EN IEC 61215-2:2021

Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 2: Test procedures

IEC 61215-2:2021 is available as IEC 61215-2:2021 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.IEC 61215-2:2021 lays down requirements for the design qualification of terrestrial photovoltaic modules suitable for long-term operation in open-air climates. This document is intended to apply to all terrestrial flat plate module materials such as crystalline silicon module types as well as thin-film modules. The objective of this test sequence is to determine the electrical characteristics of the module and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the module is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure outdoors. This second edition of IEC 61215-2 cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-2 issued in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a. Addition of cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load testing (MQT 20). b. Addition of a test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21). c. Addition of test methods required for bifacial PV modules. d. Addition of test methods required for flexible modules. This includes the addition of the bending test (MQT 22). e. Revision of simulator requirements to ensure uncertainty is both well-defined and minimized. f. Correction to the hot spot endurance test, where the procedure for monolithically integrated (MLI) thin film technologies (MQT 09.2) previously included two sections describing a procedure only appropriate for silicon modules. g. Selection of three diodes, rather than all, for testing in the bypass diode thermal test (MQT 18). h. Removal of the nominal module operating test (NMOT), and associated test of performance at NMOT, from the IEC 61215 series.

Terrestrische Photovoltaik(PV)-Module - Bauarteignung und Bauartzulassung - Teil 2: Prüfverfahren

Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres - Qualification de la conception et homologation - Partie 2: Procédures d'essai

IEC 61215-2:2021 est disponible sous forme de IEC 61215-2:2021 RLV qui contient la Norme internationale et sa version Redline, illustrant les modifications du contenu technique depuis l'édition précédente.L'IEC 61215-2:2021 établit les exigences concernant la qualification de conception des modules photovoltaïques terrestres appropriés à un fonctionnement de longue durée dans des climats à l’air libre. Le présent document est destiné à s'appliquer à tous les matériaux de modules à plaque plane pour applications terrestres, tels que les types de modules au silicium cristallin et les modules à couches minces. L'objet de cette séquence d'essais est de déterminer les caractéristiques électriques du module et d’indiquer, dans la mesure du possible avec des contraintes de coût et de temps raisonnables, que le module est capable de supporter une exposition prolongée en site naturel. Cette deuxième édition de l’IEC 61215-2 annule et remplace la première édition de l’IEC 61215‑2 parue en 2016. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente. a. Ajout de l’essai de charge mécanique cyclique (dynamique) (MQT 20 - Module Quality Test, essai de qualité du module). b. Ajout d’un essai de détection de la dégradation induite par le potentiel (MQT 21). c. Ajout de méthodes d’essai exigées pour les modules PV bifaces. d. Ajout de méthodes d’essai exigées pour les modules flexibles. Cette disposition inclut l’ajout de l’essai de flexion (MQT 22). e. Révision des exigences du simulateur pour assurer à la fois la définition appropriée et la réduction le plus possible de l’incertitude. f. Correction de l’essai de tenue à l’échauffement localisé, dont la procédure pour les technologies à couches minces à intégration monolithique (MLI - monolithic integration) (MQT 09.2) comprenait précédemment deux sections décrivant une méthode uniquement adaptée aux modules en silicium. g. Choix de trois diodes, plutôt que de toutes les diodes d’essai, pour l’essai thermique de la diode de dérivation (MQT 18). h. Suppression de l’essai nominal de fonctionnement du module (NMOT - nominal module operating test), et de l’essai associé de performances à la température nominale de fonctionnement du module (NMOT - nominal module operating temperature), issus de la série IEC 61215.

