International and European Standards are critical to support the Ecodesign, Energy Efficiency and Carbon Footprint of Photovoltaics

The European Commission's 'REPowerEU plan', published in May 2022, emphasises the need to increase the rapid deployment of sustainable renewable energy, a context in which photovoltaics are expected to play an important role. There is a wide variety of International (IEC) and European standards (CENELEC) supporting Photovoltaic equipment and systems, including manufacturing, deployment, and connection to the grid.

International and European standards for Photovoltaic component's and systems can be found in the link: https://genorma.com/en/topic/show/243

The catalogue of standards will have to be completed if this legislative proposal from the Commission includes new aspects such as ecodesign, energy efficiency or carbon footprint of PV modules, components and systems.

Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Regulations can support improving the sustainability of PV products. In this context, European and International standards are essential for ensuring the right consideration of current technology and market developments.

The European Commisssion is intending to consider regulatory measures to harmonise users’ habits, preferences and choices related to the purchase, usage, repair and disposal of photovoltaic modules and inverters. Currently the EC's impact assessment is considering many aspects for which a standardised approach is needed:

• Reliable information about performance and energy yield taking into account local climate conditions,
• Durability, resilience and resistance to wear and climate hazards,
• Reparability and ability of the product to be disassembled,
• Recyclability,
• Availability of priority spare parts and product repair information,
• Availability of adequate product servicing by the manufacturer (maintenance, repairs),
• Availability of appropriate information for users/purchasers, installers, repairers, and recyclers,
• Carbon footprint of the manufacturing and shipment phases,
• Energy label to allow comparisons on the efficiencies of products.

The European Commissions's consultation is open until 16 December 2022 and input to the questionnaire can be provided for organizations registered in the EU Transparency Register via the link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12819-Ecodesign-European-Commission-to-examine-need-for-new-rules-on-environmental-impact-of-photovoltaics_en