DAY 17: PERFORMING PV SYSTEM TESTING - Full title: “An act to ordain and institute a

AND COMMISSIONING national building code of the Philippines”

b. Republic Act No. 7920 - mandates the use
UNIT 1: COMMISSIONING THE PV SYSTEM
of Philippine Electrical Code as basis for
LESSON 1: COMMISSIONING electrical works
c. ERC Resolution No. 115, Series of 2001 -
 Commissioning refers to the process in which a The Philippines distribution code
machine or system is put in operation. It d. ERC Resolution No. 9, Series of 2013
involves: - Rules enabling the net-metering program for
- Final checks renewable energy (so-called “Net- metering
- Verifying compliance with PEC Rules”)
requirements - Note: The Net-Metering Interconnection
- Testing the PV system Standard is included in this resolution
 Testing refers to the procedures performed on  Equipment Procurement and Installation
the components to diagnose errors in a. IEC 61215 (2005)
installation, as well as measure baseline - Crystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules –
performance of the system. Testing is not Design qualification and type approval
limited to the commissioning process; it can be b. IEC 61646
conducted before installation and during - Thin-film terrestrial PV modules – Design
periodic maintenance. qualification and type approval
 Commissioning is conducted immediately after c. IEC 61730
installation and before the system is turned over - PV module safety qualification
to the owner/client. d. IEC 61701 (2011) 2nd Edition
- Salt mist corrosion testing of PV module
TOPIC 1: BASIC TASKS IN
- Note: This standard should be considered for
COMMISSIONING
a solar PV project located in a coastal area.
 These are the basic tasks involved in e. IEC 61683 (1999)
commissioning (Gleason, 2009): - PV system – Power conditioners –
1. Verifying that the installation is complete. Procedure for measuring efficiency
2. Verifying compliance with electrical code f. ERC Resolution No. 09, Series of 2013
requirements. - Rules enabling the net-metering programme
3. Conducting electrical verification tests: for renewable energy (so-called “Net-
- Continuity metering Rules”)
- Voltage-current g. ERC Resolution No. 115, Series of 2001
- Polarity - The Philippines distribution code
4. Verifying that the installation is aesthetically  Grid Connection
acceptable. a. Republic Act No. 9513 (2008)
5. Verifying that all components of the installation - Renewable Energy Act of 2008
are robust and permanent. - Full title: “An act promoting the
6. Completing system documentation. development, utilization, and
7. Verifying system performance. commercialization of renewable energy
8. Verifying proper system operation. resources and for other purposes”
b. Department Circular (DOE) No. 2009-07-
TOPIC 2: CODES AND STANDARDS FOR 0011
COMPLIANCE - Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)
Codes and standards for compliance of Small of Republic Act no. 9513
Solar Photovoltaic Project Development in the c. IERC Resolution No. 09, Series of 2013
Philippines (GIZ, 2014) - Rules enabling the net-metering programme
for renewable energy (so-called “Net-
 System Sizing and Design metering Rules”)
a. Republic Act No. 6541 (1972) - National d. ERC Resolution No. 115, Series of 2001
Building Code of the Philippines - The Philippines Distribution Code
  Further Requirements for Commissioning
Grid-Tie PV Systems
- LGU Certificate of Final Electrical
Inspection
- Distribution Utility Connection Agreement
- Certificate of Compliance (CoC) from the
Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)
LESSON 2: VERIFYING THE DESIGN AND
INSTALLATION
 Verifying the design and installation is a
standard operating procedure prior to the
commissioning of the PV system. In this lesson,
you will learn the tasks in performing the final
installation checkout -- including the
accomplishment of the installation data sheet.
This lesson also covers the labels and markings
required for safety compliance.
TOPIC 1: FINAL INSTALLATION
CHECKOUT AND VISUAL INSPECTION
 Visual Inspection
a. Design Match – checking if the installation
matches the electrical plan.
b. Compliance to Safety and Electrical
Codes
c. Errors in Installation
d. Physical Damage
 Tasks in the Final Checkout include
(Seaward Electronic Ltd. 2021, n.d.):
o Verifying that all structural and
electrical components are properly
installed and secured
o Verifying that all components are
installed in a neat and workmanlike
manner, including wire management
practices
o Verifying proper connections and
terminations, including terminal torque
specifications
o Verifying that all required system and
equipment labels, marking and placards
are correct and in the proper locations
o Verifying that any calibrations or
adjustments for inverters, charge
controllers or other equipment are
properly set or programmed
o Verifying that all disconnects are open,
fuses are removed and lockout/tagout
procedures are in place
o Identifying and completing any
unresolved items
o Completing site clean-up and restoring
site to original conditions
 Installation Checklist
- document used as a reference to ensure that all
PV system components have been installed
properly
TOPIC 2: LABELS AND MARKINGS
Labels and markings are required in all electrical
systems, including PV systems.
 Standard Electrical Safety Labels
a. Electrical Panel Labels
b. Voltage Rating Levels
c. Electrical Hazard Labels
d. High Voltage Labels
e. Electrical Equipment Labels
f. High Voltage Lockout Labels
 Required Markings for Photovoltaic Systems
(Philippine Electrical Code, 2017)
a. 6.90.1.5 Ground-Fault Protection
