ASTM E3010-15(2019)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Installation, Commissioning, Operation, and Maintenance Process (ICOMP) of Photovoltaic Arrays
Standard Practice for Installation, Commissioning, Operation, and Maintenance Process (ICOMP) of Photovoltaic Arrays
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 With the rapid expansion of the commercial photovoltaic market and the various standards and independent certification entities evolving, a consensus standard practice for the ICOMP process is needed to bring consistency to the market.
4.2 Investors and insurance companies need consistency of product and standards to reduce costs of capital and underwriting. Use of a consensus standard practice is expected to improve consistency and reduce risk for investors.
4.3 Photovoltaic systems operate in harsh environments that are not typical for electrical equipment and generally inconsistent with electrical contractor experience. Documented processes are needed to ensure performance and durability of the systems over the long operating life.
4.4 The goal of this practice is to implement processes to improve safety and reliability, reduce lifecycle costs (commonly referred to as Levelized Cost of Energy or LCOE), and encourage the development of feedback loops for continuous improvement of results.
4.5 This practice may be applied during any or all phases of the PV System Lifecycle (refer to Section 5). A record of the activities carried out according to this practice shall be included in the Report (refer to Section 8).
SCOPE
1.1 This practice details the minimum requirements for installation, commissioning, operations, and maintenance processes to ensure safe and reliable power generation for the expected life of the photovoltaic system. Specifically dealing with commercial photovoltaic installations, this practice covers a broad spectrum of designs and applications and is focused on the proper process to ensure quality.
1.2 This practice does not cover the electrical aspects of installation found in existing and national codes and does not replace or supersede details of electrical installation covered by the same. The practice does address the integration of best practices into design and construction.
1.3 This practice shall not dictate specific design criteria or favor any product or technology.
1.4 This practice shall be focused on the proper, documented process required to build and operate a quality PV plant as defined in Section 3.
1.5 Integration of best practices shall be relevant to this standard and promote a mechanism for rapid evolution and reaction to changes or events. Conformity assessment for PV power plants is being developed through the IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Renewable Energy Applications (IECRE System). Sandia Labs has developed several model documents that may be adopted as acceptable consensus standards through other standards development organizations.
1.6 The standard is divided into three key areas:
1.6.1 Design, engineering, and construction of the PV plant. Systems should be designed with operation and maintenance (O&M) in mind. Further standards should be developed for building integrated or building mounted systems, modules with embedded power electronics, lightweight flexible modules, or other specific components.
1.6.2 Commissioning, testing, and approval for power generation (Utility Witness Testing). Standards for owner acceptance will also be addressed.
1.6.3 O&M of the PV plant including performance monitoring, periodic inspection, preventive maintenance, and periodic re-commissioning.
1.7 Safety and hazard considerations unique to this application, such as worker fall protection, electrical exposure, accessibility of modules, and roof clearance (around the perimeter of the array) are addressed by other codes, standards, or authorities having jurisdiction.
1.8 This practice provides guidelines for minimum processes required and must be used in conjunction with applicable codes and standards, government regulations, manufacturer requirements, and best practices.
1.9 This practice is not intended to replace or supersede any other applicable local codes, standards o...
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Designation: E3010 − 15 (Reapproved 2019) An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Installation, Commissioning, Operation, and Maintenance
Process (ICOMP) of Photovoltaic Arrays
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3010; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.6.2 Commissioning, testing, and approval for power gen-
eration (Utility Witness Testing). Standards for owner accep-
1.1 This practice details the minimum requirements for
tance will also be addressed.
installation, commissioning, operations, and maintenance pro-
1.6.3 O&M of the PV plant including performance
cesses to ensure safe and reliable power generation for the
monitoring, periodic inspection, preventive maintenance, and
expected life of the photovoltaic system. Specifically dealing
periodic re-commissioning.
withcommercialphotovoltaicinstallations,thispracticecovers
a broad spectrum of designs and applications and is focused on 1.7 Safety and hazard considerations unique to this
the proper process to ensure quality. application, such as worker fall protection, electrical exposure,
accessibility of modules, and roof clearance (around the
1.2 This practice does not cover the electrical aspects of
perimeter of the array) are addressed by other codes, standards,
installation found in existing and national codes and does not
or authorities having jurisdiction.
replaceorsupersededetailsofelectricalinstallationcoveredby
the same. The practice does address the integration of best 1.8 This practice provides guidelines for minimum pro-
practices into design and construction. cesses required and must be used in conjunction with appli-
cable codes and standards, government regulations, manufac-
1.3 This practice shall not dictate specific design criteria or
turer requirements, and best practices.
favor any product or technology.
