27.160 - Solar energy engineering
ICS 27.160 Details
Solar energy engineering
Solartechnik
Énergie solaire
Sončna energija
General Information
Frequently Asked Questions
ICS 27.160 is a classification code in the International Classification for Standards (ICS) system. It covers "Solar energy engineering". The ICS is a hierarchical classification system used to organize international, regional, and national standards, facilitating the search and identification of standards across different fields.
There are 1074 standards classified under ICS 27.160 (Solar energy engineering). These standards are published by international and regional standardization bodies including ISO, IEC, CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI.
The International Classification for Standards (ICS) is a hierarchical classification system maintained by ISO to organize standards and related documents. It uses a three-level structure with field (2 digits), group (3 digits), and sub-group (2 digits) codes. The ICS helps users find standards by subject area and enables statistical analysis of standards development activities.
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This document specifies three procedures to check the performance of solar thermal collector fields. This document is applicable to most collector types addressed by ISO 9806. This includes glazed liquid heating flat plate collectors, evacuated tube collectors, and tracking, concentrating collectors. However, certain limitations apply in comparison to ISO 9806, specifically concerning wind and infrared sensitive collectors (WISC), hybrid collectors, and air collectors: WISC collectors are included only when both wind speed data measured on the collector plane and longwave radiation data are available. NOTE Such data is rarely available in practical applications. Hybrid collectors (“collectors co-generating thermal and electrical power” in ISO 9806, commonly PVT) are excluded. The reason is that their thermal performance in real-world operation depends on the operation of the electrical part: If the electrical part is switched off, limited, or curtailed for any reason, while the thermal part remains active, this would lead to an overestimation of the thermal power output, based on performance parameters determined under MPP conditions (maximum electrical power generation), as specified in ISO 9806. Solar air heating collectors (SAHC) are excluded due to the complexity of accurately assessing their performance: Testing and evaluating SAHC performance is complex, because it requires accounting for the enthalpy difference in the primary loop. Additionally, their thermal efficiency is highly dependent on mass flow rate, and their performance is tested at three different air mass flow rates, resulting in three separate parameter sets. For the ISO 24194 Power Check, this makes it challenging to select the appropriate parameters for estimating thermal power output. This document specifies procedures for performance check of the thermal power output of the collector field as well as on the daily yield and annual yield of the collector field. For the three procedures, this document specifies how to compare a measured output with the calculated one. The document is applicable to collector fields of all sizes.
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This document is intended to provide a versatile method to determine the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC or g value) of BIPV modules with a variety of designs. It addresses the calorimetric determination of the g value for BIPV modules by using the hot box method or the cooled plate method in accordance with ISO 19467 and ISO 19467‑2. The method takes into account the effect on the g value of extracting photovoltaically generated electricity from the BIPV module in the maximum power point state. This document applies to BIPV modules as defined in IEC 63092‑1 and specifically to BIPV modules with different effective cell area ratios but consisting of identical components such as cells, interconnects, encapsulation and front/back sheets. This evaluation method is applicable to all PV cell technologies and includes coloured BIPV modules. It is published as a double logo Technical Specification with ISO technical committee 160: Glass in building.
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IEC TS 63092-3:2026 is intended to provide a versatile method to determine the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC or g value) of BIPV modules with a variety of designs.
It addresses the calorimetric determination of the g value for BIPV modules by using the hot box method or the cooled plate method in accordance with ISO 19467 and ISO 19467‑2. The method takes into account the effect on the g value of extracting photovoltaically generated electricity from the BIPV module in the maximum power point state.
This document applies to BIPV modules as defined in IEC 63092‑1 and specifically to BIPV modules with different effective cell area ratios but consisting of identical components such as cells, interconnects, encapsulation and front/back sheets. This evaluation method is applicable to all PV cell technologies and includes coloured BIPV modules.
It is published as a double logo Technical Specification with ISO technical committee 160: Glass in building.