- (c) Labels and Markings. Labels and
markings shall be applied near the ground-
fault indicator at a visible location stating
that if a ground fault is indicated, the
normally grounded conductors may be
energized and ungrounded.
b. 6.90.2.1 Maximum Voltage
(e) Bipolar Source and Output Circuits. For
2-wire circuits connected to bipolar systems,
the maximum system voltage shall be the
highest voltage between the conductors of
the 2-wire circuit if all of the following
conditions apply:
(1) One conductor of each circuit is solidly
grounded.
(2) Each circuit is connected to a separate
subarray.
(3) The equipment is clearly marked with a label
as follows:
WARNING
BIPOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY.
DISCONNECTION OF NEUTRAL OR GROUNDED
CONDUCTORS’ MAY RESULT IN OVERVOLTAGE
ON ARRAY OR INVERTER.
c. 6.90.2.4 Stand-Alone Systems
 - (c) Single 120-Volt Supply. The inverter
output of a stand-alone solar photovoltaic
system shall be permitted to supply 120
volts to single-phase, 3-wire, 120/240-volt
service equipment or distribution panels
where there are no 240-volt outlets and
where there are no multiwire branch circuits.
In all installations, the rating of the
overcurrent device connected to the output
of the inverter shall be less than the rating of
the neutral bus in the service equipment.
This equipment shall be marked with the
following words or equivalent:
WARNING
SINGLE 120-VOLT SUPPLY. DO NOT CONNECT
MULTIWIRE BRANCH CIRCUITS
d. 6.90.3.2 Additional Provisions
- (c) Requirements for Disconnecting Means.
- (2) Marking. Each photovoltaic system
disconnecting means shall be permanently
marked to identify it as a photovoltaic
system disconnect.
e. 6.90.3.5 Switch or Circuit Breaker.
- Where all terminals of the disconnecting
means may be energized in the open
position, a warning sign shall be mounted on
or adjacent to the disconnecting means. The
sign shall be clearly legible and shall read
substantially:
WARNING
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD
DO NOT TOUCH TERMINALS TERMINALS ON
BOTH THE LINE AND LOAD SIDES MAY BE
ENERGIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
f. 6.90.4.5 Ungrounded Photovoltaic Power
Systems
- (f) The photovoltaic power source shall be
labeled with the following warning at each
junction box, combiner box, disconnect, and
device where the ungrounded circuits may
be exposed during service:
WARNING
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD. THE DIRECT
CURRENT CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS OF THIS
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEM ARE
UNGROUNDED BUT MAY BE ENERGIZED WITH
RESPECT TO GROUND DUE TO LEAKAGE PATHS
AND/OR GROUND FAULTS.
g. 6.90.6.1 Modules
- Modules shall be marked with identification
of terminals or leads as to polarity,
maximum overcurrent device rating for
module protection, and with the following
ratings:
1. Open-circuit voltage
2. Operating voltage
3. Maximum permissible system voltage
4. Operating current
5. Short-circuit current, and
6. Maximum power
h. 6.90.6.2 Alternating-Current Photovoltaic
Modules
- Alternating - current modules shall be
marked with identification of terminals or
leads, and with identification of the
following rating:
- (1) Nominal operating ac voltage
- (2) Nominal operating ac frequency
- (3) Maximum ac power
- (4) Maximum ac current, and
- (5) Maximum overcurrent device rating for
ac module protection.
i. 6.90.6.3 Direct-Current Photovoltaic Power
Source
- A marking for the direct-current
photovoltaic power source indicating items
(1) through (4) shall be provided by the
installer at an accessible location at the
disconnecting means for this power source:
- (1) Operating current
- (2) Operating voltage
- (3) Maximum system voltage (4) Short-
circuit current
- FPN: Reflecting systems used for irradiance
enhancement may result in increased levels
of output current and power.
j. 6.90.6.4 Interactive System Point of
Interconnection
- All interactive system(s) points of
interconnection with other sources shall be
marked at an accessible location at the
disconnecting means as a power source with
the maximum ac output operating current
and the operating ac voltage.
k. 6.90.6.5 Photovoltaic Power Systems
Employing Energy Storage
- Photovoltaic power systems employing
energy storage shall also be marked with the
 maximum operating voltage, including any
equalization voltage and the polarity of the
grounded circuit conductor.
L. 6.90.6.6 Identification of Power Sources
- (a) Facilities with Stand-Alone Systems.
Any structure or building with a
photovoltaic power system that is not
connected to a utility service source and is a
stand-alone system shall have a permanent
plaque or directory installed on the exterior
of the building or structure
- at a readily visible location acceptable to the
authority having jurisdiction. The plaque or
directory shall indicate the location of
system disconnecting means and that the
structure contains a stand- alone electrical
power system.
- (b) Facilities with Utility Services and PV
Systems. Buildings or structures with both
utility service and a photovoltaic system
shall have a permanent plaque or directory
providing the location of the service
disconnecting means and the photovoltaic
system disconnecting means, if not located
at the same location.
LESSON 3: COMMON TESTING METHODS FOR
PV SYSTEMS
TOPIC 1: CONTINUITY AND
RESISTANCE TESTING
 Continuity and resistance testing is done to
verify that the grounding and bonding of
electrical systems work.
 Bonding and grounding systems protect against
