ASTM E1830-09
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Determining Mechanical Integrity of Photovoltaic Modules
Standard Test Methods for Determining Mechanical Integrity of Photovoltaic Modules
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
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.
These test methods describe procedures for mounting the test specimen, conducting the prescribed mechanical tests, and reporting the effects of the testing.
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.
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.
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.
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°.
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 electrical performance effects.
Effects on modu...
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 pur...
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Designation: E1830 − 09
StandardTest 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
1.1.3 A twist test is used to simulate the non-planar mount- 2.1 ASTM Standards:
ing of a photovoltaic module by subjecting it to a twist angle E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
of 1.2°. E1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Noncon-
1.1.4 A cyclic load test of 10 000 cycles duration and peak centrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays
loading to 1440 Pa is used to simulate dynamic wind or other Using Reference Cells
flexural loading. Such loading might occur during shipment or E1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy
3
after installation at a particular location. Conversion (Withdrawn 2012)
E1462 Test Methods for Insulation Integrity and Ground
1.2 These test methods define photovoltaic test specimens
Path Continuity of Photovoltaic Modules
and mounting methods, and specify parameters that must be
E1799 Practice for Visual Inspections of Photovoltaic Mod-
recorded and reported.
ules
1.3 Any individual mechanical test may be performed
singly, or may be combined into a test sequence with other
3. Terminology
mechanical or nonmechanical tests, or both. Certain precondi-
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in these test
tioning test methods such as annealing or light soaking may
methods may be found in Terminology E772 and Terminology
also be necessary or desirable as a part of such a sequence.
E1328.
However, the determination of such test sequencing and
preconditioning is beyond the scope of these test methods.
4. Significance and Use
1.4 These test methods do not establish pass or fail levels.
4.1 The useful life of photovoltaic modules may depend on
The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is
theirabilitytowithstandperiodicexposuretohighwindforces,
beyond the scope of these test methods.
cyclic loads induced by specific site conditions or shipment
1.5 These test methods do not apply to concentrator mod-
methods, high loads caused by accumulated snow and ice on
ules.
the module surface, and twisting deflections caused by mount-
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as ing to non-planar surfaces or structures. The effects on the
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this module may be physical or electrical, or both. Most
standard. importantly, the effects may compromise the safety of the
1 2
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources and are the direct contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
responsibility of Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion. Standardsvolume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved April 1, 2009. Published April 2009. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as E1830 - 04. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/E1830-09. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
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E1830 − 09
module, particularly in high voltage applications, or where the 5.3.1 Test Base—A rigid test base shall be provided that
public may be exposed to broken glass or other d
...
This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM 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:E1830–04 Designation: E 1830 – 09
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.Anumber 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 Thesetestmethodscoverproceduresfordeterminingtheabilityofphotovoltaicmodulestowithstandthemechanicalloads,
stresses and deflections used to simulate, on an accelerated basis, high wind conditions, heavy snow and ice accumulation, and
non-planar installation effects.
−2
1.1.1 A static load test to 2400 Pa (50 lbf ft ) is used to simulate wind loads on both module surfaces
−2
1.1.2 A static load test to 5400 Pa (113 lbf ft ) is used to simulate heavy snow and ice accumulation on the module front
surface.
1.1.3 Atwist test is used to simulate the non-planar mounting of a photovoltaic module by subjecting it to a twist angle of 1.2°
1
( ⁄4 in. per ft). 1.2°.
−2
1.1.4 Acyclic load test of 10000 cycles duration and peak loading to 1440 Pa (30 lbf ft ) is used to simulate dynamic wind
orflex-typeloadingwhichotherflexuralloading.Suchloadingmightoccurathighwayspeedsforphotovoltaicmodulesmounted,
for example, on during shipment or after installation at a truck, recreational vehicle, or trailer. particular location.
1.2ThevaluesstatedinSIunitsaretoberegardedasthestandard.Thevaluesgiveninparenthesesareprovidedforinformation
purposes only.
1.3These 1.2 These test methods define photovoltaic test specimens and mounting methods, and specify parameters that must
be recorded and reported.
1.4Any1.3 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.
1.5These1.4 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.
1.6These1.5 These test methods do not apply to concentrator modules.
1.7There is no similar or equivalent ISO 1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of
measurement are included in this standard.
1.81.7 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 Relating to Solar Energy Conversion
E1036/E1036M 1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and
Arrays Using Reference Cells
E1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion
E1462 Test Methods for Insulation Integrity and Ground Path Continuity of Photovoltaic Modules
E1799 Practice for Visual Inspections of Photovoltaic Modules
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E44 on Solar, Geothermal, and OtherAlternative Energy Sources and isare the direct responsibility
of Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.
Current edition approved MarchApril 1, 2004.2009. Published April 2004.2009. Originally approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 20012004 as
E1830–01.E1830-04.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. 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 ----------------------
E1830–09
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in these test methods may be found inTerminology E772 andTerminology E1328.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The useful life of photovoltaic modules may depend o
...
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