ASTM E1830-15

Standard Test Methods for Determining Mechanical Integrity of Photovoltaic Modules

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The useful life of photovoltaic modules may depend on their ability to withstand periodic exposure to high wind forces, cyclic loads induced by specific site conditions or shipment methods, high loads caused by accumulated snow and ice on the module surface, and twisting deflections caused by mounting to non-planar surfaces or structures. The effects on the module may be physical or electrical, or both. Most importantly, the effects may compromise the safety of the module, particularly in high voltage applications, or where the public may be exposed to broken glass or other debris.  
4.2 These test methods describe procedures for mounting the test specimen, conducting the prescribed mechanical tests, and reporting the effects of the testing.  
4.2.1 The mounting and fastening method shall comply with the manufacturer's recommendations as closely as possible. If slots or multiple mounting holes are provided on the module frame for optional mounting point capability, the worst-case mounting positions shall be selected in order to subject the module to the maximum stresses.  
4.2.2 If an unframed module is being tested, the module shall be mounted in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions using the recommended attachment clips, brackets, fasteners or other hardware, and tightened to the specified torque.  
4.2.3 The test specimen is mounted on a test base in a planar manner (unless specified otherwise), simulating a field mounting arrangement in order to ensure that modules are tested in a configuration that is representative of their use in the field.  
4.2.4 During the twist test, the module is mounted in a manner simulating a non-planar field mounting where one of the fastening points is displaced to create an intentional twist of 1.2°.  
4.3 Data obtained during testing may be used to evaluate and compare the effects of the simulated environments on the test specimens. These test methods require analysis of both visible effects and electri...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for determining the ability of photovoltaic modules to withstand the mechanical loads, stresses and deflections used to simulate, on an accelerated basis, high wind conditions, heavy snow and ice accumulation, and non-planar installation effects.  
1.1.1 A static load test to 2400 Pa is used to simulate wind loads on both module surfaces.  
1.1.2 A static load test to 5400 Pa is used to simulate heavy snow and ice accumulation on the module front surface.  
1.1.3 A twist test is used to simulate the non-planar mounting of a photovoltaic module by subjecting it to a twist angle of 1.2°.  
1.1.4 A cyclic load test of 10 000 cycles duration and peak loading to 1440 Pa is used to simulate dynamic wind or other flexural loading. Such loading might occur during shipment or after installation at a particular location.  
1.2 These test methods define photovoltaic test specimens and mounting methods, and specify parameters that must be recorded and reported.  
1.3 Any individual mechanical test may be performed singly, or may be combined into a test sequence with other mechanical or nonmechanical tests, or both. Certain preconditioning test methods such as annealing or light soaking may also be necessary or desirable as a part of such a sequence. However, the determination of such test sequencing and preconditioning is beyond the scope of these test methods.  
1.4 These test methods do not establish pass or fail levels. The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is beyond the scope of these test methods.  
1.5 These test methods do not apply to concentrator modules.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.7 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the hazards portion, Section 6, and the warning statements, 7.5.3.2 and 7.6.3.2, of these test methods. This standard do...

