IEEE 1526-2020

Stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems provide energy to a load as well as to a battery storage system that powers the load at night or other times when the PV array output is insufficient. This recommended practice provides test methods and procedures for assessing the performance of stand-alone PV systems that include PV modules, charge controller, batteries, and loads. This recommended practice provides testing on a system level that can be performed at a test laboratory or by qualified personnel in the field with the appropriate test equipment. These tests are intended to evaluate the adequacy of the system design (including under worst-case conditions) and performance claims. They require about one month to complete. These tests do not address component or system reliability, quality issues, safety, or compliance to any Codes (e.g., the National Electrical Safety Code® (NEC(R)) [B6]2). These tests do not cover PV systems connected to an electric utility. Test results are only relevant to the system tested. If the PV system or load changes in any way, then the tests should be rerun on the modified system. It may be desired to run performance tests on the load(s). Such tests may be found in other documents, for example, Servant and Aigullon [B7] describe how to test a lamp in a photovoltaic system. Such tests, however, are beyond the scope of this recommended practice and may require specialized test equipment and procedures.

An evaluation of stand-alone PV system performance is needed to determine how well the PV array charges the battery and how well the battery is sized for the load. Procedures provided in this recommended practice are intended to assist designers, manufacturers, system integrators, users, and laboratories in conducting performance tests of these systems.

Revision Standard - Active. Tests to determine the performance of stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems and for verifying PV system design are presented in this recommended practice. These tests apply only to complete systems with a defined load. The methodology includes testing the system outdoors in prevailing conditions and indoors under simulated conditions. The tests are intended to assist designers, manufacturers, system integrators, system users, and laboratories that will conduct the tests. System safety and component reliability issues are not addressed in this recommended practice.