning and recycling requirements protect against environmental liabilities, bad press, and future regulatory tightening
• Accurate solar module performance measurements allow investors and operators to mitigate yield risks
• Rigorous model validation ensures that design, forecasting, and compliance decisions are based on trusted analytics

Compliance considerations

• Organizations must review project planning, operations, and quality management systems to align with these new standards
• Existing projects should be benchmarked against current requirements for potential gaps
• Regular staff training and upskilling are recommended, especially in safety, testing, reporting, and model management

Benefits of adoption

• Demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship and worker safety
• Improved bankability for new energy projects through standardized testing and transparent modelling
• Reduced likelihood of disputes by meeting international best practices

Risks of non-compliance

• Regulatory penalties and loss of operating permits
• Reputational harm from environmental incidents or inaccurate reporting
• Financial losses due to poor yield predictions or failed decommissioning

Technical Insights

Common technical requirements

• Risk-based planning, qualified personnel, and rigorous documentation are central to all three standards
• Environmental controls—from dismantling through logistics—are a recurring theme
• Emphasis on uncertainty quantification and transparent reporting permeates measurement and modelling standards

Implementation best practices

1. Engage stakeholders early: Secure buy-in from asset owners, local authorities, and end users before applying the standards.
2. Map the scope: Document the boundaries of equipment, data, or operational phases covered by each standard.
3. Audit current operations: Use gap analysis to assess current dismantling, testing, measurement, or modelling processes against new requirements.
4. Train personnel: Ensure staff are aware of new qualifications, safety, and reporting protocols.
5. Integrate documentation: Establish clear records of dismantling, material handling, test procedures, and model validation outputs.
6. Leverage third parties: Where independent testing or certification is required, engage eligible laboratories and assessors.

Testing and certification considerations

• For wind decommissioning: Independent verification of safety/environmental compliance may be required
• For hybrid PV modules: Laboratory certification covering reporting, sampling, and measurement uncertainty is pivotal
• For computational models: Validation processes demand regular benchmarking against real-world experimental/field data. Certification bodies may request access to validation records during compliance audits

Conclusion and Next Steps

The October 2026 release of these three transformative international standards demonstrates the energy industry's commitment to sustainable operations, measurement accuracy, and data transparency. Wind, solar, and modelling professionals should move swiftly to understand and implement these requirements.

Key takeaways:

• Updated standards drive higher sustainability and data quality in energy systems
• Compliance is not only beneficial—it is often mandatory and good business practice
• Thorough implementation minimizes environmental and financial risks while boosting project value

Recommendations:

• Review the full standard documents via iTeh Standards for specific requirements
• Conduct training sessions and internal audits aligned with each standard
• Collaborate with regulatory authorities and independent labs to stay ahead of evolving best practices
• Stay informed on further standards developments in Energy and Heat Transfer Engineering by subscribing to iTeh Standards updates

For ongoing excellence in energy projects, make iTeh Standards your authoritative resource for up-to-date international standards and compliance tools.