Prizemni fotonapetostni (PV) moduli - Ocena zasnove in odobritev tipa - 2. del: Preskusni postopki

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 08-Apr-2021
• ICS: 27.160 - Solar energy engineering
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 82 - Solar photovoltaic energy systems
• Drafting Committee: IEC/TC 82 - IEC_TC_82
• Current Stage: 6060 - Document made available - Publishing
• Start Date: 09-Apr-2021
• Completion Date: 09-Apr-2021
• Ref Project: SIST EN IEC 61215-2:2021 - Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 2: Test procedures

Relations

• Replaces: EN 61215-2:2017 - Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 2: Test procedures
• Effective Date: 23-Jan-2023
• Replaces: EN 61215-2:2017/AC:2017-07 - Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 2: Test procedures
• Effective Date: 13-Apr-2021
• Replaces: EN 61215-2:2017/AC:2018-04 - Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 2: Test procedures
• Effective Date: 13-Apr-2021

Overview - EN IEC 61215-2:2021 (Test procedures for PV modules)

EN IEC 61215-2:2021 is the CLC-adopted test-procedures part of the international IEC 61215 series for terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules. It specifies the laboratory and outdoor test procedures used for design qualification and type approval of flat-plate PV modules (crystalline silicon and thin‑film) intended for long‑term open‑air service. The publication is available as an RLV (redline) edition showing changes from the prior edition.

Key topics and technical requirements

This standard establishes the sequence of tests and measurement procedures to assess electrical performance and durability. Important technical topics include:

• Electrical characterization: Maximum power determination, performance at STC and low irradiance, temperature coefficients, and I‑V measurement procedures.
• Environmental endurance tests: Thermal cycling, damp heat, humidity‑freeze, UV preconditioning, outdoor exposure and wet leakage tests to simulate long‑term outdoor stresses.
• Mechanical and structural tests: Static mechanical load testing and the newly added cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load testing (MQT 20) for realistic wind/snow stress.
• Module‑specific procedures: Tests added or revised for bifacial modules, flexible modules (including a bending test, MQT 22), and monolithically integrated thin‑film technologies.
• Degradation and safety checks: Procedures for hot‑spot endurance, bypass diode thermal testing (selection of three diodes), and the potential‑induced degradation (PID) detection test (MQT 21).
• Simulator and measurement quality: Revised solar simulator requirements to minimize and define measurement uncertainty.
• Note: the NMOT test and related NMOT performance test were removed from the series.

Practical applications and users

EN IEC 61215-2:2021 is used by:

• PV module manufacturers for design validation and to support type approval and certification.
• Independent test laboratories performing qualification and reliability testing.
• Certification bodies and regulators assessing compliance for product market access.
• Project developers, procurement teams and investors relying on standardized durability evidence to reduce long‑term risk.
• R&D and quality engineers for benchmarking module performance and failure-mode analysis.

Related standards

Relevant companion and referenced documents include:

• EN IEC 61215-1:2021 (Test requirements)
• IEC 61215-1-1 (Crystalline silicon special requirements)
• IEC 61730 series (PV module safety)
• IEC/TS 62804-1 (PID test methods)
• IEC 60904 series (I‑V and solar simulator standards)
• IEC 62790 (Junction boxes) and IEC 62782 (cyclic mechanical testing)

EN IEC 61215-2:2021 provides the standardized test procedures essential for verifying PV module performance and long-term reliability in commercial and utility applications.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2021
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 61215-2:2017
SIST EN 61215-2:2017/AC:2017
SIST EN 61215-2:2017/AC:2018
Prizemni fotonapetostni (PV) moduli - Ocena zasnove in odobritev tipa - 2. del:
Preskusni postopki
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 2:
Test procedures
Terrestrische Photovoltaik(PV)-Module - Bauarteignung und Bauartzulassung - Teil 2:
Prüfverfahren
Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres - Qualification de la
conception et homologation - Partie 2: Procédures d'essai
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 61215-2:2021
ICS:
27.160 Sončna energija Solar energy engineering
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 61215-2

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
April 2021
ICS 27.160 Supersedes EN 61215-2:2017 and all of its amendments
and corrigenda (if any)
English Version
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and
type approval - Part 2: Test procedures
(IEC 61215-2:2021)
Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres - Terrestrische Photovoltaik(PV)-Module - Bauarteignung und
Qualification de la conception et homologation - Partie 2: Bauartzulassung - Teil 2: Prüfverfahren
Procédures d'essai (IEC 61215-2:2021)
(IEC 61215-2:2021)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2021-03-31. 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, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, 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: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 61215-2:2021 E

