Overall efficiency of grid connected photovoltaic inverters

This European Standard provides a procedure for the measurement of the efficiency of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of inverters, which are used in grid-connected photovoltaic systems. In that case the inverter energizes a low voltage grid with rated AC voltage and rated frequency. Both the static
and dynamic MPPT efficiency is considered.

Gesamtwirkungsgrad von Photovoltaik-Wechselrichtern

Efficacité globale des onduleurs photovoltaïques raccordés au réseau

Celovita učinkovitost fotonapetostnih razsmernikov - Dopolnilo AA

Ta evropski standard zagotavlja postopek za merjenje učinkovitosti sledenja maksimalni moči (MPPT) razsmernikov, ki se uporabljajo v omrežju povezanih fotonapetostnih sistemov. V tem primeru razsmernik napaja nizkonapetostno omrežje z nazivno izmenično napetostjo in nazivno frekvenco. Upoštevani sta statična in dinamična učinkovitost MPPT. Na osnovi statične učinkovitosti MPPT in učinkovitosti pretvorbe se izračuna celovita učinkovitost razsmernika. Dinamična učinkovitost MPPT je prikazana ločeno.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
19-Mar-2013
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
19-Mar-2013
Due Date
24-May-2013
Completion Date
20-Mar-2013

Relations

Effective Date
10-May-2011

Overview

SIST EN 50530:2011/A1:2013 is a European standard developed by CLC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) that specifies the methodology for determining the overall efficiency of grid connected photovoltaic (PV) inverters. The standard focuses on both the conversion efficiency of inverters and their Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) performance under various test conditions. It provides detailed guidelines on test setups, measurement procedures, and calculations to ensure consistent and reliable efficiency evaluation of PV inverters in solar energy systems.

Published initially in 2010 and amended in 2013, this standard supports manufacturers, testing laboratories, and end-users by standardizing how to quantify inverter efficiencies, critical for optimizing the energy yield of photovoltaic installations.

Key Topics

  • MPPT Efficiency
    The standard distinguishes between static and dynamic MPPT efficiency:

    • Static MPPT efficiency measures the accuracy of setting the inverter’s operating point to the maximum power point under steady conditions.
    • Dynamic MPPT efficiency evaluates inverter response to fluctuations in solar irradiance, simulating real outdoor conditions.
  • Conversion Efficiency
    Conversion efficiency assesses how effectively the inverter converts DC power from the PV array to usable AC power connected to the grid.

  • Test Procedures

    • Test sequences simulate irradiance fluctuations using PV simulators, with measurements at inverter terminals ensuring precise voltage and current data.
    • Stabilization periods are defined to allow the inverter's MPPT algorithms to settle before data recording.
    • Temperature control (25 °C ± 5 °C) during testing ensures repeatability and accuracy.
  • Calculation Methods
    The standard prescribes formulae for computing weighted overall efficiencies considering various power and voltage levels and applying weighting factors based on European (EUR) and California Energy Commission (CEC) standards.

  • PV Generator Models
    EN 50530 includes guidance on modeling PV generator characteristics for MPPT testing, using parameters that reflect different PV technologies such as crystalline silicon modules.

Applications

  • Solar Energy Engineering
    The standard is fundamental for ensuring solar inverters meet performance criteria, which directly influence the energy yield, reliability, and economic viability of photovoltaic systems.

  • Product Testing & Certification
    Manufacturers and independent test laboratories use EN 50530 to validate inverter performance, enabling compliance with market regulations and quality assurance benchmarks.

  • Grid Integration
    Utility companies and system integrators rely on standardized inverter efficiency data to design and manage solar installations that conform to grid codes and maximize grid stability.

  • Research & Development
    R&D teams leverage this standard for benchmarking new inverter technologies, enhancing MPPT algorithms, and improving power conversion processes.

Related Standards

  • IEC 61683 (replaced in this version)
    Previously referenced for measuring power conditioning efficiency in PV systems, EN 50530 supersedes IEC 61683 for inverter overall efficiency testing.

  • CENELEC and CEN Internal Regulations
    Govern the adoption and national implementation of the standard across European member countries, ensuring harmonized technical requirements.

  • Standards on PV System Components
    EN 50530 complements other standards focusing on PV modules, converters, and balance-of-system components to provide a comprehensive framework for photovoltaic system performance.


By adhering to SIST EN 50530:2011/A1:2013, stakeholders in the photovoltaic industry can accurately assess inverter efficiency, enabling optimized system design, improved energy production, and consistent product quality aligned with international best practices.

Standard

SIST EN 50530:2011/A1:2013

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Frequently Asked Questions

SIST EN 50530:2011/A1:2013 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Overall efficiency of grid connected photovoltaic inverters". This standard covers: This European Standard provides a procedure for the measurement of the efficiency of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of inverters, which are used in grid-connected photovoltaic systems. In that case the inverter energizes a low voltage grid with rated AC voltage and rated frequency. Both the static and dynamic MPPT efficiency is considered.

This European Standard provides a procedure for the measurement of the efficiency of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of inverters, which are used in grid-connected photovoltaic systems. In that case the inverter energizes a low voltage grid with rated AC voltage and rated frequency. Both the static and dynamic MPPT efficiency is considered.

