EN 50380:2017

Marking and documentation requirements for Photovoltaic Modules

This European Standard describes marking, including nameplate and documentation requirements for non-concentrating photovoltaic modules. This European Standard provides mandatory information that needs to be included in the product documentation or affixed to the product to ensure safe and proper use. Best practices are included in this document giving guidance on additional information, for example module’s performance at different irradiance levels. Markings, including nameplates, are permanently affixed information on the PV modules, which indelibly states the rating and other information as required by the relevant standard for safe use and maintenance. While, documentation information is a technical description separate from the photovoltaic module. This European Standard is based on IEC and EN standards defining marking, nameplate and documentation requirements for PV modules.

Datenblatt- und Typenschildangaben von Photovoltaik-Modulen

Exigences de marquage et de documentation des modules photovoltaïques

La présente Norme européenne spécifie les exigences de marquage, y compris celles relatives à la plaque signalétique et à la documentation, applicables aux modules non-concentrateurs photovoltaïques. La présente Norme européenne fournit des informations obligatoires qu'il est nécessaire d'intégrer à la documentation du produit ou d'apposer sur le produit, afin d'en assurer une utilisation sûre et appropriée. Le présent document comporte un guide des meilleures pratiques qui donne des préconisations relatives aux informations supplémentaires, par exemple, les performances d'un module à différents niveaux d'éclairement énergétique. Les marquages, y compris les plaques signalétiques, sont des informations apposées de façon permanente et durable sur les modules photovoltaïques, qui indiquent les caractéristiques assignées et d'autres informations, selon les exigences de la norme applicable, pour une utilisation et une maintenance en toute sécurité. De fait, les informations contenues dans la documentation correspondent à une description technique distincte du module photovoltaïque. La présente Norme européenne est fondée sur des normes IEC et EN qui définissent des exigences concernant le marquage, la plaque signalétique et la documentation pour les modules photovoltaïques.

Zahteve za označevanje in dokumentacijo fotonapetostnih modulov

Ta osnutek evropskega standarda opisuje zahteve za označevanje (vključno z napisno ploščico) in dokumentacijo za koncentrirane fotonapetostne module.
V tem dokumentu je opisano, kateri podatki morajo biti vključeni v dokumentaciji proizvoda, da se zagotovi njegova varna in pravilna uporaba. Ta dokument tako navaja obvezne podatke in zahteve. Ta dokument vključuje vodnik o najboljših praksah, ki podaja smernice glede dodatnih podatkov, na primer o zmogljivosti modula na različnih ravneh sevanja.
V tem kontekstu so oznake, vključno z napisno ploščico, trajno pritrjene na električni napravi (v tem primeru na fotonapetostnem modulu) in na vidnem mestu navajajo nazivne ter druge podatke, kot to zahteva ustrezen standard za varno uporabo in vzdrževanje, informacije v dokumentaciji pa so tehnični opis, ločen od fotonapetostnega modula.
Kontekst tega standarda temelji na različnih standardih IEC in EN, ki opredeljujejo dele zahtev glede oznak, napisnih tablic in dokumentacije fotonapetostnih modulov.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2017
• Withdrawal Date: 16-Jul-2020
• ICS: 27.160 - Solar energy engineering
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 82 - Solar photovoltaic energy systems
• Drafting Committee: CLC/TC 82 - Solar photovoltaic energy systems
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 13-Sep-2023
• Completion Date: 23-Sep-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN 50380:2017 - Marking and documentation requirements for Photovoltaic Modules

Relations

• Replaces: EN 50380:2003 - Datasheet and nameplate information for photovoltaic modules
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2023

Overview

EN 50380:2017 - Marking and documentation requirements for Photovoltaic Modules - is a CLC (CENELEC) European Standard that specifies the mandatory marking (nameplate) and documentation information for non‑concentrating photovoltaic (PV) modules. The standard ensures safe installation, operation and maintenance by defining what must be permanently affixed to a module and what technical information must be supplied in datasheets and user manuals. EN 50380:2017 is based on relevant IEC/EN PV standards and includes best‑practice guidance (for example, module performance at different irradiance levels).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and definitions: Covers non‑concentrating PV modules; defines terms such as documentation, marking, STC (1 000 W/m2, 25 °C, AM 1.5G), NMOT, nameplate and stabilized/initial parameters.
• Mandatory documentation content:
  • Electrical data at STC after stabilization: Voc, Isc, Vmp (V at maximum power), Imp, Pmax and rated production tolerances.
  • Relative temperature coefficients for current, voltage and power; statement if coefficients are non‑linear.
  • Maximum system voltage (Vsys) and maximum overcurrent protection (OCP) rating.
  • Polarity of terminals, class of protection against electric shock and certificate information.
• Marking (nameplate) requirements: Permanently affixed information that indelibly states ratings and essential identifiers for safe use and maintenance.
• Wiring and installation details: Minimum cable diameters, junction box and connector types, conductor material/temperature rating, bonding method, and whether protective devices (e.g., bypass diodes) are integrated or replaceable.
• Quality and verification: Procedures and annexes for verification of electrical characteristics, limited reverse current carrying capacity and parameters for PV power‑plant design.
• Language and supply: Documentation must be in an official language of the country of installation; one documentation set may suffice per identical module shipping unit.