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IEC 63387-1:2026 specifies the methods for evaluating CPV/PV hybrid module performance in terms of power rating. Standard conditions for assessing the power produced by the module and the procedures to measure the power as a function of AOI, irradiance, and temperature are described. A methodology for determining a set of characterization parameter values for the hybrid CPV/PV module (FoV) is also included. In order to compare the performance of different hybrid CPV/PV modules whose output is discontinuous and time-dependent, the concept of effective nominal power is introduced.
This document is applicable to CPV/PV hybrid modules which include both solar cells designed to collect concentrated light (CPV cells array) and solar cells designed to collect diffuse or global light (PV cells array), the latter with bifacial or monofacial illumination. This document applies to hybrid CPV/PV modules with a geometrical concentration ratio > 3x for the CPV cells. For lower geometrical concentration ratio (≤ 3x), the IEC 60904-1 [11] and IEC 61853 series [9] apply.
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IEC 61853-2:2026 establishes IEC requirements for evaluating PV module performance based on power (watts), energy (joule or watthours) and performance ratio. It is written to be applicable to all PV technologies, including bifacial PV modules, but can be unsuitable for any technology where the module performance changes with time (e.g. modules change their behaviour with light or thermal exposure), or which experience significant non-linearities in any of their characteristics used for the modelling.
The purpose of document is to define procedures for measuring the effects of angle of incidence of the irradiance on the output power of the device, to determine the operating temperature of a module for a specific set of ambient and mounting conditions and measure the spectral responsivity of the module.
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IEC 62788-2-1:2023 specifies the safety requirements for flexible polymeric front- and backsheet constructions, which are intended for use as relied-upon insulation in photovoltaic (PV) modules. The specifications in this document define the specific requirements of polymeric front- or backsheet constructions on the component level and cover mechanical, electrical, visual and thermal characterization in an unexposed state and/or after ageing. This document covers class II and class 0 modules, as defined in IEC 61730-1. Class III modules are out of scope. This document provides the requirements for qualification of front- and backsheets to be used in module safety qualification according to IEC 61730-1. Test method descriptions are provided in IEC TS 62788-2, along with additional characterization methods useful for performance or quality assurance.
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This document describes installation scenarios and available test methods and national legislations to be considered when determining the external fire performance of roof systems, when combined with BAPV.
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IEC 61439-8:2026 specifies requirements for the design and verification of low voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies for use in photovoltaic installations.
PVAs have the following characteristics:
- assemblies used for the combination of electrical energy in DC systems for which the input and output voltage does not exceed 1 500 V DC;
- assemblies supplied from an AC network where the voltage does not exceed 1 000 V AC for auxiliary and control purposes;
- stationary assemblies with an enclosure;
- assemblies intended for operation by authorised persons (see IEC 61439 1:2020, 3.7.17), but can be located in an area accessible to ordinary persons (see IEC 61439 1:2020, 3.7.16);
- suitable for indoor or outdoor installation.
This document identifies definitions, specifies the service conditions, details the construction requirements, defines the technical characteristics, and provides verifications for PVAs. PVAs can also include control or signalling devices, or both, associated with the distribution of electrical energy. This document applies to all PVAs whether they are designed and manufactured on a one-off basis or fully standardized and manufactured in quantity. Either the manufacture or assembly, or both, can be carried out by an entity other than the original manufacturer (see IEC 61439 1:2020, 3.10.1).
This document does not apply to:
- individual devices, for example, circuit-breakers, fuse switches and self-contained components such as, motor starters, switch mode power supplies (SMPS), uninterruptable power supplies (UPS), basic drive modules (BDM), complete drive modules (CDM), adjustable speed power drives systems (PDS), stand-alone energy storage systems (battery and capacitor systems), other electronic equipment which comply with their relevant product standards, such as junction boxes of photovoltaic modules. This document describes their integration into a PVA or an empty enclosure used as a part of a PVA;
- photovoltaic power conversion equipment (PCE) incorporating DC combination sub-systems, covered by the IEC 62109 series.
Some applications, such as either explosive atmospheres or functional safety, or both, can be subject to the requirements of other standards or local installation rules in addition to those specified in the IEC 61439 series. This document does not apply to the specific types of assemblies covered by other parts of the IEC 61439 series.