1.9 This practice is not intended to replace or supersede any
1.4 This practice shall be focused on the proper, docu-
other applicable local codes, standards or Licensed Design
mentedprocessrequiredtobuildandoperateaqualityPVplant
Professional instructions for a given installation.
as defined in Section 3.
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.5 Integration of best practices shall be relevant to this
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
standard and promote a mechanism for rapid evolution and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
reaction to changes or events. Conformity assessment for PV
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
power plants is being developed through the IEC System for
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in
1.11 This international standard was developed in accor-
RenewableEnergyApplications(IECRESystem).SandiaLabs
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
has developed several model documents that may be adopted
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
as acceptable consensus standards through other standards
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
development organizations.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.6 The standard is divided into three key areas:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.6.1 Design, engineering, and construction of the PVplant.
2. Referenced Documents
Systems should be designed with operation and maintenance
(O&M) in mind. Further standards should be developed for
2.1 ASTM Standards:
buildingintegratedorbuildingmountedsystems,moduleswith
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
embedded power electronics, lightweight flexible modules, or
E2047 Test Method for Wet Insulation Integrity Testing of
other specific components.
Photovoltaic Arrays
E2848 Test Method for Reporting Photovoltaic Non-
Concentrator System Performance
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar,
Geothermal and OtherAlternative Energy Sources and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2015. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as E3010-15. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E3010-15R19 the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3010 − 15 (2019)
E2908 Guide for Fire Prevention for Photovoltaic Panels, 2.7 SNL Documents
Modules, and Systems SAND 2015 - 0587 Precursor Report of Data Needs and
Recommended Practices for PV PlantAvailability, Opera-
2.2 IEC Standards:
tions and Maintenance Reporting
IEC 61215: Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules – Design
SAND2014 - 20612 PV Reliability Operations and Mainte-
Qualification and Type Approval
nance (PVROM) Database Initiative: 2014 Progress Re-
IEC 61724: PV System Performance Monitoring – Guide-
port
lines for Measurement Data Exchange and Analysis
IEC61829: CrystallineSiliconPVArray–On-siteMeasure-
2.8 SunSpec References
ments of I-V Characteristics Commissioning Best Practices and Re-Commissioning
IEC/TS 61836: Solar PV Energy Systems – Terms, Defini-
oSPARC – Open Solar Performance and Reliability Clear-
tions and Symbols
inghouse Database
IEC 62446: Grid Connected PV Systems – Minimum Re-
Solar PV Monitoring Best Practice
quirements for System Documentation, Commissioning,
SAPC Standard O&M Contract
and Inspection
IEC/TS 62548: PV Arrays – Design Requirements 3. Terminology
IEC 62738: Design Guidelines and Recommendations for
3.1 In addition to the terms defined in E772, the following
PV Power Plants [5 MW and Greater, Ground Mount]
terms are defined for the purpose of this standard.
IEC62446–2(draftinprogress) MaintenanceofPVSystems
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
IECRE-PV: Conformity Assessment
3.2.1 construction, PVsystem—theprocessofpreparingand
2.3 ANSI Standards
assembling the various components of a PV system, including
ANSI/TUV-R Cleaning Frequency
site preparation, foundations, structural assembly, and installa-
ANSI/TUV-R 71731 Simulated Sand and Dust Tests of
tion of mechanical and electrical equipment.
Photovoltaic (PV) Modules: Part 1 – Soiling Testing for
3.2.2 commissioning, PV system—the process of starting the
Superstrates
operation of a PV system, including verification of construc-
ANSI/TUV-R 71732 Qualification Plus Testing for PV
tion according to design, confirmation of functional
Modules—Test and Sampling Requirements
5 performance, and transfer of responsibility to the system
2.4 UL Standards
operator.
