In order to design and install PV systems from which to collect data, financial resources must first be established through rebates, green pricing, and other avenues of funding. Quality control is critical to the success of a PV buildings market in Florida. Throughout this program, FSEC is helping to improve and manage the quality of rooftop applications, including component hardware, system design configurations, and competency levels of installation practitioners. Technical assistance is one important aspect of quality control. It is a many-faceted role that runs the gamut from assisting with site surveys to product specification to offering training programs and periodic system inspections and troubleshooting.
Information gathering involves performance monitoring and data collection.
This includes remote monitoring via a data acquisition system on site, as well as the collection of information on the costs for maintenance and repairs. Learning and improving is an ongoing task, which will eventually help the seeds of a viable PV industry take root and grow. A major challenge of this program is handling the large volume of data and information that is being gathered so that all stakeholders and interested parties can learn and benefit from it. FSEC's web site provides ready access to component and system performance data, analyses and evaluations, technical reports, lessons learned and recommendations.