scope:

This is a sustainability leadership Standard for PV modules and PV inverters. The scope of this Standard includes:

1) PV modules for installation on, or integral with buildings, or to be primarily used as components of free-standing power-generation systems, including, but not necessarily limited to:

- PV cells that generate electric power using solar energy;

- interconnects (materials that conduct electricity between cells);

- encapsulant (insulating material enclosing the cells and cell interconnects);

- superstrate (material forming primary light-facing outer surface) and substrate (material forming back outer surface) (e.g., glass, plastic films);

- wires used to interconnect PV modules and connect junction boxes to the balance of system equipment; and

- frame or integrated mounting mechanism, if present.

The following are not included in the definition of PV module:

- balance of system equipment, such as cabling and mounting structures, equipment intended to accept the electrical output from the array, such as power conditioning units (inverters) and batteries, unless they are contained in the PV module;

- a PV cell that is a part of another device for which it produces the electricity, such as consumer or industrial electronic products (e.g., calculators, lights, textile) where the PV cell primarily provides the energy needed to make the electronic product function; and

- mobile PV cell where the inverter is so integrated with the PV cell that the solar cell requires disassembly before recovery.

2) PV inverters to convert and condition electrical power of a PV module to AC. The PV inverter is all the devices necessary to implement the PV inverter function. If separated devices are required to perform this function, the PV inverter is defined as their sum.

Including, but not limited to:

- PV-string inverters with included maximum power point trackers;

- central inverters;

- micro inverters;

- bi-directional inverters; and

- a combination of a DC optimizer plus the inverter in systems where both are necessary.

The following are not included in the definition of PV inverter (these devices may be included with the PV inverter, but are not in the scope of this Standard):

- PV module;

- cabling and mounting structures;

- external disconnects;

- communication equipment;

- combiners without power conversion or conditioning equipment function;

- batteries and other energy storage components;

- external transformers; and

- other devices not required to perform the PV inverter function.

This Standard establishes measurable criteria for multiple levels of sustainability / environmental leadership achievement and performance throughout the life cycle of the product. This Standard addresses multiple attributes and environmental performance categories, including management of substances, preferable materials use, life cycle assessments (LCAs), energy efficiency and water use, responsible end-of-life (EOL) management, and design for recycling, product packaging, and corporate responsibility.

Purpose

The purpose of this Standard for photovoltaic (PV) modules and PV inverters is to establish product sustainability performance criteria and corporate performance metrics that exemplify sustainability leadership in the market.

The Standard provides a framework and standardized set of performance objectives for manufacturers and the supply chain in the design and manufacture of PV module and PV inverters components. For purchasers, this Standard provides a consensus-based definition of key sustainability attributes and performance metrics, alleviating individual purchasers from the arduous and complex task of defining sustainability performance for PV modules and PV inverters. This Standard can be used within an established system for the identification of sustainability / environmentally preferable products by purchasers, and to provide market recognition for conforming products and brand manufacturers.

This Standard was developed based on the principle that only sustainability leadership products, those in the top-third of the market, are expected to qualify to the Standard at the Bronze level at the date of publication of this Standard. Only a few products are expected to meet the highest performance level (Gold) at the date of publication of this Standard.

This Standard will be continually maintained and periodically reviewed to ensure that the definition of sustainability leadership, as reflected in the performance criteria, progresses with the evolution of technology and services and sustainability/environmental improvements in the product sector.