UL1741 Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnec-
3.2.3 design, PV System—the information required to con-
tion System Equipment for Use With Distributed Energy
Resources struct and operate a PV system.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—Typically prepared by a qualified engi-
UL 4730 Nameplate Tolerance Standard
neer or design professional, this information may include
2.5 Other Standards
drawings, text documents, calculations, or other forms of
IEEE 1547: Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Re-
documentation. Design includes specifications and configura-
sources with Electric Power Systems
tion for components and materials.
NECA 412-2012: Standard for Installing and Maintaining
PV Power Systems
3.2.4 operation and maintenance (O&M), PV system—
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, Article 690
procedures to assure functionality of system components and
Solar ABCs – PV System Operations and Maintenance
connections for reliability, safety and fire prevention; monitor-
Fundamentals
ing of performance indicators, measures to track and maximize
anticipatedperformance,diagnosticmeasures,troubleshooting,
2.6 NREL Documents
SAPC PV Operations and Maintenance Best Practices and documentation.
Guide: Considerations for Financial Managers and Indus-
3.2.4.1 Discussion—This includes controllable or modifi-
try Practitioners”, version 1.0
able maintenance items that impact system yield, uptime,
availability, and the ability to operate effectively under existing
3 local environmental and climatological conditions, and site-
Available from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3, rue de
Varembé, P.O. Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iec.ch. related activities such as module washing and upkeep of
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
vegetation for both performance and safety reasons.
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 2600 N.W. Lake Rd., Camas,
4. Significance and Use
WA 98607-8542, http://www.ul.com.
Available from Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE),
4.1 With the rapid expansion of the commercial photovol-
445 Hoes Ln., Piscataway, NJ 08854, http://www.ieee.org.
taic market and the various standards and independent certifi-
Available from National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), 3
Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 1100, Bethesda, MA 20814, http://www.necanet.org. cation entities evolving, a consensus standard practice for the
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
ICOMP process is needed to bring consistency to the market.
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
PDF available from Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar
ABCs), www.solarabcs.org/about/publications.
10 11
Available from National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), 901 D, Available from Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), energy.sandia.gov
Street, S.W. Suite 930, Washington, DC 20024, http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy15osti/ Available from SunSpec Alliance, 4030 Moorpark Ave, Suite 109, San Jose,
63235.pdf CA 95117.
E3010 − 15 (2019)
4.2 Investors and insurance companies need consistency of standard software. Refer to Appendix X1 for a typical
product and standards to reduce costs of capital and underwrit- example of the report generated from a common software
ing. Use of a consensus standard practice is expected to package.
improve consistency and reduce risk for investors. 6.1.3 A strategy for mitigation of lost production should be
documented.
4.3 Photovoltaic systems operate in harsh environments that
6.1.4 The design shall incorporate best practices to facilitate
are not typical for electrical equipment and generally incon-
the operation and maintenance of the plant over its expected
sistent with electrical contractor experience. Documented pro-
life time. Accessibility of all equipment shall be ensured, and
cesses are needed to ensure performance and durability of the
O&M procedures shall be clearly documented.
systems over the long operating life.
6.1.5 There should be a documented review of safety and
4.4 The goal of this practice is to implement processes to
construction processes.
improve safety and reliability, reduce lifecycle costs (com-
6.2 Construction—There shall be a documented process for
monly referred to as Levelized Cost of Energy or LCOE), and
construction to ensure quality.
encourage the development of feedback loops for continuous
6.2.1 Thedocumentedqualityprocessforconstructionwork
improvement of results.