Practical applications and users

• PV module manufacturers: To produce compliant nameplates, datasheets and user manuals and declare stabilized electrical parameters.
• System designers and installers: For correct system sizing (Vsys, OCP), wiring selection and safe installation according to the module’s documentation.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies: For verification, type approval and conformity assessment against EN 50380 and referenced IEC/EN tests.
• Asset owners and maintenance personnel: For safe operation, maintenance instructions and accurate performance expectations (including temperature and irradiance effects).

Related standards

EN 50380 references and aligns with several IEC/EN standards, including: IEC/EN 61730, IEC 61215, EN 60904‑10, EN 62790 (junction boxes), EN 62852 (connectors) and others relevant to PV safety, testing and documentation.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2017
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 50380:2003
=DKWHYH]DR]QDþHYDQMHLQGRNXPHQWDFLMRIRWRQDSHWRVWQLKPRGXORY
Marking and documentation requirements for Photovoltaic Modules
Datenblatt- und Typenschildangaben von Photovoltaik-Modulen
Exigences de marquage et de documentation des modules photovoltaïques
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50380:2017
ICS:
27.160 6RQþQDHQHUJLMD Solar energy engineering
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50380
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
September 2017
ICS 27.160 Supersedes EN 50380:2003
English Version
Marking and documentation requirements for Photovoltaic
Modules
Exigences de marquage et de documentation des modules Datenblatt- und Typenschildangaben von Photovoltaik-
photovoltaïques Modulen
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2017-07-17. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2017 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50380:2017 E
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Documentation information . 6
4.1 General . 6
4.2 Documentation language . 6
4.3 Mandatory information . 7
4.3.1 General . 7
4.3.2 Electrical, including wiring, information . 7
4.3.3 Mechanical information . 8
4.3.4 Installation information . 9
4.3.5 Certificates . 9
4.3.6 Other information . 9
4.4 Best practice information . 9
4.4.1 Electrical, including wiring, information . 9
4.4.2 Mechanical information . 9
4.4.3 Installation information — Constructive characteristics . 9
4.4.4 Certificates . 10
4.4.5 Other information . 10
5 Marking information . 10
5.1 General . 10
5.2 Mandatory information . 10
5.2.1 General . 10
5.2.2 Module identification . 11
5.2.3 Electrical information . 11
5.3 Best practice information . 12
Annex A (informative) Determination of limited reverse current IR carrying capacity . 13
Annex B (informative) Verification procedure of electrical characteristics of PV module . 15
B.1 General . 15
B.2 Initial determination (e.g. by manufacturer) . 15
B.3 Verification by third party . 15
B.4 Measurement procedure . 16
Annex C (informative) Electrical characteristics for PV power plant design. 18
C.1 Electrical characteristics for energy yield evaluation . 18
C.2 Temperature corrections . 18
C.3 Insulation properties under different environmental parameters . 19
C.4 Capacitance of PV module . 19
Bibliography . 20