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IEC TS 62257-341:2026 proposes simple, inexpensive, comparative tests to determine which types of flooded lead-acid automobile batteries are acceptable for use in PV electrification systems.
It could be particularly useful for project implementers to test in laboratories of developing countries the capability of locally made car or truck batteries to be used for their project.
The tests provided in this document allow assessment of the batteries' performances according to the general specification and batteries associated with their smart battery charging systems (SBCS) in a short time and with common technical means. They can be performed locally, as close as possible to the operating conditions of the real site.
The document also provides recommendations and installation conditions to ensure the life and proper operation of the installations as well as the safety of people living in proximity to the installation.
This document offers guidelines and does not replace any existing IEC Standard on batteries.
This first edition cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC TS 62257-8-1 published in 2018. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 62257‑8‑1:2018:
- increase of the applicable voltage levels and removal of the 100 kW power limit;
- removal of the word "small" from the description of these systems.
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IEC 63257:2026 applies to photovoltaic (PV) system components and communication networks supporting the communication of the DC shutdown equipment using power line communication.
This document defines how to propagate the operational state of the entire PV system (normal / shutdown) to the individual power production components comprising the PV system. The document also describes requirements and constraints associated with power line communication networks that are used to support this application.
This document defines the communication requirements for reducing the output voltage of the DC cables that leave a PV array. This output voltage reduction function can support emergency responders during firefighting operations. For this function, communication is necessary from the inverter / initiator to the PV-modules.
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IEC TS 60904-1-2:2024 describes procedures for the measurement of the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of single junction bifacial photovoltaic devices in natural or simulated sunlight. It is applicable to encapsulated solar cells, sub-assemblies of such cells or entire PV modules. For measurements of I-V characteristics of non-encapsulated solar cells, IEC TS 63202-3 applies.
The requirements for measurement of I-V characteristics of standard (monofacial) PV devices are covered by IEC 60904-1, whereas this document describes the additional requirements for the measurement of I-V characteristics of bifacial PV devices.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2019. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) The scope has been updated and refers to IEC TS 63202-3 for the measurement of non‑encapsulated solar cells.
b) The requirements for the non-uniformity of irradiance have been updated and now refer to classifications introduced in IEC 60904-9.
c) The requirement for non-irradiated background has been revised.
d) Spectral mismatch corrections are no longer mandatory, unless required by another standard. Spectral mismatch would have to be considered in the measurement uncertainty.
e) The requirement regarding the calculation of bifaciality has been modified: Equivalent irradiance shall not be calculated based on the minimum bifaciality value between ISC and Pmax, but on the bifaciality of ISC.
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IEC 63409-3:2025 specifies test procedures for confirming the basic operational characteristics of power conversion equipment (PCE) for use in photovoltaic (PV) power systems with or without energy storage. The basic operational characteristics are the capability of the PCE before any limitations due to internal settings are applied to the PCE to meet specific grid support functions or specific behaviours against abnormal changes.
This document covers the testing of the following items:
a) Steady state characteristics
Test procedures to confirm operable range of PCE at steady state condition are described. The operable ranges in apparent power, active power, reactive power, power factor, grid voltage and grid frequency are confirmed according to the test procedures.
b) Transient-response characteristics
Test procedures to confirm PCE’s response against a change of operational condition are described.
This document only considers the changes within normal (continuous) operable ranges. Therefore, the behaviours against abnormal changes and grid support functions are out of the scope and are covered in other parts of this series.
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IEC TS 62257-200:2026 provides a method for describing the results to be achieved by the electrification system independently of the technical solutions that could be implemented.
The purpose of this part of IEC 62257 is to provide a method to assist designers of renewable energy systems, project contractors and project developers to design the electrification system for isolated sites while matching the identified needs. This part of IEC 62257 assesses the needs of the users and the different power system architectures which can be used for meeting these needs. In relation to the needs of the different participants to the project, functional requirements to be achieved by the production and distribution subsystems are listed.
