An assessment framework for the documented, measurable and verifiable climate impact of voluntary solar-energy and related programmes under the standard.
The Quality Sunenergy to Electricity Standard™ provides a standardized framework for the documented, measurable and verifiable assessment of greenhouse-gas emissions avoided through green electricity generated from solar energy, including the displacement of fossil-based electricity generation.
QSES™ assesses the climate impact of converting solar energy into electricity through photovoltaic systems, as well as through solar thermal collector or mirror-based systems.
The assessment considers annual green electricity generation, electricity supplied to the grid, efficiency, and the CO₂ intensity of the electricity grid.
Documented project data, verifiable calculations and prevention of double counting are fundamental operating principles of QSES™.
QSES™ can be applied to solar-energy projects that generate green electricity and for which avoided CO₂e emissions can be documented using appropriate project, energy, and technology data.
Green electricity generated from solar energy can displace electricity generated from fossil sources. QSES™ provides a framework for the documented and conservative assessment of these avoided CO₂e emissions.
The process runs from mapping the technology and project through examination of energy flows and relevant CO₂ data to a quantified result.
QSES™ assesses avoided CO₂e emissions resulting from green electricity generated from solar energy through a structured and conservative approach.
Appropriate access to relevant baseline data and essential project documentation supports verification of the credibility of the calculations.
Project and technology data must be documentable, traceable, and suitable for professional review.
QSES™ supports continuous improvement of the quality system and regular review of changing data and methodological parameters.
Comprehensive technology mapping, assessment of the pre-project condition, and prioritization of long-term results form part of the QSES™ approach.
The technology description, process flow, inputs, outputs, energy balance, and GHG calculations must be subject to professional cross-checking.
Ownership of the project and the CO₂ result must be documented, and the same climate result must not be counted more than once in multiple systems or by multiple parties.
The QSES™ process proceeds from mapping the applied technology and project data through annual green-energy generation to quantifying avoided emissions associated with grid CO₂ intensity.
Utilization of solar energy through photovoltaic, thermal collector, or other appropriate solar-energy technology.
Assessment of the conversion of solar energy into electricity and the associated technological process.
Determination of annual green-energy generation, electricity supplied to the grid, and system efficiency.
Determination of avoided CO₂e emissions based on grid CO₂ intensity and annual electricity data.
Properly assessed and verified avoided CO₂e emissions may provide the basis for the issuance of Quality Sunenergy to Electricity Credit™.
The QSES™ standard also establishes the framework for creating the Quality Sunenergy to Electricity Credit™, or QSEC™.
One Quality Sunenergy to Electricity Credit™ represents one metric tonne of avoided greenhouse-gas emissions expressed as CO₂ equivalent, assessed and verified in accordance with the requirements of QSES™.
The result of the QSES™ calculation model is expressed as a CO₂e value. Under the standard, one full tonne of CO₂e corresponds to one VCC credit unit.
The public website presents the purpose, principles, and general assessment logic of the Quality Sunenergy to Electricity Standard™. The complete standard documentation contains the detailed requirements, application and assessment framework, as well as the conditions governing access and use.
The complete documentation is intended for organizations and professional stakeholders seeking to apply the QSES™ system to solar-energy project assessment, project development, verification, or carbon-credit generation.
Request access to the complete standard documentation, or submit the basic data of your solar-energy project for preliminary assessment.
Request information about access to the complete QSES™ documentation, licensing, or professional-use conditions.
Submit the basic data of your solar-energy project for a preliminary QSES™ assessment.