SIST EN 50530:2011/A1:2013 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 27.160 - Solar energy engineering. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

SIST EN 50530:2011/A1:2013 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 50530:2011. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

SIST EN 50530:2011/A1:2013 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Gesamtwirkungsgrad von Photovoltaik-WechselrichternEfficacité globale des onduleurs photovoltaïques raccordés au réseauOverall efficiency of grid connected photovoltaic inverters27.160Solar energy engineeringICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 50530:2010/A1:2013SIST EN 50530:2011/A1:2013en,fr,de01-april-2013SIST EN 50530:2011/A1:2013SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50530/A1 NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM March 2013
CENELEC European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels
© 2013 CENELEC -
All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 50530:2010/A1:2013 E
ICS 27.160
English version
Overall efficiency of grid connected photovoltaic inverters
Efficacité globale des onduleurs photovoltaïques raccordés au réseau
Gesamtwirkungsgrad von Photovoltaik-Wechselrichtern
This amendment A1 modifies the European Standard EN 50530:2010; it was approved by CENELEC on 2012-12-24. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this amendment the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This amendment exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Foreword This document (EN 50530:2010/A1:2013) has been prepared by CLC/TC 82 "Solar photovoltaic energy systems". The following dates are fixed: • latest date by which this document has to be implemented at national level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2013-12-24 • latest date by which the national standards conflicting with this document have to be withdrawn (dow) 2015-12-24 Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. SIST EN 50530:2011/A1:2013

– 3 – EN 50530:2010/A1:2013
2 Normative references Delete the following reference: EN 61683, Photovoltaic systems – Power conditioners – Procedure for measuring efficiency (IEC 61683) 3 Terms and definitions In 3.1.6, replace the note by the following: If this value is not specified by the manufacturer, it can be defined as PDC,r = PAC,r / conv,r, in which conv,r is the conversion efficiency at rated DC voltage. If the rated conversion efficiency is not specified, it shall be measured. 4 MPPT and conversion efficiencies 4.1 General description In the 1st paragraph, replace the two first sentences by the following: The MPPT efficiency describes the accuracy of an inverter to set its operating conditions to match the maximum power point on the characteristic curve of a PV generator. The MPPT efficiency is divided into the static and dynamic conditions. As with inverters with poor MPPT performance, the resulting DC input voltage is different from MPP voltage and conversion efficiency depends on DC input voltage, measurements of static MPPT efficiency and static power conversion efficiency according to 4.3 shall be performed simultaneously (detailed explanation in the informative Annex F). 4.2 Test set-up Replace Figure 1 by the following:
Replace the note by the following: For the conversion efficiency, the DC and AC voltages shall be measured as close as possible to the inverter terminals. For MPPT efficiency, the DC voltage shall be measured as close as possible to the PV simulator. For combined conversion and MPPT efficiency measurements, two voltage PV-Simulator EUT AC Grid SIST EN 50530:2011/A1:2013

measurements will be required at the output of the PVS and the DC input of the EUT, in order to avoid measurement errors resulting from the voltage drop between the PVS and the EUT.
4.3 Static MPPT efficiency Replace the title of 4.3 by the following: 4.3 Conversion and static MPPT efficiency 4.3.1 Test conditions for the static MPPT efficiency Replace the title of 4.3.1 by the following: 4.3.1 Test conditions
Replace the 1st paragraph by the following: The measurement of the conversion and static MPPT efficiency shall be performed simultaneously with test specifications as defined in Table 1. Delete the note. Replace the title of Table 1 by the following Table 1 – Test specifications for the conversion and static MPPT efficiency In Table 1, add the following row before the table footnotes: The MPP voltages at the different test conditions (UMPPmax, UDC,r, UMPPmin) shall be kept constant during the test for each power level. Replace the last paragraph by the following:
The measurement should be performed at an ambient temperature of 25 °C ± 5 °C. Other ambient temperatures can be mutually agreed. The actual ambient temperature shall be specified in the test report. 4.3.2 Measurement procedure Replace the text between NOTE 2 and NOTE 3 by the following: The measuring time for each test condition as specified in Table 1 amounts to 10 min. For the first power level of each MPP voltage setting, the stabilisation of the MPPT-tracker has to be awaited. If a stabilisation cannot be observed a stabilisation time of at least 5 min is defined.
After a change of the power level a general stabilisation period of 2 min should be used. Data recorded during the stabilisation periods are not to be considered for the calculation of the static MPPT and conversion efficiency. After the stabilisation of the MPP tracking the following parameters have to be logged: – PMPP,PVS; – PDC; – UMPP,PVS; – IMPP,PVS; – IDC; – PAC. Replace "NOTE 3" and "NOTE 4" by "NOTE 2" and "NOTE 3" respectively. SIST EN 50530:2011/A1:2013

– 5 – EN 50530:2010/A1:2013
4.3.3 Evaluation – Calculation of static MPPT efficiency Replace the title of 4.3.3 by the following: 4.3.3 Evaluation – Ca
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