Standardization of data sheet and nameplate specifications of photovoltaic modules

Optimal design of PV power plants requires power values or energy output from PV modules in different configurations. The choice of an optimal protection concept requires information, e.g. regarding permissible system voltage or protection class. The only help for a customer or a design engineer are accompanying data sheets and nameplate specifications. It is necessary to include all important informations for an easy design of an optimal and safe photovoltaic power system. This situation was the starting point for a joint effort group of industry, research institutes and electric utilities at the German Electrotechnical Commission (DKE) to standardize minimum information in data sheets and nameplates of photovoltaic modules. This contribution summarizes some important points of the newly completed standard "data sheet and nameplate specifications of photovoltaic modules".