Photovoltaics ProjectAs a companion to other studies of the standards problem for
photovoltaics, this paper reports results of an institutional analysis
case study of the effort to create solar thermal standards during the
period 1974-78. The standards setting institutional arena is described.
In the US, most standards are achieved through a voluntary consensus
process; there are mandatory standards only when referenced or formally
adopted by a governmental body. The justification most frequently
offered for having two systems is that the voluntary consensus approach
resolves primarily technical issues, while the mandatory system
encompasses political questions. This study found that the solar
standards development process from 1974-78 was characterized by
* a horizontal rather than vertical structure;
* extensive public prompting, albeit by agencies for which
standards development is at best a secondary mission;
* rapid acceptance of the concept of solar energy, despite
continuing and considerable technical debate.
It is concluded that the development of standards is a story of the
interaction of self-interest, and that the failure to account for
significant interests (whether technical or political) can effectively
scuttle a standard development effort. For the case reported here, the
process for the development of solar standards was inclusive of many
interests, and, as a consequence, appeared to proceed at a rapid rate.
However solar standards development is entering a second stage, with the
consumer/producer debate (the "political" dimension) assuming a more
central role
