Commercial scale photovoltaic (PV) power plants now can receive certification from UL (Underwriters Laboratories). The PV Power Plant Certificate verifies that the plant complies with criteria based on International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 62446-1 at the time of inspection.
Though the program is targeted to small PV power plants, it is also available to industrial-scale projects up to megawatt-scale projects, according to UL. IEC 62446-1 regards the inspection, testing, documentation, and commissioning of grid-tied PV systems.
The PV plant inspection certificates will be publicly accessible on UL's online directory. Two tiers of assessment include desktop review, field inspection, and different levels of safety and performance testing of the plant's components.
This Quick Read was submitted by Naomi Millán, senior editor, Building Operating Management.