European foreword
This document (EN 50380:2017) has been prepared by CLC/TC 82 “Solar photovoltaic energy
systems”.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has to be (dop) 2018-07-17
implemented at national level by publication of an
identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting (dow) 2020-07-17
with this document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 50380:2003.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such
patent rights.
1 Scope
This European Standard describes marking, including nameplate and documentation requirements for
non-concentrating photovoltaic modules.
This European Standard provides mandatory information that needs to be included in the product
documentation or affixed to the product to ensure safe and proper use. Best practices are included in
this document giving guidance on additional information, for example module’s performance at
different irradiance levels.
Markings, including nameplates, are permanently affixed information on the PV modules, which
indelibly states the rating and other information as required by the relevant standard for safe use and
maintenance. While, documentation information is a technical description separate from the
photovoltaic module.
This European Standard is based on IEC and EN standards defining marking, nameplate and
documentation requirements for PV modules.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 13501-1, Fire classification of construction products and building elements - Part 1: Classification
using data from reaction to fire tests
EN 45011, General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems
(ISO/IEC Guide 65)
EN 50618, Electric cables for photovoltaic systems
EN 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code) (IEC 60529)
EN 60904-10, Photovoltaic devices - Part 10: Methods of linearity measurement (IEC 60904-10)
prEN 61730-1:2015, Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification - Part 1: Requirements for
construction (IEC/CDV 61730-1:2015)
EN 61730-2, Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification - Part 2: Requirements for testing (IEC
61730-2)
CLC/TS 61836, Solar photovoltaic energy systems - Terms, definitions and symbols (IEC/TS 61836)
EN 62790, Junction boxes for photovoltaic modules - Safety requirements and tests (IEC 62790)
EN 62852, Connectors for DC-application in photovoltaic systems - Safety requirements and tests
(IEC 62852)
IEC 60050, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary
IEC 61215 (all parts), Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules – Design Qualification and Type Approval
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in CLC/TS 61836, IEC 60050 and
the following apply.
3.1
documentation
information provided by the manufacturer to allow satisfactory understanding, installation and safe use
of the module
Note 1 to entry: Typically documentation is provided by manufacturer as user manual and data-sheet.
3.2
marking
permanently affixed information on an electric device, herein the PV module, which indelibly states the
rating and other information as required by the relevant standard for safe use and maintenance
3.3
standard test conditions
STC
1 000 W/m , 25 °C, AM 1,5G (EN 60904-3)
Note 1 to entry: As defined in CLC/TS 61836.
3.4
nominal module operating temperature
NMOT
equilibrium mean photovoltaic cell junction temperature within an open-rack mounted module
operating near peak power in the following standard reference environment (SRE)
Note 1 to entry: Determination procedure is explained in detail in MQT 05 of IEC 61215–2 and EN 61853–2.
— tilt angle: 37,5° ± 2,5° from the horizontal;
— total irradiance: 800 W/m ;
— ambient temperature: 20 °C;
— wind speed: 1 m/s;
— electrical load: A resistive load sized or maximum power point tracking (mppt) device such that the
module will operate near maximum power point.
3.5
limited reverse current
I
R
current carrying capacity which gives the maximal current for operation of photovoltaic module at a
working voltage V ≥ V without permanent damages of the photovoltaic module
oc
Note 1 to entry: For working voltages higher than open circuit voltage module, the current changes its
algebraic sign (math. ± ). This current is therefore a reverse current to the photovoltaic module.
3.6
nameplate
plate, permanently affixed on an electric device, which indelibly states the rating and other information
as required by the relevant standard
[SOURCE: IEV 151-16-12]
3.7
rated production tolerances
value specified by the manufacturer that characterize the normal production tolerances at STC
Note 1 to entry: This is not the binning into power classes.
3.8
stabilized parameters
electrical parameters that characterize the device in its stabilized state where it is usually operated
Note 1 to entry: For stabilization procedure and requirements see MQT 19 of IEC 61215–2. Stabilization can
be achieved by light exposure or other validated method per IEC 61215–2.
3.9
initial parameters
electrical parameters that characterize the device in its initial state directly after production
3.10
electrical characteristics
Pmpp Power at maximum power point
P Maximum power at STC condition
max
Voc Open circuit voltage at STC condition
I Short circuit current at STC condition
sc
V max Voltage at maximum power point at STC condition
P
I Current at maximum power point at STC condition
Pmax
Vsys Maximum system voltage
OCPmax Maximum overcurrent protection rating
3.11
rated current of overcurrent protection (OCP) device
current rating of fuse or circuit breaker according to EN 60269-6
4 Documentation information
4.1 General
Modules shall be supplied with documentation describing the methods of electrical and mechanical
installation as well as the electrical ratings of the module. The documentation shall state the Class
under which the PV module was qualified and any specific limitations required for that Class. The
documentation shall state the environmental conditions to which the module has been qualified. It shall
be ensured that appropriate documentation for safe installation, use, and maintenance are available to
installers and operators.