European foreword
The text of document 82/1829/FDIS, future edition 2 of IEC 61215-2, prepared by IEC/TC 82 "Solar
photovoltaic energy systems" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by
CENELEC as EN IEC 61215-2:2021.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2021-12-31
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2024-03-31
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 61215-2:2017 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61215-2:2021 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards
indicated:
IEC 62506 NOTE Harmonized as EN 62506
IEC 62938:2020 NOTE Harmonized as EN IEC 62938:2020 (not modified)
IEC 62941 NOTE Harmonized as EN IEC 62941
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
NOTE 1 Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the
relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2 Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60068-1 - Environmental testing - Part 1: General EN 60068-1 -
and guidance
IEC 60068-2-21 - Environmental testing - Part 2-21: Tests - EN 60068-2-21 -
Test U: Robustness of terminations and
integral mounting devices
IEC 60068-2-78 2012 Environmental testing - Part 2-78: Tests - EN 60068-2-78 2013
Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state
IEC 60891 - Photovoltaic devices - Procedures for EN 60891 -
temperature and irradiance corrections to
measured I-V characteristics
IEC 60904-1 - Photovoltaic devices - Part 1: EN IEC 60904-1 -
Measurement of photovoltaic current-
voltage characteristics
IEC 60904-1-1 - Photovoltaic devices - Part 1-1: EN 60904-1-1 -
Measurement of current-voltage
characteristics of multi-junction
photovoltaic (PV) devices
IEC/TS 60904-1-2 - Photovoltaic devices - Part 1-2: - -
Measurement of current-voltage
characteristics of bifacial photovoltaic (PV)
devices
IEC 60904-2 - Photovoltaic devices - Part 2: EN 60904-2 -
Requirements for photovoltaic reference
devices
IEC 60904-3 - Photovoltaic devices - Part 3: EN IEC 60904-3 -
Measurement principles for terrestrial
photovoltaic (PV) solar devices with
reference spectral irradiance data
IEC 60904-7 - Photovoltaic devices - Part 7: Computation EN IEC 60904-7 -
of the spectral mismatch correction for
measurements of photovoltaic devices
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60904-8 - Photovoltaic devices - Part 8: EN 60904-8 -
Measurement of spectral responsivity of a
photovoltaic (PV) device
IEC 60904-9 2020 Photovoltaic devices - Part 9: Classification EN IEC 60904-9 2020
of solar simulator characteristics
IEC 60904-10 - Photovoltaic devices - Part 10: Methods of EN IEC 60904-10 -
linear dependence and linearity
measurements
IEC/TR 60904-14 - Photovoltaic devices - Part 14: Guidelines - -
for production line measurements of single-
junction PV module maximum power
output and reporting at standard test
conditions
IEC 61140 - Protection against electric shock - EN 61140 -
Common aspects for installation and
equipment
IEC 61215-1 2021 Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - EN IEC 61215-1 2021
Design qualification and type approval -
Part 1: Test requirements
IEC 61215-1-1 - Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - EN IEC 61215-1-1 -
Design qualification and type approval -
Part 1-1: Special requirements for testing
of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV)
modules
IEC 61730-1 2016 Photovoltaic (PV) module safety EN IEC 61730-1 2018
qualification - Part 1: Requirements for
construction
- -  /AC:2018-06
IEC 61730-2 - Photovoltaic (PV) module safety EN IEC 61730-2 -
qualification - Part 2: Requirements for
testing
IEC/TS 61836 - Solar photovoltaic energy systems - - -
Terms, definitions and symbols
IEC/TS 62782 - Photovoltaic (PV) modules - Cyclic - -
(dynamic) mechanical load testing
IEC 62790 - Junction boxes for photovoltaic modules - EN 62790 -
Safety requirements and tests
IEC/TS 62804-1 2015 Photovoltaic (PV) modules - Test methods - -
for the detection of potential-induced
degradation - Part 1: Crystalline silicon
IEC TS 63163 — Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules for
consumer products – Design qualification
and type approval
Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ADTS.
IEC 61215-2 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –

Part 2: Test procedures
Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres – Qualification de la

conception et homologation –
Partie 2: Procédures d'essai
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 27.160 ISBN 978-2-8322-9394-2

– 2 – IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6
INTRODUCTION . 8
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms and definitions . 11
4 Test procedures . 12
4.1 Visual inspection (MQT 01) . 12
4.1.1 Purpose . 12
4.1.2 Procedure . 12
4.1.3 Requirements . 12
4.2 Maximum power determination (MQT 02) . 12
4.2.1 Purpose . 12
4.2.2 Apparatus . 12
4.2.3 Procedure . 13
4.3 Insulation test (MQT 03) . 13
4.3.1 Purpose . 13
4.3.2 Apparatus . 14
4.3.3 Test conditions . 14
4.3.4 Procedure . 14
4.3.5 Test requirements . 15
4.4 Measurement of temperature coefficients (MQT 04) . 15
4.5 Placeholder section, formerly NMOT . 15
4.6 Performance at STC (MQT 06.1) . 15
4.6.1 Purpose . 15
4.6.2 Apparatus . 15
4.6.3 Procedure for measuring at STC (MQT 06.1) . 16
4.7 Performance at low irradiance (MQT 07) . 16
4.7.1 Purpose . 16
4.7.2 Apparatus . 16
4.7.3 Procedure . 17
4.8 Outdoor exposure test (MQT 08) . 17
4.8.1 Purpose . 17
4.8.2 Apparatus . 17
4.8.3 Procedure . 17
4.8.4 Final measurements . 18
4.8.5 Requirements . 18
4.9 Hot-spot endurance test (MQT 09) . 18
4.9.1 Purpose . 18
4.9.2 Hot-spot effect . 18
4.9.3 Classification of cell interconnection . 19
4.9.4 Apparatus . 20
4.9.5 Procedure . 21
4.9.6 Final measurements . 28
4.9.7 Requirements . 28
4.10 UV preconditioning test (MQT 10) . 28
4.10.1 Purpose . 28

IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021 – 3 –
4.10.2 Apparatus . 28
4.10.3 Procedure . 29
4.10.4 Final measurements . 29
4.10.5 Requirements . 29
4.11 Thermal cycling test (MQT 11) . 29
4.11.1 Purpose . 29
4.11.2 Apparatus . 29
4.11.3 Procedure . 30
4.11.4 Final measurements . 31
4.11.5 Requirements . 31
4.12 Humidity-freeze test (MQT 12) . 32
4.12.1 Purpose . 32
4.12.2 Apparatus . 32
4.12.3 Procedure . 32
4.12.4 Final measurements . 32
4.12.5 Requirements . 32
4.13 Damp heat test (MQT 13) . 33
4.13.1 Purpose . 33
4.13.2 Apparatus . 33
4.13.3 Procedure . 33
4.13.4 Final measurements . 34
4.13.5 Requirements . 34
4.14 Robustness of terminations (MQT 14) . 34
4.14.1 Purpose . 34
4.14.2 Retention of junction box on mounting surface (MQT 14.1) . 34
4.14.3 Test of cord anchorage (MQT 14.2) . 34
4.15 Wet leakage current test (MQT 15) . 35
4.15.1 Purpose . 35
4.15.2 Apparatus . 35
4.15.3 Procedure . 35
4.15.4 Requirements . 35
4.16 Static mechanical load test (MQT 16) . 36
4.16.1 Purpose . 36
4.16.2 Apparatus . 36
4.16.3 Procedure . 37
4.16.4 Final measurements . 37
4.16.5 Requirements . 37
4.17 Hail test (MQT 17) . 37
4.17.1 Purpose . 37
4.17.2 Apparatus . 37
4.17.3 Procedure . 38
4.17.4 Final measurements . 39
4.17.5 Requirements . 39
4.18 Bypass diode testing (MQT 18) . 40
4.18.1 Bypass diode thermal test (MQT 18.1) . 40
4.18.2 Bypass diode functionality test (MQT 18.2) . 43
4.19 Stabilization (MQT 19) . 44
4.19.1 General . 44
4.19.2 Criterion definition for stabilization . 44

