This guide is part of a series prepared by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in the field of quality infrastructure (QI) for small-scale renew¬able energy technologies. Quality Infrastructure for Renewable Energy Technologies: Solar Water Heaters analyses the challenges and offers recommendations for developing QI for solar water heaters (SWHs), as well as highlighting the experiences of several countries in developing and implementing QI for SWHs. The SWH guide concludes by applying guidelines for incrementally developing QI to the particular case of SWH markets.

This handbook outlines the best practices to develop and implement Quality Infrastructure for solar PV and, based on case studies, offers quantified cost-benefit analysis for QI implementation at different stages of PV plant development. The data and analysis provides guidance for establishing proper QI mechanisms, showcased through successful experiences with utility-scale, distributed-generation and off-grid PV development in 11 countries. 

Patent information can provide valuable insights on the renewable energy sector as new technologies arise and markets continue to evolve. Analysis of renewable energy technology patents, for example, can reveal: which countries and innovators are most active in inventing technologies; the potential markets where technologies need to be protected;

This report examines markets in Denmark, Germany and China. The analysis highlights the development of standards and the best practices for new markets to adopt. 

This report looks in detail at Palau's current power sector and provides a pathway for achieving a fully decarbonised, least-cost power system, with intermediate milestones.

This report, developed by IRENA and UNDP under the Climate Promise cooperation framework, aims to support North Macedonia accelerate the implementation of its enhanced NDC.

This report provides a valuable resource for policy makers and researchers by collecting data on a range of quantitative innovation indicators on the costs and performance of renewable technologies, patents and standards.

The report highlights the importance of sector coupling as a key source of flexibility that cities can explore to stabilise power grid operations when integrating high shares of variable renewable energy sources.

These briefs highlight ground-breaking ways to use distributed energy resources, accommodate uncertainty and reduce the need for grid reinforcement with rising shares of solar and wind power.

Technological breakthroughs are needed to reduce carbon emissions in the energy sector. This working paper examines the basic conditions required to nurture innovation and produce new technologies for a low-carbon future.

Solar and wind power continue expanding, constituting almost 40% of newly installed power capacity worldwide in 2014.

Market expansion for renewable mini-grids depends on establishing trustworthy quality infrastructure (QI). Smart technologies to integrate solar and wind power require international and national QI.

The RRA report presents clear and practical steps to maximise the country’s use of renewables in driving sustainable socio-economic growth.

This report details a comprehensive pathway for the development of a sustainable and cleaner regional energy system for ASEAN.

This study analyses the prospective impact of renewable energy deployment, along with recently mandated changes to power plant cooling systems, on water use in India’s electricity sector.   

This brief takes stock of the opportunity at hand – detailing the dynamism and the innovations in the off-grid renewable energy sector. Building on IRENA’s growing body of work on the topic, it highlights the latest trends and advances, including innovations in delivery and financing models.   

This report examines ways for G20 countries to decarbonise their electricity systems by integrating high shares of solar and wind power.

As the first global, comprehensive analysis of corporate sourcing of renewable electricity, this report highlights the latest trends and provides recommendations to more fully exploit such potential.

本レポートでは2050 年までの気候変動に配慮した投資、エネルギー移行に必要な政策の枠組み、及び各地域が直面する課題に焦点を当てている。また、最終的に排出量をゼロにするための選択肢も探っています。

This study highlights key pilot projects, showcases innovative solutions and provides insights based on Sweden’s experience with the transition to 100% renewable power.

This report aims to inform discussions on the role of power system organisational structures in facilitating and accelerating the energy transition.

This EPO-IRENA joint report uses patent statistics to reveal the trends and dynamism in the exciting field of green hydrogen that can be produced using renewable electricity via electrolysis.

Renewable energy standards, regularly reviewed and updated by international committees of technical experts, can help policy makers as an instrument to demonstrate national regulatory compliance, as well as ensuring successful deployment of renewable energy technologies (RET).

These briefs highlight business models that enhance system flexibility, empower consumers, boost solar and wind supply and incentivise rapid integration

IRENA's 10th Assembly booklet charts global advances over the past decade and calls for a new Decade of Action on renewables. Comparative graphs and data illuminate the road ahead.