IEEE approves standard for connecting fuel cells, photovoltaics to grid

PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - The IEEE has approved a new standard that will help users understand the technical background and application details of IEEE Std 1547, "Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems."

The new standard, IEEE 1547.2, "Application Guide for IEEE 1547, Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems," is intended to support the understanding of the IEEE 1547™ standard, which provides the technical framework necessary to bring surplus energy from fuel cells, photovoltaics, microturbines and other local generating technologies into a national grid.

The IEEE 1547 Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems was approved by the IEEE Standards Board in June 2003 and reaffirmed in 2008. The USA Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 calls for state commissions to consider certain standards for electric utilities. Section 1254 of the act reads: "Interconnection services shall be offered based upon the standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers: IEEE Standard 1547 for Interconnecting Distributed Resources With Electric Power Systems, as they may be amended from time to time."

The IEEE 1547 standards are sponsored by the IEEE Standards Coordinating Committee on Fuel Cells, Photovoltaics, Dispersed Generation, and Energy Storage (IEEE SCC21).