scope:

This recommended practice provides a procedure to size a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system. Systems considered in this document consist of PV as the only power source and a battery for energy storage. These systems also commonly employ controls to protect the battery from being over- or undercharged and may employ a power conversion subsystem (inverter or converter). The issues of array utilization, battery-charge efficiency, and system losses are also considered in terms of their effect on system sizing. This recommended practice is applicable to all stand-alone PV systems where PV is the only charging source. This document does not include PV hybrid² systems or grid-connected systems. This document is normally intended to be used in conjunction with IEEE Std 1013 when the solar/PV array is paired with a lead-acid battery systems.³ This recommended practice does not include the sizing of the system controller, inverter, wiring, or other system components.

Purpose

The purpose of this recommended practice is to provide procedures to size the PV system according to accepted methods, to improve the performance, cost-effectiveness, and lifetimes of stand-alone PV systems. These procedures are intended to assist designers, manufacturers, system integrators, users, and laboratories with information necessary for sizing, modeling, and evaluating the performance of stand-alone PV systems.

² A remote hybrid power system integrates two or more energy generation sources, a battery for energy storage, and necessary controls for the purpose of supplying electricity to remote loads. The generation sources typically include at least one variable power source (typically a renewable source, such as wind or solar) and at least one dispatchable generator. A typical configuration, for example, might integrate a diesel-powered generator and a PV array with a battery and controls.

³ While IEEE Std 1013 is specific to the sizing of lead-acid batteries in stand-alone PV systems, IEEE Std 1562 can also be used to size the PV array for other battery types/chemistries as well.