Evaluation Approach

The BEW Engineering BIPV Testing and Evaluation Project will provide side-by-side evaluation of available PV system and component technologies, information that is not currently available from any one source. This evaluation will yield

• Real world performance data
• On-line performance comparisons
• Systems optimized for the California market; Results useful for all markets
• Consumer Confidence Guidelines
• Purchase guidance to the Commonwealth BIPV program

The objective of this project is to perform side-by-side evaluation of commercially available PV systems and component technologies, and to compile objective, consumer-friendly information on the costs and performance parameters of these systems. This type of information is not currently available from any one source, and is needed by the PV-buying public. PV installations will be monitored for 12 months to provide "real-world" performance data relevant to building-integrated PV applications. Information on design features, flaws, weak points, etc. will be evaluated to develop suggested fixes. Factors affecting overall system value will be assessed, including ease of installation, component selection, component failures, and performance factors.

This information will be used to develop a rating system for use by consumers, and compiled into a Consumer Confidence Guidelines document. Manufacturers and system integrators should also find this information valuable in selecting, designing and installing PV systems. In addition, the project results will be used to provide purchase guidance to the Commonwealth Building Integrated PV Program (Project 3.3).

Real-time performance data will be available via a Web page accessible from the Commonwealth Program web site, as well as reports on performance comparisons between installed systems.

While the PV systems under evaluation will be optimized for the California market, effort will be made to make the results relevant and useful for all national markets. The procedures developed in this program will provide the basis for the development of standardized tests to be adopted nationwide. This project is linked with efforts to produce a national PV system testing procedure underway for the U.S. Department of Energy at Sandia National Laboratories, and will take advantage of the published works and on-going activities at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Florida Solar Energy Center, and others. The results of this project will be used to help establish standards to be published by organizations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).