The documentation of a PV module typically consists of a user manual and a data-sheet. The user
manual/general documentation shall contain all information to comply with national legal product
requirements. Extra requirements may apply. Summarized information in addition to the user manual
is typically stated in a data-sheet but could also be directly part of the user manual.
For identical PV modules it is considered to be sufficient that one set of documentation is supplied with
the PV module shipping unit.
International symbols shall be used where applicable.
4.2 Documentation language
Documentation required by this standard shall be written in an official language of the country in which
the PV module is installed.
4.3 Mandatory information
4.3.1 General
This subclause lists the mandatory information to be provided for PV modules according to this
standard.
4.3.2 Electrical, including wiring, information
The documentation shall contain the following electrical information:
a) polarity of terminals or leads;
b) “Maximum system voltage” or V ;
sys
c) Maximum overcurrent protection (OCP) rating
Overcurrent protection devices with a 1hr, 1,35 I overload rating, where I is the rated value of
R R
the overcurrent protection device, are recommended.
NOTE Compliance can be checked according to EN 61730–2 MST 26. I -rating can be determined using
R
procedure in Annex A.
d) Class of protection against electrical shock, in accordance with EN 61730-1 (see further details in
5.2.3 f))
The following electrical data shall be shown as relative to standard test conditions (1 000 W/m , 25 °C,
AM 1,5G according to CLC/TS 61836) and after stabilization. Manufacturer’s stated rated production
tolerance shall be given also under standard test conditions (STC).
e) “Voltage at open-circuit” or “V ” including rated production tolerance
oc
f) “Voltages at maximum power point” or “V ” including rated production tolerance
Pmax
g) “Current at maximum power point”; or “I ” including rated production tolerance
Pmax
h) “PV module maximum power” or “P ” including rated production tolerance
max
i) “Current at short-circuit”; or “I ” including rated production tolerance
sc
Electrical values after stabilization according to the IEC 61215 series shall be verifiable and within the
specified rated production tolerances and uncertainties. A procedure is given in Annex B
NOTE 1 Example: P = 250,0 W, rated production tolerance 3 %, binning + 5 W / - 0 W. That means that
max
modules from 250,0 W to 254,9 W are sorted in one bin, rated P = 250,0 W. Tolerance of 3 % results on
max
deviations from 250,0 W from 242,5 W to 257,5 W.
If initial values differ by more than the manufacturer's stated production tolerances from stabilized
values this shall be stated separately.
At the example of an a-Si type module with an initial degradation of 20 % and a rated production
tolerance of 5 %, I and V have to be stated as initial and stabilized parameters.
sc oc
If output of module (I , V and P ) is site or mounting means dependent (e.g. due to back side
sc oc max
illumination of bifacial cells) variability and maximal output (I , V and P ) shall be stated.
sc oc max
j) Relative temperature coefficients in [%/K] for I , P and V at STC
sc max oc
NOTE 2 The values for I and V can be provided.
MPP MPP
k) State if temperature coefficients are linear. In cases of nonlinear temperature coefficients
according to EN 60904-10 further information regarding temperature coefficients shall be
provided.
The electrical documentation shall include a detailed description of the electrical installation wiring
method to be used. This description shall include:
l) The minimum cable diameters for PV modules intended for field wiring
m) Any limitations on wiring methods and wire management that apply to the junction box for the PV
module
n) The size, type, material, and temperature rating of the conductors to be used
o) Type of terminals for field wiring
p) Specific PV connector model/types and manufacturer to which the PV module connectors can be
mated
q) The bonding method(s) to be used (if applicable) shall be specified. All provided or specified
hardware shall be identified in the documentation;
r) A statement if protective devices (e.g. bypass diode etc.) are part of the PV module. A statement
if the protective device is replaceable.
To facilitate proper system sizing the manufacturer shall include relevant parameters in the
documentation that allow system layout based not only on STC values given in the
documentation. For example a safety factor for V and I of 1,25 is recommended since
oc sc
irradiance is often higher than 1 000 W/m and temperature below 25 °C may raise Voc.
The following or equivalent statement shall be included:
“Under normal conditions, a photovoltaic module is likely to experience conditions that produce
higher current and/or voltage than reported at standard test conditions. Accordingly, the values of
Isc and Voc marked on this PV module should be multiplied by a factor of 1,25 when determining
component voltage ratings, conductor current ratings, and size of controls (e.g. inverter)
connected to the PV output.”
The safety factor of 1,25 for the minimum voltage rating of the components can be modified
during the design of a system according to the minimum temperature of the location of the
installation and the temperature coefficient for Voc. Isc can be adjusted based on maximal
temperature, irradiance and orientation of the module. To this end a full simulation for the specific
location is required using long term weather data.
A statement indicating the maximum altitude the PV module is designed for. Electrical de-ratings
applied in accordance to EN 61730-1. Voltage de-rating as specified in the insulation coordination
can be applied.
4.3.3 Mechanical information
a) A statement indicating the design load for each mounting method (clamps, bolts, etc.) for securing
the module.
b) Limitations for each mounting method (slope, mounting means, air gap between structure and
module, rack mounting, roof or building integrated / attached, etc.).
c) Limitations for each mounting method if fire rating is dependent on mounting method.
SIS
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