shall consider environment, roof, soils, and other factors, and it
shall include the following:
4.5 This practice may be applied during any or all phases of
the PV System Lifecycle (refer to Section 5). A record of the 6.2.1.1 Vegetation control plan designed to ensure proper
operation throughout the system lifecycle,
activities carried out according to this practice shall be in-
cluded in the Report (refer to Section 8). 6.2.1.2 Site water flow plan—roof and ground,
6.2.1.3 Plan for inspection, testing, and documentation of
materials delivered to the construction site,
5. PV System Lifecycle
6.2.1.4 Material handling plan and spares plan,
5.1 The lifecycle of a PV system can be divided into the
6.2.1.5 Plan for replacement of parts,
following stages and areas of emphasis. These terms are used
6.2.1.6 Fire access and training,
in the following section to identify the applicable requirements
6.2.1.7 Siting and access of meteorological station or
at each stage of the system lifecycle:
SCADA equipment (for systems larger than 5 MW), or both,
5.1.1 Design
6.2.1.8 Plan and inspection process for ensuring that con-
5.1.1.1 Reliability
ductorsarefreefromstrainorabrasion,andallowedtoflexdue
5.1.1.2 Measurability
to thermal expansion,
5.1.1.3 Safety 6.2.1.9 Installation of raceways and fixtures for thermal
expansion,
5.1.2 Risk Mitigation
6.2.1.10 Plan and accessibility for torque maintenance in-
5.1.2.1 Financing
cluding appropriate anti-seize provisions and conformance to
5.1.2.2 Insurance
manufacturers’ recommended torque specifications,
5.1.3 Construction
6.2.1.11 Documented verification process to ensure correct
5.1.3.1 Best practices
polarity of all electrical components and connecting cables,
5.1.3.2 Risk mitigation
6.2.1.12 Installation of all equipment in accordance with
5.1.4 Commissioning
manufacturers’ recommendations,
5.1.4.1 Design compliance
6.2.1.13 Protection of surfaces to ensure long term perfor-
5.1.4.2 Performance verification mance of roofs (especially membrane type), and
6.2.1.14 AccessforserviceofthePVplantandanyadjacent
5.1.5 Operation and Maintenance
equipment.
5.1.5.1 Performance monitoring
6.3 Commissioning—The commissioning of a PV system
5.1.5.2 Operations
shall include, as a minimum, the following activities:
5.1.5.3 Maintenance
6.3.1 For systems larger than 5 MW, validation and certifi-
5.1.6 Transaction Process
cation of system performance (power output), based on perfor-
5.1.6.1 Ownership transfer
mance modeling developed in the design process,
6.3.2 Documented quality testing for safety and perfor-
6. Process Requirements
mance consistent with best practices, including:
6.1 Design—The design of a PV system shall include, as a
6.3.2.1 IEC 62446,
minimum, the following characteristics:
6.3.2.2 SunSpec Guide to Commissioning Measurements,
6.1.1 Documented process for ensuring quality and imple- and
mentation of best practices throughout the design process. 6.3.2.3 Insulation resistance (megger) or other non-invasive
testing
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E3010 − 15 E3010 − 15 (Reapproved 2019) An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Installation, Commissioning, Operation, and Maintenance
Process (ICOMP) of Photovoltaic Arrays
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3010; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice details the minimum requirements for installation, commissioning, operations, and maintenance processes to
ensure safe and reliable power generation for the expected life of the photovoltaic system. Specifically dealing with commercial
photovoltaic installations, this practice covers a broad spectrum of designs and applications and is focused on the proper process
to ensure quality.
1.2 This practice does not cover the electrical aspects of installation found in existing and national codes and does not replace
or supersede details of electrical installation covered by the same. The practice does address the integration of best practices into
design and construction.
1.3 This practice shall not dictate specific design criteria or favor any product or technology.
1.4 This practice shall be focused on the proper, documented process required to build and operate a quality PV plant as defined
in Section 3.
1.5 Integration of best practices shall be relevant to this standard and promote a mechanism for rapid evolution and reaction to
changes or events. Conformity assessment for PV power plants is being developed through the IEC System for Certification to
Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Renewable Energy Applications (IECRE System). Sandia Labs has developed several
model documents that may be adopted as acceptable consensus standards through other standards development organizations.
1.6 The standard is divided into three key areas:
1.6.1 Design, engineering, and construction of the PV plant. Systems should be designed with operation and maintenance
(O&M) in mind. Further standards should be developed for building integrated or building mounted systems, modules with
embedded power electronics, lightweight flexible modules, or other specific components.
1.6.2 Commissioning, testing, and approval for power generation (Utility Witness Testing). Standards for owner acceptance will
also be addressed.
1.6.3 O&M of the PV plant including performance monitoring, periodic inspection, preventive maintenance, and periodic
re-commissioning.
1.7 Safety and hazard considerations unique to this application, such as worker fall protection, electrical exposure, accessibility
of modules, and roof clearance (around the perimeter of the array) are addressed by other codes, standards, or authorities having
jurisdiction.
1.8 This practice provides guidelines for minimum processes required and must be used in conjunction with applicable codes
and standards, government regulations, manufacturer requirements, and best practices.