electrocution and ground faults that could be
fatal to humans and animals.
 Low resistance means continuity of electrical
currents.
 When wire insulations are damaged or exposed,
the current is diverted to the low resistance
ground path which then triggers the fuse or
circuit breaker, avoiding the human body.
 DIGITAL MULTIMETER
 ANALOG MULTIMETER
TOPIC 2: POLARITY TESTING
 Polarity testing is done to ensure that the
conductors in an electrical circuit are connected
properly so that the electrical current will flow
in the right direction. Specifically, the current
that flows in negative and positive wires of DC
circuits.
 Having reverse polarity in a PV system can
cause component and/or circuit damage.
 What do we test for polarity?
o Battery to inverter conductor (off-grid,
hybrid)
o Solar panel to inverter conductor (grid-
tie, hybrid)
o Solar panel to charge controller
conductor (off-grid)
o Battery to charge controller conductor
(off-grid)
o DC loads (off-grid)
 DIGITAL MULTIMETER
 CLAMP METER
TOPIC 3: VOLTAGE AND CURRENT
TESTING
 Voltage and current testing are conducted
prior to commissioning to verify that
components are operating within the standard
operating range.
 Open-Circuit Voltage Testing
- measures the voltage or potential of a
component even when it is not connected to
a complete electrical circuit. Open circuit
voltage (Voc) represents the full voltage
capacity of a source.
What components do we test?
- Solar panels
- Batteries
 PV Array Current Testing
- Current testing is done to verify that the
amperage output of the PV array is within
the standard operating range given the
lighting conditions.
LESSON 4: COMMISSIONING THE PV SYSTEM
TOPIC 1: COMMISSIONING GRID-TIE
PV SYSTEMS
Use:
 Multimeter
 DC and AC Clamp meter
  Commissioning Checklist
TOPIC 2: COMMISSIONING OFF-GRID
SYSTEMS
Use:
 DC and AC Clamp Meter
 Commissioning Checklist
TOPIC 3: COMMISSIONING HYBRID PV
SYSTEMS
Use:
 Multimeter
 DC and AC Clamp Meter
 Commissioning Checklist
LESSON 5: POST-COMMISSIONING TESTS
 When commissioned or put into operation, it is
expected that a PV system will experience
system losses in power and energy production.
These losses can be due to the following:
o Varying weather conditions
o Inverter efficiency
o Wiring
o Module mismatch
o Soiling
o Age of the system
 The PV system should be monitored for its
power output and energy production to maintain
optimum operation.
TOPIC 1: VERIFYING POWER AND
ENERGY PRODUCTION
 AC Energy Production is measured over periods
of time - daily, monthly, total yield since
operation. Energy production can depend on the
following:
- Array size;
- Solar energy resource;
- Array operating temperatures;
- Inverter efficiency;
- Maximum power point tracking;
- System losses
TOPIC 2: OTHER TESTS
 Power Quality Analysis
- This test measures various parameters of a
PV system to diagnose issues with load or to
provide baseline measurements. Some of
these parameters include:
o Voltage
o Amperage
o Frequency
o Fluctuations (sags and surges in voltage)
o Harmonic currents
o Waveform
Power analyzers, digital multimeters, and oscilloscopes
are used to perform this analysis.
 Inverter Efficiency Tests
- Inverter efficiency tests measure the ratio of
direct current (DC) that an inverter can
convert into alternating current (AC). This
test involves measuring the DC power input
and AC power output at the inverter
terminals using a multimeter, voltmeter, or
power analyzer.
 Thermal Imaging
- This measurement uses Infrared
Thermography to diagnose problems with
PV arrays. Using thermal imaging cameras,
this test can detect overheating and thermal
gradients in PV panels.
 Shading Analysis
- This test measures the worst-case altitude
and azimuth angles from a point or angle in
the array. A scale image is drawn which
shows which portions of the array are
obstructed by shading. Nowadays, shading
analysis can be done using modern devices
and software programs.
UNIT 2: COMPLETING THE COMMISSIONING
OF THE PV SYSTEM
LESSON 1: DOCUMENTING THE PV SYSTEM
Upon commissioning, it is important to provide
the client with the documentation of the PV system.
This lets them know that the installation was performed
correctly and provides them with the knowledge on basic
system components, information on design and
installation, and operation & maintenance requirements.
UNIT 1: COMPONENTS OF THE
COMMISSIONING DOCUMENT
 General Information
- Name of the System Owner
- Contact phone number of owner
- Email address, if any.
- Site Address
- System capacity
- Date of commission
- Contractor/Installer
 Basis of Design
- Site Layout
- Electrical Plan
 Installation Data Sheet
 Installation Checkout
- Contains the important information about
- This part of the commissioning document
the major component of the system.
contains information about the condition and
performance of the major components and
the balance of system components during
the time that the PV system was put in
commission.
 Commissioning Test Reports and Verification
Data
- This part of the commissioning document
contains information on relevant electrical
parameters particular to PV system
components.
 Operation & Maintenance Requirements
- This part of the commissioning document
lets your client know what maintenance
activities they should perform or services
they need to hire to keep the system running
in good shape.
 Acceptance
- This part signifies that the system has been
commissioned, is in good condition, and has
been accepted by the client. Ideally, this is
signed by the two parties involved in the
installation: the contractor/foreman and the
client.

