China Electricity Council launches the revision work for the national standard "Design Code for Photovoltaic Power Stations," led by a top-tier PV company.

  2017-04-25   Wu Junjie   Solar Power Grid

The task involves conducting research to identify and compare the key features of various photovoltaic modules, such as monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and bifacial glass modules, as well as the characteristics of different types of inverters, including centralized and string inverters. This analysis will then be used to further evaluate equipment selection requirements for diverse application scenarios.

It must encompass all key equipment, including components, inverters, combiner boxes, and local step-up transformers, while also leaving room for the testing and development of new technologies, processes, equipment, and materials.

We must focus on the direction of distributed development, taking into account the integration of photovoltaic power generation with technologies like microgrids and energy storage. Additionally, we need to define and standardize new application scenarios, such as mined-out areas, water surfaces, agriculture, forestry, and existing buildings.

Text / Wu Junjie

National Standard "Design Code for Photovoltaic Power Plants" GB50797, the leading standard in the photovoltaic power generation industry, is officially undergoing revision after five years of implementation.

On April 23, 2017, the Standardization Management Center of the China Electricity Council held a meeting in Shanghai, officially announcing the launch of the revision process for the national standard on photovoltaic power generation, titled "Design Code for Photovoltaic Power Plants." More than 30 experts from organizations such as the China Electricity Council and the Shanghai Electric Power Design Institute attended the meeting, which was chaired by Guo Jiabao, Deputy Chief Engineer at the Shanghai Electric Power Design Institute.

The data shows that the national standard number is The "Code for Design of Photovoltaic Power Stations" (GB50797-2012), hereinafter referred to as the "Code," was officially implemented on November 1, 2012. It was compiled by the China Electricity Council and the Shanghai Electric Power Design Institute.

According to Guo Jiabao, this time... The revision of the "Standard" is being carried out according to the 2017 Standard Development and Revision Plan set forth by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development. The China Electricity Council Standardization Management Center and Shanghai Electric Power Design Institute remain responsible for leading the editorial work, with experts from institutions and companies—including the China Electronic Engineering Design Institute, Xinjiang Electric Power Design Institute, Kenuoweiye, Northman, Xinjiang New Energy, Mokun New Energy, Wuxi Haoyang, and Shenzhou Electric—actively participating in the detailed revision process.

Wang Yi, Director of the Power Generation Standards Division at the Standardization Management Center of the China Electricity Council, stated at the launch event that, “The Standard” is the core national standard for China’s photovoltaic power generation industry, recognized by experts as being at an internationally advanced level. Over the past five years of implementation, it has made significant contributions to promoting standardized management in the design and construction of China’s photovoltaic power stations.

"However, with advancements in photovoltaic power generation technology and shifting market dynamics—such as the rapid development of new equipment and materials, including core system components like modules and inverters—as well as the continuous emergence of innovative application scenarios and models like distributed systems, agrivoltaics, and fishery-voltaics—some provisions in the 'Regulations' have already fallen behind the industry's actual progress and, in some cases, are no longer relevant. These sections urgently require revision to keep pace with current industry trends."

Regarding this time "Wang Yi emphasized that the revision of the 'Standard' must adhere to the principles of advanced technology, economic rationality, safety and applicability, as well as balancing development with conservation—and should also align seamlessly with existing relevant standards."

“Revisions must be forward-looking, taking into account the development trends of photovoltaic power generation technology and the industry over the coming long term.” He suggested forming an expert group to revise the guidelines, emphasizing thorough consideration of techno-economic factors when defining the scale, equipment, system technologies, and application models of photovoltaic plants. Additionally, he noted that changes in these definitions could impact investment requirements for aspects like fire safety and flood protection, and stressed the importance of aligning revisions with the goal of easing the financial burden on investors.

Wang Yi stated, "The revision of the 'standard' requires thorough and meticulous research efforts." To conduct a thorough survey, we will analyze the characteristics of various photovoltaic modules—such as monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and bifacial modules—as well as the features of different types of inverters, including centralized and string inverters. This analysis will then enable us to further assess the equipment selection requirements for diverse application scenarios. Strengthen "The guiding role of 'standardization' requires both highlighting key priorities and— To cover all key equipment—including components, inverters, combiner boxes, and local step-up transformers—we must also leave room for the testing and development of new technologies, processes, equipment, and materials.

“We must widely draw on the advanced experiences of relevant organizations and enterprises, while fully considering China’s vast and diverse geographical characteristics.” We must focus on a distributed development approach, considering the integration of photovoltaic power generation with technologies like microgrids and energy storage. Additionally, we need to define and standardize new application scenarios, such as mined-out areas, water surfaces, agriculture, forestry, and existing buildings. Carefully study the relevant domestic standards currently in place, ensure proper coordination with existing standards, and avoid any contradictions or overlaps. “Wang Yi said.”

The revision working group stated that it will finalize the new version as soon as possible. "The framework structure and key thematic directions of the 'Standard' have been finalized, along with the revision outline and a detailed work schedule, ensuring accelerated progress while simultaneously advancing all related tasks in parallel."

According to the revised working group's preliminary timeline, the new one is expected to "The standard" will complete its revision and approval process within approximately one year.

It is reported that, "Once the 'standardization' revision is complete, the corresponding work on revising construction and acceptance criteria for photovoltaic power plants will also begin."