IEC 61215-1-2:2021 PDF

Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1-2: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) based photovoltaic (PV) modules

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Title (English):

IEC 61215-1-2:2021

Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1-2: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) based photovoltaic (PV) modules

Document status:: Active
Format:: Electronic (PDF)
Number of pages:: 33
Publication date:: February 9, 2021
Edition:: IEC IS 61215 edition 2 version 1
ICS:: 27.160

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Description (English):

IEC 61215-1-2:2021 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. This document is intended to apply to all thin-film CdTe based terrestrial flat plate modules. As such, it addresses special requirements for testing of this technology supplementing IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021 requirements for testing. This document defines PV technology dependent modifications to the testing procedures and requirements per IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-1-2, issued in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a. A cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) added. b. A test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21) added. c. A bending test (MQT 22) for flexible modules added.

Technical details

Technical committee: TC 82 - Solar photovoltaic energy systems
SKU: IEC 61215-1-2:2021

Abstract

Overview

IEC 61215-1-2:2021 - "Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1-2" - specifies special testing requirements for thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) based PV modules. It supplements the general test procedures in IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021 by defining technology-dependent modifications and additional module tests focused on long-term outdoor performance of thin-film CdTe flat-plate modules. Edition 2.0 (2021) cancels and replaces the 2016 edition and adds new mechanical, degradation and flexibility tests.

Key topics and technical requirements

Scope: Applies to terrestrial thin-film CdTe flat-plate modules for open-air climates; not intended for high-concentration PV (low concentrators 1–3 suns may be considered).
New tests added in 2021:
- MQT 20: Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test for fatigue and mechanical durability.
- MQT 21: Potential-induced degradation (PID) detection test to identify voltage-related performance loss.
- MQT 22: Bending test for flexible CdTe modules.
Technology-dependent modifications: Defines how IEC 61215-1 and IEC 61215-2 test procedures are adapted for thin-film CdTe materials (stabilization procedures, pass/fail criteria, measurement limits).
Measurement and reproducibility limits:
- Maximum reproducibility r = 2.0 %
- Measurement uncertainty m1 = 4.0 % for single-junction modules; 5.0 % for multi-junction modules
Test flow: Includes visual inspection (MQT 01), power determination (MQT 02), insulation (MQT 03), thermal cycling, damp heat, humidity-freeze, UV preconditioning and other module qualification tests adapted for CdTe modules.
Stabilization requirements: Special procedures for stabilizing power output (MQT 19) are emphasized for thin-film CdTe technology.

Practical applications

Design qualification and type approval: Demonstrates that a CdTe PV module design can withstand accelerated environmental and mechanical stresses representative of outdoor service.
Product development and reliability engineering: Guides R&D and pre-certification testing to detect PID, fatigue, mechanical failure modes and long-term degradation mechanisms in thin-film CdTe modules.
Testing and certification: Used by accredited test laboratories and certification bodies to evaluate modules against IEC requirements for market access.
Procurement and asset owners: Helps buyers, installers and system designers compare module robustness and expected field behavior.

Who uses this standard

PV module manufacturers (CdTe design and production)
Independent test labs and conformity assessment bodies
Certification authorities, system integrators, EPCs and project developers
Regulators and standards teams focused on PV product safety and reliability

Related standards

IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021 (core design qualification/type approval)
IEC TS 63126 (high-temperature testing guidance)
IEC 62506 (accelerated test methods)
IEC 62941 (quality systems in PV manufacturing)

Related standards

Standards mentioned in the description

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and technical requirements

Scope: Applies to terrestrial thin-film CdTe flat-plate modules for open-air climates; not intended for high-concentration PV (low concentrators 1–3 suns may be considered).
New tests added in 2021:
- MQT 20: Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test for fatigue and mechanical durability.
- MQT 21: Potential-induced degradation (PID) detection test to identify voltage-related performance loss.
- MQT 22: Bending test for flexible CdTe modules.
Technology-dependent modifications: Defines how IEC 61215-1 and IEC 61215-2 test procedures are adapted for thin-film CdTe materials (stabilization procedures, pass/fail criteria, measurement limits).
Measurement and reproducibility limits:
- Maximum reproducibility r = 2.0 %
- Measurement uncertainty m1 = 4.0 % for single-junction modules; 5.0 % for multi-junction modules
Test flow: Includes visual inspection (MQT 01), power determination (MQT 02), insulation (MQT 03), thermal cycling, damp heat, humidity-freeze, UV preconditioning and other module qualification tests adapted for CdTe modules.
Stabilization requirements: Special procedures for stabilizing power output (MQT 19) are emphasized for thin-film CdTe technology.

Practical applications

Design qualification and type approval: Demonstrates that a CdTe PV module design can withstand accelerated environmental and mechanical stresses representative of outdoor service.
Product development and reliability engineering: Guides R&D and pre-certification testing to detect PID, fatigue, mechanical failure modes and long-term degradation mechanisms in thin-film CdTe modules.
Testing and certification: Used by accredited test laboratories and certification bodies to evaluate modules against IEC requirements for market access.
Procurement and asset owners: Helps buyers, installers and system designers compare module robustness and expected field behavior.

Who uses this standard

PV module manufacturers (CdTe design and production)
Independent test labs and conformity assessment bodies
Certification authorities, system integrators, EPCs and project developers
Regulators and standards teams focused on PV product safety and reliability

Related standards

IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021 (core design qualification/type approval)
IEC TS 63126 (high-temperature testing guidance)
IEC 62506 (accelerated test methods)
IEC 62941 (quality systems in PV manufacturing)

IEC 61215-1-2:2021 PDF

Technical details

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and technical requirements

Practical applications

Who uses this standard

Related standards

Related standards

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and technical requirements

Practical applications

Who uses this standard

Related standards

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