1.9 This practice is not intended to replace or supersede any other applicable local codes, standards or Licensed Design
Professional instructions for a given installation.
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.
Current edition approved March 1, 2015April 1, 2019. Published June 2015April 2019. Originally approved in 2015. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as E3010-15.
DOI: 10.1520/E3010-1510.1520/E3010-15R19
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3010 − 15 (2019)
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
E2047 Test Method for Wet Insulation Integrity Testing of Photovoltaic Arrays
E2848 Test Method for Reporting Photovoltaic Non-Concentrator System Performance
E2908 Guide for Fire Prevention for Photovoltaic Panels, Modules, and Systems
2.2 IEC Standards:
IEC 61215: Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules – Design Qualification and Type Approval
IEC 61724: PV System Performance Monitoring – Guidelines for Measurement Data Exchange and Analysis
IEC 61829: Crystalline Silicon PV Array – On-site Measurements of I-V Characteristics
IEC/TS 61836: Solar PV Energy Systems – Terms, Definitions and Symbols
IEC 62446: Grid Connected PV Systems – Minimum Requirements for System Documentation, Commissioning, and Inspection
IEC/TS 62548: PV Arrays – Design Requirements
IEC 62738: Design Guidelines and Recommendations for PV Power Plants [5 MW and Greater, Ground Mount]
IEC 62446–2 (draft in progress) Maintenance of PV Systems
IECRE-PV: Conformity Assessment
2.3 ANSI Standards
ANSI/TUV-R Cleaning Frequency
ANSI/TUV-R 71731 Simulated Sand and Dust Tests of Photovoltaic (PV) Modules: Part 1 – Soiling Testing for Superstrates
ANSI/TUV-R 71732 Qualification Plus Testing for PV Modules—Test and Sampling Requirements
2.4 UL Standards
UL 1741 Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use With Distributed Energy Resources
UL 4730 Nameplate Tolerance Standard
2.5 Other Standards
IEEE 1547: Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems
NECA 412-2012: Standard for Installing and Maintaining PV Power Systems
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, Article 690
Solar ABCs – PV System Operations and Maintenance Fundamentals
2.6 NREL Documents
SAPC PV Operations and Maintenance Best Practices Guide: Considerations for Financial Managers and Industry
Practitioners”, version 1.0
2.7 SNL Documents
SAND 2015 - 0587 Precursor Report of Data Needs and Recommended Practices for PV Plant Availability, Operations and
Maintenance Reporting
SAND2014 - 20612 PV Reliability Operations and Maintenance (PVROM) Database Initiative: 2014 Progress Report
2.8 SunSpec References
Commissioning Best Practices and Re-Commissioning
oSPARC – Open Solar Performance and Reliability Clearinghouse Database
Solar PV Monitoring Best Practice
SAPC Standard O&M Contract
3. Terminology
3.1 In addition to the terms defined in E772, the following terms are defined for the purpose of this standard.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 construction, PV system—the process of preparing and assembling the various components of a PV system, including site
preparation, foundations, structural assembly, and installation of mechanical and electrical equipment.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3, rue de Varembé, P.O. Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iec.ch.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 2600 N.W. Lake Rd., Camas, WA 98607-8542, http://www.ul.com.
Available from Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE), 445 Hoes Ln., Piscataway, NJ 08854, http://www.ieee.org.
Available from National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 1100, Bethesda, MA 20814, http://www.necanet.org.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
PDF available from Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar ABCs), www.solarabcs.org/about/publications.
Available from National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), 901 D, Street, S.W. Suite 930, Washington, DC 20024, http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy15osti/63235.pdf
Available from Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), energy.sandia.gov
Available from SunSpec Alliance, 4030 Moorpark Ave, Suite 109, San Jose, CA 95117.
E3010 − 15 (2019)
3.2.2 commissioning, PV system—the process of starting the operation of a PV system, including verification of construction
according to design, confirmation of functional performance, and transfer of responsibility to the system operator.
3.2.3 design, PV System—the information required to construct and operate a PV system.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—
Typically prepared by a qualified engineer or design professional, this information may include drawings, text documents,
calculations, or other forms of documentation. Design includes specifications and configuration for components and materials.
