IEC TS 61724-2-2016 PDF

Full title and description

Photovoltaic system performance - Part 2: Capacity evaluation method — IEC TS 61724-2:2016. This Technical Specification defines a standardized procedure to measure and analyse the power production of a specific grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system over a short test period with the objective of evaluating the system's capacity and the quality of its power performance compared to expected output.

Abstract

IEC TS 61724-2:2016 provides a framework test method for comparing measured instantaneous power and short-term production from a PV system against the predicted performance for similar conditions. The procedure is intended for application during a short period (typically a few relatively sunny days) to support capacity evaluation, contractual acceptance testing and verification of on-site performance, including handling of measurement uncertainty and data quality.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / replaced (superseded by IEC TS 61724-2:2025).
• Publication date: 4 October 2016 (Edition 1.0).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 27.160 (Solar energy engineering).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2016).
• Number of pages: 27 pages.

Scope

This Technical Specification applies to grid-connected PV systems comprising at least one inverter and associated hardware. It specifies a short-duration test and analysis procedure to evaluate a system’s capacity (power performance) in conditions where output is not constrained by AC-limitations. The document establishes how to define test boundaries, select and document meteorological and PV inputs, collect and check measured data, estimate uncertainty, and compare measured power against expected power for the same test conditions.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of test purpose, duration and boundaries for capacity/capability checks (short-term, typically 3–5 days).
• Requirements for measured inputs (electrical power, irradiance, temperature, ancillary sensors) and acceptable sensor characteristics and placement.
• Procedures for calculating predicted power for the test period (model inputs and assumptions) and aligning prediction boundaries with the measured system boundary.
• Data quality checks, identification and treatment of erroneous or unavailable data, and rules for data substitution or exclusion.
• Uncertainty assessment methods associated with measured and predicted values and treatment of uncertainty in final comparisons.
• Acceptance/performance comparison metrics to evaluate measured versus expected power and reporting requirements for test results.
• Guidance on conditions when the test is valid (e.g., unconstrained inverter output, suitable irradiance conditions) and on documenting limiting factors.

Typical use and users

This Technical Specification is used by PV test laboratories, independent performance engineers, EPC contractors, plant owners/operators, asset managers, financiers and quality assurance teams for acceptance testing, short-term capacity verification, contractual performance guarantee checks, commissioning support and dispute resolution related to array/system power capability.

Related standards

Key related documents in the IEC 61724 series and adjacent work include: IEC 61724-1 (Photovoltaic system performance — Part 1: Monitoring), which defines monitoring principles and performance indicators; IEC TS 61724-3 (Part 3: Energy evaluation method) for energy-based evaluation; earlier IEC 61724 (1998) which this series replaces; and the updated IEC TS 61724-2:2025 edition which supersedes the 2016 Technical Specification.

Keywords

photovoltaic, PV, capacity evaluation, power performance, IEC 61724-2, commissioning, acceptance test, irradiance, performance verification, uncertainty, monitoring

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TS 61724-2:2016 is a Technical Specification titled "Photovoltaic system performance — Part 2: Capacity evaluation method" that defines a short-duration test procedure for evaluating the power capacity and short-term performance of grid-connected PV systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the method to collect and check measured power and meteorological data, how to define test boundaries, how to calculate predicted power for the same conditions, how to assess uncertainty and data quality, and how to compare measured versus expected power to evaluate system capacity.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Users include commissioning and test engineers, independent performance test laboratories, EPC contractors, plant owners and operators, asset managers, financiers and anyone needing a short-term verified capacity assessment or contractual performance check of a PV system.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC TS 61724-2:2016 was published on 4 October 2016 (Edition 1.0). It has been superseded by a later edition, IEC TS 61724-2:2025; the 2016 Technical Specification is therefore withdrawn/replaced (withdrawal effective date recorded as 22 September 2025). As of 26 February 2026 the 2016 edition is superseded and users should consult the 2025 edition for the latest technical requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEC 61724 series on photovoltaic system performance. Other parts include IEC 61724-1 (Monitoring) and IEC TS 61724-3 (Energy evaluation method), along with earlier IEC 61724 family documents that together address monitoring, energy evaluation and capacity/power performance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Photovoltaic, PV, capacity evaluation, power performance, acceptance test, commissioning, irradiance, uncertainty, monitoring, IEC 61724-2.