This document provides technical standardization to different stakeholders (including but not limited to project developers, financing agencies, testing agencies, installers, etc.) involved in electrification projects for access to electricity for those not solely connected to the regional grid, through the setting up of off-grid renewable energy and hybrid systems (including micro-grids) with a voltage less than or equal to 1 000 V for AC (alternating current) or a voltage less than or equal to 1 500 V for DC (direct current). This document could be used for rural electrification, also for electrification of remote sites in developed countries, or any requirement for electricity access that cannot be met by attaching solely to the national utility grid. They promote the use of renewable energies, but at this time they do not deal with clean-energy mechanisms development (CO2 emissions, carbon credit, etc.).
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IEC TS 63371-1:2026 applies to crystalline silicon wafers for use as the substrates in making photovoltaic cells. It describes the methods for measuring the electrical characteristics of these silicon wafers. It does not provide mechanical information about these wafers. Annex A shows the widely accepted electrical characteristics values. The purpose of this document is to establish a standardized specification for crystalline silicon wafers, defining their electrical characteristics, the applicable test methods, and the acceptable value ranges for those characteristics.
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CORRECTED VERSION 2026-02
IEC 62862-3-6:2026 specifies laboratory test methods to assess the durability of silvered-glass reflectors with high technical performance to be used in concentrating solar technologies. The reflectors within the scope of this document are composed of a float-glass substrate and a reflecting silver layer on its back-side, which is protected by a thin copper layer and an anticorrosive paint system composed of a primer and a top coating, and an optional intermediate coating.
This document defines multiple accelerated aging tests on reflector samples of size of 10 cm × 10 cm or larger. It defines the measurement methods to determine the degradation parameters used for assessment and the acceptance criteria of the accelerated aging tests.
Annex A of this document outlines the procedure to apply this document to reflector types of different composition than that of the silvered float-glass reflectors described above.
Annex B provides information on how to approximately correlate the measured degradation of selected accelerated aging tests with outdoor exposure in different environments. These correlations are limited to silvered float-glass reflector types with the abovementioned layer stack, since differing coating types are likely to introduce unforeseen degradation modes, which possibly will not be triggered under the proposed testing conditions.
This corrected version of IEC 62862-3-6:2026 incorporates the following correction:
– Addition of bibliographic reference numbers in the content
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IEC 63409-3:2025 specifies test procedures for confirming the basic operational characteristics of power conversion equipment (PCE) for use in photovoltaic (PV) power systems with or without energy storage. The basic operational characteristics are the capability of the PCE before any limitations due to internal settings are applied to the PCE to meet specific grid support functions or specific behaviours against abnormal changes. This document covers the testing of the following items: a) Steady state characteristics Test procedures to confirm operable range of PCE at steady state condition are described. The operable ranges in apparent power, active power, reactive power, power factor, grid voltage and grid frequency are confirmed according to the test procedures. b) Transient-response characteristics Test procedures to confirm PCE’s response against a change of operational condition are described. This document only considers the changes within normal (continuous) operable ranges. Therefore, the behaviours against abnormal changes and grid support functions are out of the scope and are covered in other parts of this series.
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IEC TS 62786-2:2026 supplements IEC TS 62786-1, and specifies requirements for the connection of the solar photovoltaic energy system or photovoltaic generating system (PV system) with an electric power network, or the network. This document covers all sizes of PV systems connected to low voltage or medium voltage power networks and gives typical requirements for various sizes of PV systems.
In this document, requirements for grid-connected PV systems are applied to those categorized as grid tied, grid tied with storage and grid tied with storage and back up. Mini-grid and Micro-grid are out of scope. Those types of PV systems with possible elements are described in 4.3.
This document specifies the following technical requirements for the PV system:
- reference points of requirements,
- elements and configuration,
- basic operation,
- protection and fault ride through function,
- power control and grid support function,
- electromagnetic compatibility for low frequency conducted disturbances,
- information exchange for remote monitoring, control, and configuration.
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This document specifies test methods for assessing the durability, reliability, safety and thermal performance of fluid heating solar collectors. The test methods are applicable for laboratory testing and for in situ testing.
This document is applicable to all types of fluid heating solar collectors, air heating solar collectors, hybrid solar collectors co-generating heat and electric power, as well as to solar collectors using external power sources for normal operation and/or safety purposes. This document does not address electrical safety aspects or other specific properties directly related to electric power generation.
