Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards portfolio includes hundreds of industry-driven consensus standards in a broad range of technologies and applications, including photovoltaic (PV) systems and integration with the utility grid.  The IEEE global outreach drives the functionality, capabilities and interoperability of a wide range of products and services that transform the way people live, work and communicate.

Solar ABCs Activities with IEEE

The Solar ABCs is currently involved with the IEEE Standards Coordinating Committee 21 on Fuel Cells, Photovoltaics, Dispersed Generation, and Energy Storage (IEEE SCC21). The IEEE SCC21 oversees the development of standards in the areas of fuel cells, PV, dispersed generation, and energy storage and coordinates efforts in these fields among the various IEEE Societies and other affected organizations to ensure that all standards are consistent and properly reflect the views of all applicable disciplines. The IEEE SCC21 systems-level focus is on technology to grid interconnection, integration and impacts, and, Smart Grid interoperability including electric-sourced transportation and energy storage systems. 

PV-specific and systems-level IEEE SCC21 standards include the following (the "P" designation are standards projects that are currently being developed and the others are published):

  • IEEE 1547 - Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems
  • IEEE 1547.1 - Standard for Conformance Tests Procedures for Equipment Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems
  • IEEE 1547.2 - Application Guide for IEEE 1547 Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems
  • IEEE 1547.3 - Guide For Monitoring, Information Exchange, and Control of Distributed Resources Interconnected with Electric Power Systems
  • IEEE 1547.4 - Guide for Design, Operation, and Integration of Distributed Resource Island Systems with Electric Power Systems
  • IEEE 1547.6 - Recommended Practice For Interconnecting Distributed Resources With Electric Power Systems Distribution Secondary Networks
  • IEEE P1547.7 - Draft Guide to Conducting Distribution Impact Studies for Distributed Resource Interconnection
  • IEEE P1547.8 - Recommended Practice for Establishing Methods and Procedures that Provide Supplemental Support for Implementation Strategies for Expanded Use of IEEE Standard 1547
  • IEEE 937 - IEEE Recommended Practice for Installation and Maintenance of Lead-Acid Batteries for Photovoltaic Systems
  • IEEE 1013 - IEEE Recommended Practice for Sizing Lead-Acid Batteries for Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems
  • IEEE 1361 - IEEE Guide for Selection, Charging, Test and Evaluation of Lead-Acid Batteries Used in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems
  • IEEE 1526 - Recommended Practice for Testing the Performance of Stand Alone Photovoltaic Systems
  • IEEE 1561 - Guide for Optimizing the Performance and Life of Lead-Acid Batteries in Remote Hybrid Power Systems
  • IEEE 1562 - Guide for Array and Battery Sizing in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems
  • IEEE 1661 - Guide for Test and Evaluation of Lead-Acid Batteries Used in Photovoltaic (PV) Hybrid Power Systems
  • IEEE 2030 - Guide for Smart Grid Interoperability of Energy Technology and Information Technology Operation with the Electric Power System (EPS), and End-Use Applications and Loads
  • IEEE P2030.1 - Draft Guide for Electric-Sourced Transportation Infrastructure
  • IEEE P2030.2 -Draft Guide for the Interoperability of Energy Storage Systems Integrated with the Electric Power Infrastructure
  • IEEE P2030.3 - Draft Standard for Test Procedures for Electric Energy Storage Equipment and Systems for Electric Power Systems Applications

Access IEEE Standards

The IEEE provides access to all IEEE active, revised, archived, and draft standards. You can find the PV standards by searching "SCC21" at the listing of all IEEE Standards and you may purchase standards from the IEEE Shop, or subscribe to a fee-based subscription service.

Learn about the IEEE Standards Development Process

IEEE standards follow a well-defined path from concept to completion, and are developed using a six-stage process cycle, which includes initiating the project, mobilizing the working group, drafting the standard, balloting the standard, gaining final approval, and maintaining the standard.  IEEE standards are guided by topic oriented Working Groups.  Each Working Group is guided by the Working Group Chair, and the Sponsor following the IEEE Standards Association protocols.  Below is a listing of IEEE photovoltaic (PV) Working Groups, including the scope of their work, list of participants, and existing standards created by this working group: