| Basic Facts | |
|---|---|
| Client: | Photovoltaic Plants |
| Timeframe: | Since December 2011 |
| Project Location: | Spain |
| Main services: | - Certification of PV installations and components - Energy audits in accordance with Spanish Electricity System Security - |
| Involved regulations/ standards: | - Spanish Operational Procedure PO 12.3 - Spanish Royal Decrees RD 1565/2010 and RD 436/2004 |
Initial situation and requirements
To guarantee the financial stability of the electricity system, a Spanish Royal Decree from 2009-2010 adopted urgent measures and implemented changes in the local energy sector, especially within the security system set up to avoid breakdowns. In support of Spanish Electricity System Security, Royal Decree RD 1565/2010 was published in November 2010, stipulating that photovoltaic plants with over 2 MW of power be required to comply with the Spanish Operational Procedure PO 12.3 in regard to voltage dips.
Power dips are short drops in voltage within an electric system. When voltage dips occur in photovoltaic installations, power drops further down the distribution stream, affecting even individual homes, may be experienced. To prevent such sudden disconnections and ensure continuity of supply, PV plants are required to comply with guidelines set out in the requirements from the Royal Decree RD 436/2004. More generally, the aim is to ensure that PV plants remain connected to the electrical system even in cases of voltage dips.
About TÜV Rheinland
Founded 140 years ago, TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, ensuring quality and safety for people, the environment, and technology in nearly all aspects of life.
We inspect technical equipment, products and services, oversee projects and help to shape processes for companies around the world. Since 2006 we have been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption.
As the global market leader for the testing and certification of solar systems, we first started laboratory-scale technical testing of solar components back in 1985. Our network of experts for the solar industry now comprises more than 200 specialists worldwide.
Solutions, results
To ensure compliance with the Spanish royal requirements, it is necessary for local photovoltaic plants and installations to obtain an official Certificate of Conformity issued by an accredited body. As the first inspection body awarded this accreditation in Spain, TÜV Rheinland stood as the best-qualified partner to help many local photovoltaic plants comply with all requirements and ensure their facility reliability and continuity of operations.
As an internationally leading testing service provider for the solar industry, our experts offer certification services both for PV installations and components. Energy audits are also conducted, in accordance with Spanish Electricity System Security, to ensure compliance with all imposed regulations and decrees. Upon completion of the audit, we can provide the Certificate of Conformity.
| Royal Decrees come in fourth place in the hierarchy of Spanish laws after the Constitution, International treaties and the Organic Law. They are part of laws stemming from the executive power, which has its own hierarchy based upon the function of the body that made them. |
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Benefits for the client
Spanish owners of photovoltaic plants and installations who selected TÜV Rheinland for inspection and certification services could benefit from:
- An officially accredited body delivering Certificates of Conformity.
- Assurance that all PV plants and components conform and comply according to the latest local regulations.
- Photovoltaicant plsable to withstand voltage dips at the point of connection to the network.
- The guarantee of a continuous electricity supply to end users in case of voltage dips.