This document is not applicable to devices in which a thermal storage unit is an integral part to such an extent that the collection process cannot be separated from the storage process for making the collector thermal performance measurements.
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IEC 62862-4-2:2026 specifies the technical requirements and test methods for the heliostat field control system of solar power tower plants.
This document provides the technical requirements of function, performance, and safety constraints of the heliostat field control system, and is applicable to the heliostat field control system of solar power tower plants.
This document includes procedures for testing the functionality and performance requirements of the heliostat field control system. It describes the test methods, steps, conditions, and required instruments.
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IEC 62548-1:2023 sets out design requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays including DC array wiring, electrical protection devices, switching and earthing provisions. The scope includes all parts of the PV array and final power conversion equipment (PCE), but not including energy storage devices, loads or AC or DC distribution network supplying loads. The object of this document is to address the design safety requirements arising from the particular characteristics of photovoltaic systems. This document also includes extra protection requirements of PV arrays when they are directly connected with batteries at the DC level.
This first edition cancels and replaces IEC 62548 published in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Revised provisions for systems including DC to DC conditioning units.
b) Revision of mounting structure requirements.
c) Revised cable requirements.
d) Revision of Clause 6 on safety issues which includes provisions for protection against electric shock including array insulation monitoring and earth fault detection.
e) Revision of 7.2.7 and 7.3 with respect to isolation means.
f) Provisions for use of bifacial modules and modules mounted in non-optimal orientations.
g) New Annex F containing: KI factor calculations for bifacial and non-optimally oriented systems; anti-PID equipment and arc flash.
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IEC TS 62257-350:2025 specifies the criteria for selecting and sizing inverters suitable for different off-grid applications integrating solar as an energy source. As well as off-grid systems, this document can also apply to inverters where a utility grid connection is available as a backup for charging batteries, but it is not intended to cover applications in which inverters synchronize and inject energy back into a utility grid, even though this capability can incidentally be a part of the functionality of the inverters. Single and multi-phase applications are included.
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IEC 63349-1:2025 establishes control functions and operational performance requirements for photovoltaic direct-driven appliance (PVDDA) controllers.
PVDDA controllers are devices used for controlling power among power sources (such as a PV array, grid, energy storage, etc.) and appliances (such as an air-conditioner, refrigerator, water pump, etc.).
The requirements for PVDDA controllers are applicable to systems with voltages not higher than 1 500V DC or 1 000V AC. Safety and EMC requirements for the PVDDA controllers are under consideration and not covered by this document. Safety requirements for power converters connected to a PVDDA controller are listed as follows:
- for converter connected to PV array, IEC 62109‑1 and IEC 62109‑2 are applicable;
- for bi-directional converter connected to grid, IEC 62909‑1 and IEC 62909‑2 are applicable;
- for converter connected to energy storage, IEC 62477‑1 and IEC 62509 are applicable;
- for variable frequency drive, IEC 61800-5-1 is applicable.
Performance requirements for each individual power converter connected to a PVDDA controller refer to IEC 62093.
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IEC 63409-3:2025 specifies test procedures for confirming the basic operational characteristics of power conversion equipment (PCE) for use in photovoltaic (PV) power systems with or without energy storage. The basic operational characteristics are the capability of the PCE before any limitations due to internal settings are applied to the PCE to meet specific grid support functions or specific behaviours against abnormal changes.
This document covers the testing of the following items:
a) Steady state characteristics
Test procedures to confirm operable range of PCE at steady state condition are described. The operable ranges in apparent power, active power, reactive power, power factor, grid voltage and grid frequency are confirmed according to the test procedures.
b) Transient-response characteristics
Test procedures to confirm PCE’s response against a change of operational condition are described.
This document only considers the changes within normal (continuous) operable ranges. Therefore, the behaviours against abnormal changes and grid support functions are out of the scope and are covered in other parts of this series.
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IEC TS 61836:2025 covers solar photovoltaic (PV) terminology, definitions and symbols used in IEC TC 82 international standards.
