1 Scope
This document lays down requirements for the design qualification of terrestrial photovoltaic
modules suitable for long-term operation in open-air climates. The useful service
life of modules so qualified will depend on their design, their environment and the
conditions under which they are operated. Test results are not construed as a quantitative
prediction of module lifetime.
In climates where 98 th percentile operating temperatures exceed 70 °C, users are recommended to consider
testing to higher temperature test conditions as described in IEC TS 63126. Users desiring qualification of PV products with lesser lifetime expectations are
recommended to consider testing designed for PV in consumer electronics, as described
in IEC TS 63163 (under development). Users wishing to gain confidence that the characteristics tested
in IEC 61215 appear consistently in a manufactured product may wish to utilize IEC 62941 regarding quality systems in PV manufacturing.
This document is intended to apply to all terrestrial flat plate module materials
such as crystalline silicon module types as well as thin-film modules. It does not
apply to systems that are not long-term applications, such as flexible modules installed in awnings or tenting.
This document does not apply to modules used with concentrated sunlight although it
may be utilized for low concentrator modules (1 to 3 suns). For low concentration
modules, all tests are performed using the irradiance, current, voltage and power
levels expected at the design concentration.
This document does not address the particularities of PV modules with integr...
Open preview (PDF)Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules. Design qualification and type approval - Test requirements
