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Solar ABCs Newsletter
Decmeber 2009
In This Issue
FERC Screen Stakeholder Meeting
On-line Discussion Begins on Solar Access Issues
Solar PV Inverter Communication Project Interest Group
ASTM Begins Work on Glass Standard for Solar Applications
Quick Links
Greetings!
 
Welcome to the December newsletter for the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar ABCs). In this newsletter you will learn about current Solar ABCs projects as well as standard and code activities from other organizations. 

If you want to play an active role in discussion, debate, and the preparation of position statements and policies, contact me and let me know your interest. Also contact me if you have any suggestions for future newsletters or any other comments for Solar ABCs.

Sincerely,

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Larry Sherwood
Project Administrator
Solar America Board for Codes and Standards
FERC Screen Stakeholder Meeting

A stakeholder meeting was held on December 2 to provide scoping for a new Solar ABCs Study Report on Review of FERC's Interconnection Screens.  This study is being conducted to evaluate if there is a need for any updates or revisions to the Federal Energy Regulatory Administration (FERC) Small Generator Interconnection Procedures.  The current procedures are available at the FERC web site. The slides from the stakeholder meeting are available at the Solar ABCs web site.  For more information contact Tommy Cleveland.

On-Line Discussion Begins on Solar Access Issues

Public and private land use regulations can stand in the way of realizing the full potential of solar.  Solar access policies are evolving and can help or inhibit consumers and businesses that are doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint. This blog will provide a discussion forum for those who have an interest in this topic, and hopefully provide suggestions and solutions for resolving conflicts that may arise between community associations, local governments and those who are investing in solar energy.
 
Join the discussion.
Solar PV Inverter Communication Project Interest Group

The Solar PV Inverter Project is focused on developing a specification for the local communication interface to grid-tied PV systems.  The emphasis is on widespread small-scale (i.e. residential) systems.  As such, proposed functions are being evaluated with consideration of how they would be supported over utility AMI systems when large numbers of end devices are involved. 
 
The scope is limited to the communications necessary for integrating these PV systems with utility DER (Distributed Energy Resource) programs.  This means that many other messages may be supported by devices for communication with other entities, but those are not being defined here.  The project is viewed as a first-step toward specifying such an interface and is currently addressing only a base-set of functions that were identified earlier in the project.  The intent is to reference existing standards, only creating new material where gaps exist.  Alignment with the NIST Smart Grid roadmap is considered mandatory, and close coordination with appropriate SDOs is planned.
 
The presentations and notes from the most recent meeting on October 30, together with the attendance list, are available at: ftp://PVCommunication:[email protected]  This link is best used by copying it into "MyNetworkPlaces".  For more information contact Brian K. Seal.

ASTM Begins Work on Glass Standard for Solar Applications

ASTM International new subcommittee E44.20 on Glass for Solar Applications will hold its first meeting on January 20, 2010 at the ASTM Washington, DC office. The focus for the meeting will involve the formation of task groups to begin work on standards for characteristics that affect performance, durability and reliability of glass used in the solar industry. For more information about the subcommittee or to view the agenda, contact E44 Staff Manager Christine DeJong at [email protected] or call 610-832-9736. Register for the E44.20 meeting.