This paper, one of a series resulting from institutional analysis of
photovoltaic (PV) acceptance, discusses standards and the standard setting
process in the United States. Standards, and the manner in which standards
are established, can play a significant role in facilitating or impeding the
acceptance of solar technologies. The objective of this paper is to provide
an overview of standards for those concerned with ensuring the timely
and appropriate acceptance of needed new energy sources in diverse economic
and geographic sectors. The paper has three sections. The first provides a
conceptual framework for understanding standards. The second section
discusses a number of approaches for categorizing standards. Finally,
the third section identifies the processes employed and the persons and
organizations involved in the standards development process in the US.Prepared under Dept. of Energy Contract no. EX-76-A-01-2295, Task order no. 37
