Photovoltaics: a new standard for systems with storage
The XP C 15-712-3 standard, entitled “Photovoltaic installations with storage devices connected to a distribution network”, sets out best practices for a fast-growing sector.
On February 10, a new voluntary standard for photovoltaic systems equipped with storage devices was published. This is unprecedented: at present, there are no approved French or European standards specifically for photovoltaic systems with storage devices connected to a public distribution grid. This new experimental standard, referenced XP C 15-712-3, fills the gap.
In this case, it completes the series of existing guides on photovoltaic installations:
- UTE C 15-712-1 of July 2013: Photovoltaic installations without storage and connected to the public distribution network;
- UTE C 15-712-2 of July 2013: Stand-alone photovoltaic installations not connected to the public distribution grid with battery storage.
The standard has been drawn up by all those involved in the field of low-voltage electrical installations, and has received the support of those involved in the “Photovoltaic solar energy conversion systems” sector.
A solution to intermittence
The use of photovoltaic generators combined with a storage system (in the form of batteries or hydrogen, in particular) makes it possible to decorrelate electricity production from consumption: in the absence of sunshine, the storage system restores the energy previously accumulated during the sunniest hours, when production was excessive in relation to the consumer’s needs. ” It’s a solution to the problem of intermittent renewable energies ,” sums up Hélène Destruel, standards manager at AFNOR.
These installations with storage are of particular interest in the French islands (Corsica, Antilles, Réunion), where solar resources are significant but the electricity grid is isolated: without interconnection with the mainland, it’s difficult to cope with sudden variations in the correlation between electricity production and consumption. In this case, storage provides valuable smoothing. The development of such installations, encouraged by government tenders, means that the rules for their implementation need to be clarified. This is precisely the purpose of the new standard.
> Order the XP C 15-712-3 standard “Photovoltaic installations with storage devices connected to a distribution network”…
> Join the AFNOR “Electrical Installations” standards committee…
