Overview

IEC 61215-1-1:2021 - published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) - defines design qualification and type approval special requirements for crystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules. Edition 2.0 (2021) updates the test sequence used to demonstrate that flat-plate crystalline silicon modules can endure long‑term outdoor operation in general open‑air climates. The standard is intended for module manufacturers, test laboratories, certification bodies, system designers and procurement/specification teams.

Key points:

Applies to crystalline silicon terrestrial flat‑plate modules (not high‑concentration PV; low concentrators 1–3 suns may be tested with adjusted conditions).
Test results support design qualification and type approval but are not a quantitative lifetime prediction.
Recommends additional high‑temperature testing (see IEC TS 63126) where 98th percentile operating temperatures exceed 70 °C.

Key topics and technical requirements

This part of the IEC 61215 series defines PV technology‑specific modifications to the general IEC 61215 test flow and includes:

Visual inspection and electrical characterization (MQT 01, MQT 02, MQT 06.x).
Environmental and durability tests: thermal cycling (MQT 11), damp heat (MQT 13), humidity‑freeze (MQT 12), UV preconditioning (MQT 10), outdoor exposure (MQT 08).
Mechanical and electrical stress tests: static and cyclic mechanical load tests (MQT 16 and new MQT 20), hail (MQT 17), hot‑spot endurance (MQT 09), robustness of terminations (MQT 14), wet leakage (MQT 15).
New or updated module‑quality tests in Edition 2.0:
- MQT 20: cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test for fatigue assessment.
- MQT 21: potential‑induced degradation (PID) detection procedure.
- MQT 22: bending test for flexible modules.
- MQT 19.3: stress‑specific stabilization - BO LID.
- Final stabilization procedure for modules undergoing PID testing.
Pass criteria and measurement controls: the standard defines reproducibility limits (e.g., r = 1.0%) and measurement uncertainty requirements to ensure reliable comparison of pre‑ and post‑test performance.

Practical applications - who uses it and why

Module manufacturers: product development, R&D, and type approval to demonstrate durability and compliance with international expectations.
Test laboratories / certification bodies: standardized test methods and pass/fail criteria for issuing design‑qualification reports and certificates.
System designers and EPCs: procurement specifications, vendor evaluation, and long‑term reliability assessment.
Regulators and project financiers: evidence of module robustness for large‑scale projects and warranty considerations.

Related standards and guidance

IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021 - core test flow and module test procedures.
IEC TS 63126 - high‑temperature test guidance (recommended when operating temperatures are extreme).
IEC 62506 - guidance on accelerated test methods.
IEC 62941, IEC 63163 - quality systems and consumer‑grade PV testing considerations.

Using IEC 61215-1-1:2021 helps ensure consistent, industry‑accepted evaluation of crystalline silicon PV modules for design qualification, enabling clearer procurement decisions and improved long‑term performance confidence.

Overview

Key points:

Applies to crystalline silicon terrestrial flat‑plate modules (not high‑concentration PV; low concentrators 1–3 suns may be tested with adjusted conditions).
Test results support design qualification and type approval but are not a quantitative lifetime prediction.
Recommends additional high‑temperature testing (see IEC TS 63126) where 98th percentile operating temperatures exceed 70 °C.

Key topics and technical requirements

This part of the IEC 61215 series defines PV technology‑specific modifications to the general IEC 61215 test flow and includes:

Visual inspection and electrical characterization (MQT 01, MQT 02, MQT 06.x).
Environmental and durability tests: thermal cycling (MQT 11), damp heat (MQT 13), humidity‑freeze (MQT 12), UV preconditioning (MQT 10), outdoor exposure (MQT 08).
Mechanical and electrical stress tests: static and cyclic mechanical load tests (MQT 16 and new MQT 20), hail (MQT 17), hot‑spot endurance (MQT 09), robustness of terminations (MQT 14), wet leakage (MQT 15).
New or updated module‑quality tests in Edition 2.0:
- MQT 20: cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test for fatigue assessment.
- MQT 21: potential‑induced degradation (PID) detection procedure.
- MQT 22: bending test for flexible modules.
- MQT 19.3: stress‑specific stabilization - BO LID.
- Final stabilization procedure for modules undergoing PID testing.
Pass criteria and measurement controls: the standard defines reproducibility limits (e.g., r = 1.0%) and measurement uncertainty requirements to ensure reliable comparison of pre‑ and post‑test performance.

Practical applications - who uses it and why

Module manufacturers: product development, R&D, and type approval to demonstrate durability and compliance with international expectations.
Test laboratories / certification bodies: standardized test methods and pass/fail criteria for issuing design‑qualification reports and certificates.
System designers and EPCs: procurement specifications, vendor evaluation, and long‑term reliability assessment.
Regulators and project financiers: evidence of module robustness for large‑scale projects and warranty considerations.

Related standards and guidance

IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021 - core test flow and module test procedures.
IEC TS 63126 - high‑temperature test guidance (recommended when operating temperatures are extreme).
IEC 62506 - guidance on accelerated test methods.
IEC 62941, IEC 63163 - quality systems and consumer‑grade PV testing considerations.

IEC 61215-1-1:2021 PDF

Technical details

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and technical requirements

Practical applications - who uses it and why

Related standards and guidance

Related standards

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and technical requirements

Practical applications - who uses it and why

Related standards and guidance

Related standards

Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1: Test requirements

Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 2: Test procedures

Methods for product accelerated testing

Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules. Quality system for PV module manufacturing