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IEC TS 63392:2025 specifies a test method for evaluating the basic fire behaviour of modules used in concentrating systems with a maximum DC system voltage of 1 500 V or less. Since the concentrator module may be exposed to flames due to flying embers or fire may be caused by the module itself due to hot spots or arching (internal fire), the tests outlined in this document are conducted in these two modes.
Applicable fire testing may be required by local codes but are not covered in this document.
CPV system or CPV modules mounted in or on buildings, shall fulfil national building and construction codes, regulations, and requirements and are not covered by this Technical Specification. If national or local codes define fire test requirements, they should be followed. If such requirements are not available, the following international and national standards give information for tests, which could be used: ISO 5657, ENV 1187-1 to -4, ANSI/UL 790, EN 13501-1.
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IEC 60364-7-712:2025 applies to electrical installations of PV systems. The equipment of a PV system, like any other item of equipment, is dealt with only so far as its selection and application in the installation is concerned. A PV installation comprises all equipment from PV modules(s) up to the connection point to other parts of the installation, for example a distribution board or the utility supply point (point of connection).
This part of IEC 60364 includes requirements on electrical installation resulting from the installation of PV power supply installations.
Requirements relating to the possible installation of energy storage systems (e.g. batteries) are included.
Requirements are also included for PV installations for island mode operation described in IEC 60364-8-82.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2017. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) The technical content has been extensively revised and expanded, taking into account experience gained in the construction and operation of PV installations, and developments made in technology, since the second edition was published.
b) Key changes include requirements for PV power generation plants, direct connection to battery circuits, introduction of DC bus circuit and DCUs.
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IEC TS 63126:2025 defines additional testing requirements for photovoltaic (PV) modules deployed under conditions leading to higher module temperature which are beyond the scope of IEC 61215-1 and IEC 61730‑1 and the relevant component standards, IEC 62788‑1‑7, IEC 62788‑2‑1, IEC 62790 and IEC 62852. The testing conditions specified in IEC 61215-2 and IEC 61730-2 (and the relevant component standards IEC 62788‑1‑7, IEC 62788‑2‑1, IEC 62790 and IEC 62852) assumed that these standards are applicable for module deployment where the 98th percentile temperature (T98), that is the temperature that a module would be expected to exceed for 175,2 h per year, is less than 70 °C. This document defines two temperature regimes, temperature Level 1 and temperature Level 2, which were designed considering deployment in environments with mounting configurations such that the T98 is less than or equal to 80 °C for temperature Level 1, and less than or equal to 90 °C for temperature Level 2. This document provides recommended additional testing conditions within the IEC 61215 series, IEC 61730 series, IEC 62788‑1‑7, IEC 62788‑2‑1, IEC 62790 and IEC 62852 for module operation in temperature Levels 1 and 2. Successfully passing a higher Level for a test, sequence of tests, or complete testing for a higher Level is an implied passing of the relevant lower‑Level testing. For example, passing 200 thermal cycles for Level 2 is considered passing Level 0 and Level 1 for 200 thermal cycles.
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This document specifies test methods for assessing the durability, reliability, safety and thermal performance of fluid heating solar collectors. The test methods are applicable for laboratory testing and for in situ testing.
This document is applicable to all types of fluid heating solar collectors, air heating solar collectors, hybrid solar collectors co-generating heat and electric power, as well as to solar collectors using external power sources for normal operation and/or safety purposes. This document does not address electrical safety aspects or other specific properties directly related to electric power generation.
This document is not applicable to devices in which a thermal storage unit is an integral part to such an extent that the collection process cannot be separated from the storage process for making the collector thermal performance measurements.
- Standard105 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies test methods for assessing the durability, reliability, safety and thermal performance of fluid heating solar collectors. The test methods are applicable for laboratory testing and for in situ testing. This document is applicable to all types of fluid heating solar collectors, air heating solar collectors, hybrid solar collectors co-generating heat and electric power, as well as to solar collectors using external power sources for normal operation and/or safety purposes. This document does not address electrical safety aspects or other specific properties directly related to electric power generation. This document is not applicable to devices in which a thermal storage unit is an integral part to such an extent that the collection process cannot be separated from the storage process for making the collector thermal performance measurements.