– 4 – IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021
4.19.3 Light induced stabilization procedures . 45
4.19.4 Other stabilization procedures . 46
4.19.5 Initial stabilization (MQT 19.1) . 46
4.19.6 Final stabilization (MQT 19.2) . 46
4.19.7 Stress-specific stabilization – BO LID (MQT 19.3). 47
4.20 Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) . 47
4.20.1 Purpose . 47
4.20.2 Procedure . 47
4.20.3 Final measurements . 47
4.20.4 Requirements . 48
4.21 Potential induced degradation test (MQT 21) . 48
4.21.1 Purpose . 48
4.21.2 Samples . 48
4.21.3 Apparatus . 48
4.21.4 Procedure . 48
4.21.5 Final measurements . 48
4.21.6 Requirements . 49
4.22 Bending test (MQT 22) . 49
4.22.1 Purpose . 49
4.22.2 Apparatus . 49
4.22.3 Procedure . 49
4.22.4 Final measurements . 49
4.22.5 Requirements . 49
Annex A (informative) Recommended setup for managing weights during mechanical
loading (MQT 16) . 50
Bibliography . 54

Figure 1 – Case S, series connection with optional bypass diode . 19
Figure 2 – Case PS, parallel-series connection with optional bypass diode . 19
Figure 3 – Case SP, series-parallel connection with optional bypass diode . 20
Figure 4 – Module I-V characteristics with different cells totally shadowed . 21
Figure 5 – Module I-V characteristics with the test cell shadowed at different levels . 23
Figure 6 – Hot-spot effect in a MLI thin-film module with serially connected cells . 24
Figure 7 – Thermal cycling test – Temperature and applied current profile . 30
Figure 8 – Proper attachment of 5 N weight to junction box for module utilizing a)
electrical termination leads, b) or wire for attachment, and c) only one junction box . 31
Figure 9 – Humidity-freeze cycle – Temperature and humidity profile . 33
Figure 10 – Hail-test equipment . 38
Figure 11 – Hail test impact locations: top for wafer/cell based technologies, bottom for

monolithic processed thin film technologies . 40
Figure 12 – Bypass diode thermal test . 42
Figure A.1 – 3D view (at left of figure), end view (at top right), and side view (at bottom
right) of gantry crane over mounting jig and loading jig . 50
Figure A.2 – 3D close up views of mounting jig (right) and loading jig (left) . 51
Figure A.3 – 2D view of mounting jig and loading jig . 52
Figure A.4 – 3D view of loading jig . 52
Figure A.5 – Close-up view of loading jig . 53

IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021 – 5 –

Table 1 – Voltage stress levels . 14
Table 2 – Ice-ball masses and test velocities . 38
Table 3 – Impact locations . 39

– 6 – IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –
DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL –

Part 2: Test procedures
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
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indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61215-2 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 82: Solar
photovoltaic energy systems.
This second edition of IEC 61215-2 cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-2 issued
in 2016; it constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Addition of cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load testing (MQT 20).
b) Addition of a test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21).
c) Addition of test methods required for bifacial PV modules.
d) Addition of test methods required for flexible modules. This includes the addition of the
bending test (MQT 22).
e) Revision of simulator requirements to ensure uncertainty is both well-defined and minimized.

IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021 – 7 –
f) Correction to the hot spot endurance test, where the procedure for monolithically integrated
(MLI) thin film technologies (MQT 09.2) previously included two sections describing a
procedure only appropriate for silicon modules.
g) Selection of three diodes, rather than all, for testing in the bypass diode thermal test
(MQT 18).
h) Removal of the nominal module operating test (NMOT), and associated test of performance
at NMOT, from the IEC 61215 series.
Informative Annex A of IEC 61215-1:2021 explains the background and reasoning behind some
of the more substantial changes that were made in the IEC 61215 series in progressing from
edition 1 to edition 2.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
82/1829/FDIS 82/1853/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61215 series, published under the general title Terrestrial
photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval, can be found on the IEC
website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates that it
ding of its
contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understan
contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

– 8 – IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021
INTRODUCTION
Whereas Part 1 of this standards series describes requirements (both in general and specific
with respect to device technology), the sub-parts of Part 1 define technology variations and
Part 2 defines a set of test procedures necessary for design qualification and type approval.
The test procedures described in Part 2 are valid for all device technologies.

IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021 – 9 –
TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –
DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL –

Part 2: Test procedures
1 Scope
This document lays down requirements for the design qualification of terrestrial photovoltaic
modules suitable for long-term operation in open-air climates. The useful service life of modules
so qualified will depend on their design, their environment and the conditions under which they
are operated. Test results are not construed as a quantitative prediction of module lifetime.
th
In climates where 98 percentile operating temperatures exceed 70 °C, users are
recommended to consider testing to higher temperature test conditions as described in
IEC TS 63126 . Users desiring qualification of PV products with lesser lifetime expectations are
recommended to consider testing designed for PV in consumer electronics, as described in
IEC TS 63163 (under development). Users wishing to gain confidence that the characteristics
tested in IEC 61215 appear consistently in a manufactured product may wish to utilize
IEC 62941 regarding quality systems in PV manufacturing.
This document is intended to apply to all terrestrial flat plate module materials such as
crystalline silicon module types as well as thin-film modules.
This document does not apply to modules used with concentrated sunlight although it may be
utilized for low concentrator modules (1 to 3 suns). For low concentration modules, all tests are
performed using the irradiance, current, voltage and power levels expected at the design
concentration.
The objective of this test sequence is to determine the electrical characteristics of the module
and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the module
is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure outdoors. Accelerated test conditions are
empirically based on those necessary to reproduce selected observed field failures and are
applied equally across module types. Acceleration factors may vary with product design and
thus not all degradation mechanisms may manifest. Further general information on accelerated
test methods including definitions of terms may be found in IEC 62506.
Some long-term degradation mechanisms can only reasonably be detected via component
testing, due to long times required to produce the failure and necessity of stress conditions that
are expensive to produce over large areas. Component tests that have reached a sufficient
level of maturity to set pass/fail criteria with high confidence are incorporated into the IEC 61215
series via addition to Table 1 in IEC 61215-1:2021. In contrast, the tests procedures described
in this series, in IEC 61215-2, are performed on modules.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
_________________
1 th
Information on 98 percentile operating temperature as a function of system location and mounting configuration
is included in IEC TS 63126.
– 10 – IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021
IEC 60068-1, Environmental testing – Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-21, Environmental testing – Part 2-21: Tests – Test U: Robustness of terminations
and integral mounting devices
IEC 60068-2-78:2012, Environmental testing – Part 2-78: Tests – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady
state
IEC 60891, Photovoltaic devices – Procedures for temperature and irradiance corrections to
measured I-V characteristics
IEC 60904-1, Photovoltaic devices – Part 1: Measurements of photovoltaic current-voltage
characteristics
IEC 60904-1-1, Photovoltaic devices – Part 1-1: Measurement of current-voltage characteristics
of multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) devices
IEC TS 60904-1-2, Photovoltaic devices – Part 1-2: Measurement of current-voltage
characteristics of bifacial photovoltaic (PV) devices
IEC 60904-2, Photovoltaic devices – Part 2: Requirements for photovoltaic reference devices
IEC 60904-3, Photovoltaic devices – Part 3: Measurement principles for terrestrial photovoltaic
(PV) solar devices with reference spectral irradiance data
IEC 60904-7, Photovoltaic devices – Part 7: Computation of the spectral mismatch correction
for measurements of photovoltaic devices
IEC 60904-8, Photovoltaic devices – Part 8: Measurement of spectral responsivity of a
photovoltaic (PV) device
IEC 60904-9:2020, Photovoltaic devices – Part 9: Classification of solar simulator
characteristics
IEC 60904-10, Photovoltaic devices – Part 10: Methods of linearity measurement
IEC TR 60904-14: Photovoltaic devices – Part 14: Guidelines for production line measurements
of single-junction PV module maximum power output and reporting at standard test conditions
IEC 61140, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and equipment
IEC 61215-1:2021, Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type
approval – Part 1: Test requirements
IEC 61215-1-1, Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval
– Part 1-1: Special requirements for testing of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules
IEC 61730-1:2016, Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification – Part 1: Requirements for
construction
IEC 61730-2, Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification – Part 2: Requirements for testing
IEC TS 61836, Solar photovoltaic energy systems – Terms, definitions and symbols
IEC TS 62782, Photovoltaic (PV) modules – Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load testing

IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021 – 11 –
IEC 62790, Junction boxes for photovoltaic modules – Safety requirements and tests
IEC TS 62804-1:2015, Photovoltaic (PV) modules – Test methods for the detection of potential-
induced degradation – Part 1: Crystalline silicon
IEC TS 63163: – Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules for consumer products – Design
qualification and type approval
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC TS 61836 and
IEC 61215-1:2021 apply, as well as the following.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
accuracy
quality which characterizes the ability of a measuring instrument to provide an indicated value
close to a true value of the measurand [consistent with the International Vocabulary of
Metrology (VIM), 5.18]
Note 1 to entry: This term is used in the "true value" approach.
Note 2 to entry: Accuracy is all the better when the indicated value is closer to the corresponding true value.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-311:2001, 311-06-08]
3.2
control device
irradiance sensor (such as a reference cell or module) that is used to detect drifts and other
problems of the solar simulator
3.3
electrically stable power output level
state of the PV module where it will operate under long-term natural sunlight
3.4
repeatability
closeness of agreement between the results of successive measurements of the same
measurand, carried out under the same conditions of measurement, i.e.:
– by the same measurement procedure,
– by the same observer,
– with the same measuring instruments,
– used under the same conditions,
– in the same laboratory,
at relatively short intervals of time [≈ VIM, 3.6].
_________________
Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ADTS.

– 12 – IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021
Note 1 to entry: The concept of "measurement procedure" is defined in VIM, 2.5.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-311:2001, 311-06-06]
3.5
Gate No. 1
a pass / fail comparison between the performance of a module and its nameplate specifications,
as described in IEC 61215-1:2021
3.6
Gate No. 2
a pass / fail comparison between the performance of a module before versus after stress, as
described in IEC 61215-1:2021
4 Test procedures
The subclauses below provide detailed instructions for performing each module quality test
(MQT). Reporting and test sequence requirements for qualification are described in
IEC 61215-1.
4.1 Visual inspection (MQT 01)
4.1.1 Purpose
To detect any visual defects in the module.
4.1.2 Procedure
Carefully inspect each module under an illumination of not less than 1 000 lux for conditions
and observations as defined in IEC 61215-1:2021.
Make note of and/or photograph any defects that may be major visual defects as defined in
IEC 61215-1. Also make note of and/or photograph the nature and position of any cracks,
bubbles or delaminations, etc., which may worsen and adversely affect the module performance
in subsequent tests. Record any other relevant information regarding origin of failure and
associated test or lab conditions.
4.1.3 Requirements
No evidence of major visual defects permitted, as defined in IEC 61215-1:2021.
4.2 Maximum power determination (MQT 02)
4.2.1 Purpose
To determine the maximum power of the module after stabilization as well as before and after
the various environmental stress tests.
4.2.2 Apparatus
a) Apparatus for measuring I-V characteristics in accordance with IEC 60904-1.
b) A PV reference device in accordance with IEC 60904-2.

IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021 – 13 –
c) At least one of the following two options to reduce the spectral mismatch component of
uncertainty shall be utilized:
• Perform a spectral mismatch correction. The spectral responsivity of the module shall
be measured according to IEC 60904-8. The spectral response data may originate from
the same lab that is performing IEC 61215-2:2021, or from a different lab. The sample
used to obtain the spectral response data may be the test module or may be a reference
cell made with the same bill of materials as the test module. The spectral distribution of
the solar simulator shall then be utilized to correct for spectral mismatch according to
IEC 60904-7.
• Use a matched reference cell or module. The reference device shall be of the sa
...