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2015
• ICS: 27.160 - Solar energy engineering
• Technical Committee: E44 - Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources
• Drafting Committee: E44.09 - Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1830-09 - Standard Test Methods for Determining Mechanical Integrity of Photovoltaic Modules
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E1830 − 15
Standard Test Methods for
1
Determining Mechanical Integrity of Photovoltaic Modules
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1830; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.7 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
hazards portion, Section 6, and the warning statements, 7.5.3.2
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for determining
and 7.6.3.2, of these test methods. This standard does not
theabilityofphotovoltaicmodulestowithstandthemechanical
purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated
loads, stresses and deflections used to simulate, on an acceler-
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard
ated basis, high wind conditions, heavy snow and ice
to establish appropriate safety and health practices and
accumulation, and non-planar installation effects.
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to
1.1.1 A static load test to 2400 Pa is used to simulate wind
use.
loads on both module surfaces.
1.1.2 Astatic load test to 5400 Pa is used to simulate heavy
2. Referenced Documents
snow and ice accumulation on the module front surface.
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1.3 A twist test is used to simulate the non-planar mount-
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
ing of a photovoltaic module by subjecting it to a twist angle
E1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Noncon-
of 1.2°.
centrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays
1.1.4 A cyclic load test of 10 000 cycles duration and peak
Using Reference Cells
loading to 1440 Pa is used to simulate dynamic wind or other
E1462 Test Methods for Insulation Integrity and Ground
flexural loading. Such loading might occur during shipment or
Path Continuity of Photovoltaic Modules
after installation at a particular location.
E1799 Practice for Visual Inspections of Photovoltaic Mod-
1.2 These test methods define photovoltaic test specimens
ules
and mounting methods, and specify parameters that must be
recorded and reported.
3. Terminology
1.3 Any individual mechanical test may be performed
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in these test
singly, or may be combined into a test sequence with other
methods may be found in Terminology E772.
mechanical or nonmechanical tests, or both. Certain precondi-
tioning test methods such as annealing or light soaking may
4. Significance and Use
also be necessary or desirable as a part of such a sequence.
4.1 The useful life of photovoltaic modules may depend on
However, the determination of such test sequencing and
theirabilitytowithstandperiodicexposuretohighwindforces,
preconditioning is beyond the scope of these test methods.
cyclic loads induced by specific site conditions or shipment
1.4 These test methods do not establish pass or fail levels.
methods, high loads caused by accumulated snow and ice on
The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is
the module surface, and twisting deflections caused by mount-
beyond the scope of these test methods.
ing to non-planar surfaces or structures. The effects on the
1.5 These test methods do not apply to concentrator mod- module may be physical or electrical, or both. Most
importantly, the effects may compromise the safety of the
ules.
module, particularly in high voltage applications, or where the
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
public may be exposed to broken glass or other debris.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard. 4.2 These test methods describe procedures for mounting
the test specimen, conducting the prescribed mechanical tests,
and reporting the effects of the testing.
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on
Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources and are the direct
2
responsibility of Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2015. Published March 2015. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as E1830 - 04. DOI: Standardsvolume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E1830-15. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1830 − 15
4.2.1 Themountingandfasteningmethodshallcomplywith 5.3.2 Load Measurement Equipment—
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E1830 − 09 E1830 − 15
Standard Test Methods for
1
Determining Mechanical Integrity of Photovoltaic Modules
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1830; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for determining the ability of photovoltaic modules to withstand the mechanical loads,
stresses and deflections used to simulate, on an accelerated basis, high wind conditions, heavy snow and ice accumulation, and
non-planar installation effects.
1.1.1 A static load test to 2400 Pa is used to simulate wind loads on both module surfaces.
1.1.2 A static load test to 5400 Pa is used to simulate heavy snow and ice accumulation on the module front surface.
1.1.3 A twist test is used to simulate the non-planar mounting of a photovoltaic module by subjecting it to a twist angle of 1.2°.
1.1.4 A cyclic load test of 10 000 cycles duration and peak loading to 1440 Pa is used to simulate dynamic wind or other flexural
loading. Such loading might occur during shipment or after installation at a particular location.
1.2 These test methods define photovoltaic test specimens and mounting methods, and specify parameters that must be recorded
and reported.
1.3 Any individual mechanical test may be performed singly, or may be combined into a test sequence with other mechanical
or nonmechanical tests, or both. Certain preconditioning test methods such as annealing or light soaking may also be necessary
or desirable as a part of such a sequence. However, the determination of such test sequencing and preconditioning is beyond the
scope of these test methods.
1.4 These test methods do not establish pass or fail levels. The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is beyond
the scope of these test methods.
1.5 These test methods do not apply to concentrator modules.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.7 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the hazards portion, Section 6, and the warning statements, 7.5.3.2 and
7.6.3.2, of these test methods.This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use.
It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
E1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using
Reference Cells
3
E1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion (Withdrawn 2012)
E1462 Test Methods for Insulation Integrity and Ground Path Continuity of Photovoltaic Modules
E1799 Practice for Visual Inspections of Photovoltaic Modules
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in these test methods may be found in Terminology E772 and Terminology E1328.
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources and are the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.
Current edition approved April 1, 2009Feb. 1, 2015. Published April 2009March 2015. Originally approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 20042009 as
E1830 - 04. DOI: 10.1520/E1830-09.10.1520/E1830-15.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standardsvolume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1830 − 15
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The useful life of photovoltaic modules may depend on their ability to withstand periodic exposure to high wind forces,
cyclic loads induced by specific site conditions or shipment methods, high loads caused by accumulated snow and ice on the
module surface, and twisting deflections caused by mounting to non-planar surfaces or structures. The effects on the module may
be physical or ele
...