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IEC TS 61724-2:2025 applies to grid-connected PV systems comprising at least one inverter.
The test evaluates the PV system only in conditions where output is unconstrained by limitations in AC power output from the inverters. This document defines a test of a PV system's power performance index (PPI). PPI, defined in IEC 61724‑1, is the ratio of a system's measured power output under test conditions to its expected output at those conditions based on the system's design.
The test is intended to be performed over a short period of typically three to five days and is typically used to satisfy a contractual performance guarantee as part of the final completion of a PV power plant. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Adapting the document for bifacial PV systems, in accordance with the latest edition of IEC 61724‑1 and current industry practices.
b) Adapting the test procedure to account for the limited times of unconstrained system operation which are now common because of high DC-to-AC ratios (clipping) and interconnection limits (curtailment).
c) Adapting the test procedure to achieve a test that can be performed in a short time of three to five days during favourable conditions.
d) Focusing the document more heavily on the use of modern PV system modelling software to obtain the expected performance of the system under test.
e) Simplifying the mathematical procedure for calculating the test results.
f) Clearly identifying test elections (optional choices to be made in conducting the test) and providing a template for documenting these elections.
g) Clarifying the discussion of the test boundary that separates tested variables from untested variables.
h) Expanding and clarifying the discussion of data filtering.
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IEC TS 62257-301:2025 specifies the design and implementation of hybrid off-grid solar systems, where solar energy provides energy to a load in conjunction with other sources of energy. Such systems can either include or not include an energy storage system. There are a variety of different system architectures and applications, and many ways in which these energy sources can be combined. This document distinguishes between different sorts of hybrid system applications and gives guidance on the design and integration of these systems.
It applies to single-phase and three-phase applications, and it covers situations where grid is available as an additional source of power for charging batteries and maintaining system reliability, but this document does not cover situations in which energy is fed back into a utility grid, although such systems can incidentally possess this function.
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This document specifies calibration methods for a pyranometer using a pyrheliometer as a reference instrument. Three methods are specified in this document. a) Alternating sun and shade method. This method uses a shading disc to alternately shade and unshade a pyranometer to compare with the tracking pyrheliometer. The test pyranometer can be horizontal, on a fixed tilt or tracking alongside the pyrheliometer. b) Continuous sun and shade method. In this method, a shaded calibrated reference pyranometer is used in addition to the reference pyrheliometer. The test pyranometer can be horizontal, on a fixed tilt or tracking alongside the reference pyrheliometer, but the reference pyranometer must be mounted in the same plane as the test pyranometer (most often on the horizontal). c) Collimation tube method. In this method, the test pyranometer is mounted on a solar tracker and is equipped with a collimation tube designed to allow the test pyranometer to have the same geometric view as the reference pyrheliometer for a direct comparison of the two instruments. The methods in this document are applicable for calibration of all pyranometers provided that a proper uncertainty evaluation is performed. Unlike spectrally flat pyranometers, non-spectrally flat pyranometers have a sensitivity that strongly depends on the solar spectrum. Therefore, the calibration result can be valid under a more limited range of conditions. The result of a calibration is the instrument sensitivity accompanied by an uncertainty. This document includes suggestions for uncertainty evaluation.
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This document specifies methods for calibration of pyrheliometers using reference pyrheliometers and specifies the calibration procedures for the transfer of the calibration. This document is applicable for use by calibration service providers and test laboratories to enable a uniform quality of accurate calibration sensitivities to be achieved.
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IEC TS 62804-1:2025 defines procedures to evaluate the durability of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules to the effects of short-term high-voltage stress, primarily potential-induced degradation (PID). Three test methods are given. The first type, which has two variations, is conducted in the dark and is primarily designed for assessing PID-shunting. The second type, which also has two variations, incorporates the factor of ultraviolet light and is intended for assessing PID-polarization. A separate test for the recovery of PID polarization under ultraviolet light is also included.