3.2.4 operation and maintenance (O&M), PV system—procedures to assure functionality of system components and
connections for reliability, safety and fire prevention; monitoring of performance indicators, measures to track and maximize
anticipated performance, diagnostic measures, troubleshooting, and documentation.
3.2.4.1 Discussion—
This includes controllable or modifiable maintenance items that impact system yield, uptime, availability, and the ability to operate
effectively under existing local environmental and climatological conditions, and site-related activities such as module washing and
upkeep of vegetation for both performance and safety reasons.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 With the rapid expansion of the commercial photovoltaic market and the various standards and independent certification
entities evolving, a consensus standard practice for the ICOMP process is needed to bring consistency to the market.
4.2 Investors and insurance companies need consistency of product and standards to reduce costs of capital and underwriting.
Use of a consensus standard practice is expected to improve consistency and reduce risk for investors.
4.3 Photovoltaic systems operate in harsh environments that are not typical for electrical equipment and generally inconsistent
with electrical contractor experience. Documented processes are needed to ensure performance and durability of the systems over
the long operating life.
4.4 The goal of this practice is to implement processes to improve safety and reliability, reduce lifecycle costs (commonly
referred to as Levelized Cost of Energy or LCOE), and encourage the development of feedback loops for continuous improvement
of results.
4.5 This practice may be applied during any or all phases of the PV System Lifecycle (refer to Section 5). A record of the
activities carried out according to this practice shall be included in the Report (refer to Section 8).
5. PV System Lifecycle
5.1 The lifecycle of a PV system can be divided into the following stages and areas of emphasis. These terms are used in the
following section to identify the applicable requirements at each stage of the system lifecycle:
5.1.1 Design
5.1.1.1 Reliability
5.1.1.2 Measurability
5.1.1.3 Safety
5.1.2 Risk Mitigation
5.1.2.1 Financing
5.1.2.2 Insurance
5.1.3 Construction
5.1.3.1 Best practices
5.1.3.2 Risk mitigation
5.1.4 Commissioning
5.1.4.1 Design compliance
5.1.4.2 Performance verification
5.1.5 Operation and Maintenance
5.1.5.1 Performance monitoring
5.1.5.2 Operations
5.1.5.3 Maintenance
5.1.6 Transaction Process
5.1.6.1 Ownership transfer
E3010 − 15 (2019)
6. Process Requirements
6.1 Design—The design of a PV system shall include, as a minimum, the following characteristics:
6.1.1 Documented process for ensuring quality and implementation of best practices throughout the design process.
6.1.2 For systems larger than 5 MW, data for system verification and commissioning should include validated performance
modeling including documentation of assumptions and derating factors used. Such documentation should be reproducible and
compatible with current editions of industry standard software. Refer to Appendix X1 for a typical example of the report
generated from a common software package.
6.1.3 A strategy for mitigation of lost production should be documented.
6.1.4 The design shall incorporate best practices to facilitate the operation and maintenance of the plant over its expected life
time. Accessibility of all equipment shall be ensured, and O&M procedures shall be clearly documented.
6.1.5 There should be a documented review of safety and construction processes.
6.2 Construction—There shall be a documented process for construction to ensure quality.
6.2.1 The documented quality process for construction work shall consider environment, roof, soils, and other factors, and it
shall include the following:
6.2.1.1 Vegetation control plan designed to ensure proper operation throughout the system lifecycle,
6.2.1.2 Site water flow plan—roof and ground,
6.2.1.3 Plan for inspection, testing, and documentation of materials delivered to the construction site,
6.2.1.4 Material handling plan and spares plan,
6.2.1.5 Plan for replacement of parts,
6.2.1.6 Fire access and training,
6.2.1.7 Siting and access of meteorological station or SCADA equipment (for systems larger than 5 MW), or both,
6.2.1.8 Plan and inspection process for ensuring that conductors are free from strain or abrasion, and allowed to flex due to
thermal expansion,
6.2.1.9 Installation of raceways and fixtures for thermal expansion,
6.2.1.10 Plan and accessibility for torque maintenance including appropriate anti-seize provisions and conformance to
manufacturers’ recommended torque specifications,
6.2.1.11 Documented verification process to ensure correct polarity of all electrical components and connecting cables,
6.2.1.12 Installation of all equipment in accordance with manufacturers’ recommen
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