TOPIC 2: PREPARING THE

COMMISSIONING DOCUMENTS

 Documenting the System Inspection

(NABCEP, 2017)
1. Verify that the site layout includes the location of
major components.
2. Verify that the electrical plan includes information on
electrical components, wiring methods, and electrical
connection to the utility service.
3. Verify string sizing for compatibility with the inverter - Inverter Efficiency
or other power conditioning unit.
4. Include specification sheets for major components.
TOPIC 2: MAINTENANCE
 Quantify and Report Deviations of the
System from Design Documents and
Applicable Codes and Standards (NABCEP,
2017)
1. Report any deviation from the manufacturer's
specifications.
2. Report any code violations.
3. Report any deviation from submitted design
documentation.
4. Include photos, measurements, technical documents,
code references.

TOPIC 3: TROUBLESHOOTING
LESSON 2: MONITORING, OPERATION, AND
MAINTENANCE
TOPIC 1: MONITORING

 A well-maintained photovoltaic system will

produce electricity for about 25 years before it is
decommissioned. To be able to maintain a PV
system, it must be monitored regularly by the
end-user. One cannot simply expect a PV system
to be in tip-top shape all the time. There are two
types of monitoring.

 What to Monitor in PV Systems?

- Physical Condition of Mechanical and
Electrical Components
- Voltage
- Amperage
- Frequency
- Fluctuations (sags and surges in voltage)
- Harmonic currents
- Waveform