The testing in this document is designed for crystalline silicon PV modules with silicon cells having passivating dielectric layers, for degradation mechanisms involving mobile ions influencing the electric field over the silicon semiconductor or electronically interacting with the silicon semiconductor. This document is not intended for evaluating modules with thin-film technologies, tandem, or heterojunction devices but can be used for guidance. The actual durability of modules to system voltage stress depends on the environmental conditions under which they are operated and the voltage potential in the module relative to earth (ground). These tests are intended to assess PV module sensitivity to PID irrespective of actual stresses under operation in different climates and systems.
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IEC TS 62257-9-8:2025 provides baseline requirements for quality, durability and truth in advertising to protect consumers of off-grid renewable energy products. Evaluation of these requirements is based on tests described in IEC TS 62257-9-5. This document can be used alone or in conjunction with other international standards that address the safety and durability of components of off-grid renewable energy products.
This document applies to stand-alone renewable energy products having the following characteristics:
- The products are powered by photovoltaic (PV) modules or electromechanical power generating devices (such as dynamos), or are designed to use grid electricity to charge a battery or other energy-storage device for off-grid use. The requirements may also be appropriate as guidance for evaluating the quality of products with other power sources, such as thermoelectric generators.
- The peak power rating of the PV module or other power generating device is less than or equal to 350 W.
- The system evaluated includes all the loads (lighting, television, radio, fan, etc.) and load adapter cables that are sold or included as part of the kit or integrated into kit components.
- The PV module maximum power point voltage and the working voltage of any other components in the kit do not exceed 35 V. Exceptions are made for AC-to-DC converters that meet appropriate safety standards, and systems that include PV modules (or combinations of PV modules) with open-circuit voltage greater than 35 V that meet additional safety requirements beyond those assessed in IEC TS 62257-9-5.
This document includes provisions related to safety; however, it is not intended to be a comprehensive safety standard. In particular, this document is not intended to be used as an alternative to safety standards such as IEC 62368-1 or the IEC 60335 series for appliances such as radios and televisions that are included with stand-alone renewable energy products. Nor is it intended to replace the safety requirements of IEC 62281 or UN 38.3 for battery safety during transport, or safety requirements of IEC 61730-1 and IEC 61730-2 for PV modules intended for use outside the context of stand-alone renewable energy products.
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IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024 provides support and strategies for institutions involved in rural electrification projects. It documents technical approaches for designing, building, testing, and maintaining off-grid renewable energy and hybrid systems with AC nominal voltage below 500 V, DC nominal voltage below 750 V and nominal power below 100 kVA.
The purpose of this document is to specify laboratory test methods for evaluating the quality assurance of stand-alone renewable energy products. This document is specifically related to renewable energy products that are packaged and made available to end-use consumers at the point of purchase as single, stand-alone products that do not require additional system components to function.
This document establishes the framework for creating a product specification, the basis for evaluating quality for a particular context. Product specifications include minimum requirements for quality standards and warranty requirements.
This document applies to stand-alone renewable energy products having the following characteristics: This document was written primarily for off-grid renewable energy products with batteries and PV modules with DC system voltages not exceeding 35 V and peak power ratings not exceeding 350 W. This document includes provisions related to safety; however, it is not intended to be a comprehensive safety standard. In particular, this document is not intended to be used as an alternative to safety standards such as IEC 62368-1 or IEC 60335 (all parts) for appliances such as radios and televisions that are included with stand-alone renewable energy products
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IEC 62788-1-1:2024 defines test methods and reporting requirements for characteristics (optical, mechanical, electrical, thermal, and chemical) of non-rigid polymeric materials (e.g., poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate), EVA) intended for use in terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules as polymeric encapsulants.
The test methods in this document define how to characterize encapsulant materials in a manner representative of how they will be used in the module, which includes combination with other components such as frontsheets, backsheets, adhesives, edge seals, or glass.The methods described in this document support and supplement the safety- and performance-related tests defined on the PV module level, as defined in IEC 61730-2 and IEC 61215-1. This document also defines test methods for general assessment of material characteristics of polymeric encapsulants.
The test methods described in this document may be used for the purposes of: datasheet reporting (aiding module design or material research and development); process and manufacturing control (e.g., incoming or outgoing inspection); application in module safety and design type qualification protocols; or reliability and durability study/standards development
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