The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has released new editions of IEC 61215, standards for “Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval.” Part 1 deals with test requirements, Part 1-1 handles special requirements for testing of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules, and Part 2 describes test procedures.
Descriptions from the IEC website:
- IEC 61215-1:2016 lays down requirements for the design qualification and type approval of terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules suitable for long-term operation in general open-air climates, as defined in IEC 60721-2-1. This standard is intended to apply to all terrestrial flat plate module materials such as crystalline silicon module types as well as thin-film modules. The objective of this test sequence is to determine the electrical and thermal characteristics of the module and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the module is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure in climates described in the scope. This edition of IEC 61215-1 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the second edition of IEC 61215:2005: new standard series structure consistent with other IEC standards: Part 1 lists general requirements, Part 1-x specifics for each PV technology and Part 2 defines testing. All tests defined in Part 2 are MQTs (module quality tests).
- IEC 61215-1-1:2016 lays down requirements for the design qualification and type approval of terrestrial photovoltaic modules suitable for long-term operation in general open air climates, as defined in IEC 60721-2-1. This standard is intended to apply to all crystalline silicon terrestrial flat plate modules. The object of this test sequence is to determine the electrical and thermal characteristics of the module and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the module is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure in climates described in the scope. This standard defines PV technology dependent modifications to the testing procedures and requirements per IEC 61215-1:2016 and IEC 61215-2:2016.
- IEC 61215-2:2016 is intended to apply to all terrestrial flat plate module materials such as crystalline silicon module types as well as thin-film modules. The objective of this test sequence is to determine the electrical and thermal characteristics of the module and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the module is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure in general open-air climates. The actual lifetime expectancy of modules so qualified will depend on their design, their environment and the conditions under which they are operated.
