The Florida Solar Energy Center Logo
 
 
 
Home > Testing & Certification > Photovoltaic Systems > Design Review Process

Stylized Text: Design Review Process.

The system design review and approval process is open to any system integrator, manufacturer, supplier or installation contractor with a PV system design that will be marketed as a standard packaged design. To initiate the design review process, complete the application form and submit all required documentation and materials to FSEC.

Criteria for System Approvals

Criteria for system approvals are based on applicable codes and standards, and consistency with industry accepted design practices. General criteria include:

  • Conformance of the overall electrical design and specified installation methods with all relevant sections of the most recent version of the National Electrical Code.
  • PV modules must comply with the most recent version of UL Std. 1703 for Flat Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels.
  • Inverters and charge control must comply with the most recent version of UL Std.1741 for inverters, converters and controllers for use in independent power systems.
  • Ratings for PV module performance based upon tests performed by FSEC or by another recognized laboratory, or certified by FSEC at the minimum power output required by UL 1703.
  • Conformance of the system design and installation requirements with
    • IEEE 929 - Recommended Practice for Utility Interface of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
    • IEEE 1374 - Guide for Terrestrial Photovoltaic Power System Safety.
  • Where battery storage is used, conformance with (as applicable)
    • IEEE 937 - Recommended Practice for Installation and Maintenance of Lead-Acid Batteries for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems.
    • IEEE 1145 - IEEE Recommended Practice for the Installation and Maintenance of Nickel-Cadmium Batteries for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems.

It is preferred, but not required at this time, that all PV modules undergo qualification testing in accordance with the following international standards. Either IEC 61215 Crystalline Silicon Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules undergo Design Qualification and Type Approval or IEC 61646 Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules -- Design Qualification and Type Approval.

System Documentation Review

Sufficient system documentation is required for system design review and approval. The following items are required:

  • A complete three-line electrical schematic (may include several separate drawings as long as their relationships are clearly indicated)
  • A complete parts and source lists for all system components and hardware
  • Product specification sheets for all major components (modules, inverters, charge controllers, batteries, auxiliary generators)

Electrical Design Evaluation

Safe, code-compliant electrical designs are the principal concern of these approvals. Designs must be consistent with the requirements of the most recent version of the National Electrical Code. Complete three-wire electrical schematics are required and must include the types, sizes, ratings and locations of all conductors, overcurrent and disconnect devices, terminations and connectors, conduit and junction boxes, and grounding systems. Complete electrical schematics are required for these items. Electrical schematics will be clearly reviewed to verify the following:

  • Types, sizes and locations of all system conductors
  • Types, ratings and locations for all required system disconnect and overcurrent devices
  • Ratings and locations for blocking and bypass diodes, as applicable
  • Requirements for equipment and system grounding and surge suppression
  • Location and equipment required to interface the PV system output with the electric utility grid
  • Types, ratings and locations of all conduit and junction boxes
  • Estimated DC voltage drops and conductor types and sizes required for various lengths

Power Conditioning Equipment

Inverters, chargers, controllers and other power processing hardware are critical components in these approvals, and this equipment must meet industry standards for grid-connected PV systems. Acceptable voltage set points, and other system programming or control set points must also be consistent for the type of batteries used, as applicable. The system documentation and equipment specifications are reviewed for:

  • Compliance with current standards UL 1741 and IEEE 929
  • Specification and appropriateness of inverter/controller operating windows for PV array under highest and lowest temperature extremes
  • Specification and appropriateness of control or programmable set points for charge control with the specified battery subsystem (set points to include array disconnect and reconnect voltages, and load disconnect and reconnect voltages)

Revocation of Approval

Supplier-initiated

The party who has been issued an approval for a photovoltaic system may voluntarily terminate the approval by giving written notice to FSEC. The notice shall state the effective termination date and the reasons for termination.

FSEC-initiated

FSEC may revoke or suspend an approval for a grid-connected PV system package in the event of:

  • Any intentional misrepresentation of documentation in the application for design review and approval
  • Claiming that one PV system approval applies to another system which has not been approved
  • Failure to comply with a condition of approval or product labeling
  • Failure to correct a discrepancy that is detected by FSEC after initial FSEC approval. Supplier will be given 30 days in which to make corrections.