IEC TS 62257-9-8:2020

Renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural electrification - Part 9-8: Integrated systems - Requirements for stand-alone renewable energy products with power ratings less than or equal to 350 W

IEC TS 62257-9-8:2020 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.

Systèmes à énergie renouvelable et systèmes hybrides destinés à l'électrification rurale - Partie 9-8: Systèmes intégrés - Exigences applicables aux produits à énergie renouvelable autonomes d'une puissance assignée inférieure ou égale à 350 W

IEC TS 62257-9-8:2020 spécifie les exigences de base concernant la qualité, la durabilité et la lutte contre la publicité mensongère afin de protéger les consommateurs de produits à énergie renouvelable hors réseau. L'évaluation de ces exigences repose sur les essais décrits dans l'IEC TS 62257-9-5. Le présent document peut être utilisé seul ou en conjonction avec d'autres normes internationales qui traitent de la sécurité et de la durabilité des composants des produits à énergie renouvelable hors réseau.
L'objet du présent document est de fournir des normes de base pour la qualité, la durabilité et la lutte contre la publicité mensongère afin de protéger les consommateurs de produits à énergie renouvelable autonomes. Le présent document traite en particulier des produits à énergie renouvelable qui sont emballés et proposés aux consommateurs finaux sur le lieu d'achat comme des produits uniques et autonomes qui ne nécessitent pas de composants supplémentaires pour fonctionner. Le présent document s'applique aux produits dont la puissance de crête assignée est inférieure ou égale à 350 W. Si la plupart des dispositions s'appliquent à l'ensemble des produits de cette gamme, seules quelques-unes s'appliquent aux produits dont la puissance de crête assignée est supérieure à 10 W et inférieure ou égale à 350 W.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 09-Jun-2020
• ICS: 27.160 - Solar energy engineering
• Technical Committee: TC 82 - Solar photovoltaic energy systems
• Drafting Committee: JWG 1 - TC 82/JWG 1
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 13-Jan-2025
• Completion Date: 01-Jun-2023

Relations

• Revised: IEC TS 62257-9-8:2025 - Renewable energy off-grid systems - Part 9-8: Integrated systems - Requirements for stand-alone renewable energy products with power ratings less than or equal to 350 W
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC TS 62257-9-8:2020 - part of the IEC series on Renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural electrification - sets baseline requirements for stand-alone off-grid renewable energy products with power ratings ≤ 350 W. The technical specification focuses on protecting consumers through minimum standards for quality, durability and truth in advertising. Conformance evaluation uses the test methods referenced in IEC TS 62257-9-5 and the document can be used alongside other international safety and component durability standards.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and product classes: Applies to integrated, stand-alone off-grid products up to 350 W intended for rural electrification.
• Testing framework: Defines initial testing, recurring testing, accelerated verification, pay-as-you-go (PAYG) targeted testing, and rules for product families and similar product verification.
• Truth in advertising and performance reporting: Requirements for run-time claims, advertised ingress protection, ports and output ratings, included appliances, and information reporting.
• Ports and compatibility: Specifications for DC/USB ports, voltage converters, multi-voltage outputs and appliance compatibility checks.
• Lumen maintenance and lighting performance: Tests and pass/fail guidance for light output and maintenance over time.
• Health & safety: Safety of AC/DC supplies, hazardous substance restrictions, circuit/overload protection, wiring and connector safety.
• Battery requirements: Mandatory battery spec sheets, charge control, durability expectations and specific provisions for lithium-based batteries.
• Quality & durability: Physical ingress protection, drop tests, soldering/electronics quality, connector and moving-part durability, strain relief and outdoor cable durability.
• Consumer information: Mandatory warranty rules, date-of-manufacture marking, user manuals and component replacement guidance for larger (size B) products.
• Annexes: Normative tests including shading tests for PV modules, visual screening and module durability checks, and testing guidelines for similar products.

Applications and users

This IEC TS is practical for:

• Manufacturers and designers developing off-grid solar home systems and integrated products ≤ 350 W.
• Procurement agencies, NGOs and rural electrification programs specifying minimum product quality and performance.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies implementing initial and recurring test regimes described.
• PAYG service providers and distributors requiring standards for advertised run-time, metering and reliability.
• Regulators and consumer protection agencies setting product labeling, warranty and safety enforcement.

Related standards

• IEC TS 62257-9-5 (testing methods referenced)
• Other IEC product safety and PV/battery standards (for complementary safety and component durability requirements)

Keywords: IEC TS 62257-9-8:2020, off-grid, rural electrification, stand-alone renewable energy products, ≤350 W, quality, durability, truth in advertising, PAYG, battery requirements, PV testing.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC TS 62257-9-8 ®
Edition 1.0 2020-06
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
Renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural electrification –
Part 9-8: Integrated systems – Requirements for stand-alone renewable energy
products with power ratings less than or equal to 350 W

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IEC TS 62257-9-8 ®
Edition 1.0 2020-06
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
Renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural electrification –

Part 9-8: Integrated systems – Requirements for stand-alone renewable energy

products with power ratings less than or equal to 350 W

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 27.160 ISBN 978-2-8322-8239-7

– 2 – IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms and definitions . 10
4 Test requirements . 15
4.1 General . 15
4.2 Initial testing requirements . 17
4.2.1 General . 17
4.2.2 Quality test method . 17
4.2.3 Accelerated verification method . 17
4.2.4 Pay-as-you-go targeted testing . 18
4.2.5 Product families . 19
4.2.6 Similar products . 19
4.2.7 Verification of product identicality . 20
4.2.8 Reference to other standards . 20
4.3 Recurring testing requirements . 22
4.4 Retesting of non-conforming products . 22
4.5 General testing requirements applicable to all testing pathways . 23
4.5.1 General . 23
4.5.2 Exception for accessory lights . 23
5 Quality requirements . 24
5.1 General . 24
5.2 Truth in advertising . 26
5.2.1 General . 26
5.2.2 Assessment of run time values . 27
5.2.3 Information and performance reporting requirements . 28
5.2.4 Fee-for service or pay-as-you-go (PAYG) metering requirements . 31
5.2.5 Included appliances requirements . 31
5.2.6 Assessment of ingress protection advertisements . 31
5.3 Ports requirements. 32
5.3.1 General . 32
5.3.2 Voltage converters . 33
5.3.3 Ports with multiple output voltages . 33
5.3.4 Appliance voltage compatibility requirements . 33
5.3.5 Truth-in-advertising requirements . 33
5.3.6 Functionality requirements . 34
5.4 Lumen maintenance . 37
5.5 Health and safety . 37
5.5.1 AC-DC power supply safety . 37
5.5.2 Hazardous substances . 37
5.5.3 Circuit and overload protection . 38
5.5.4 Wiring and connector safety . 38
5.5.5 Additional tests for PV modules . 38
5.5.6 Requirements for systems with large PV modules or arrays . 41
5.6 Battery requirements . 41

IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020 – 3 –
5.6.1 Provision of battery specification sheets . 41
5.6.2 Battery charge control . 41
5.6.3 Specific requirements for lithium-based batteries . 43
5.6.4 Battery durability . 44
5.7 Quality and durability . 44
5.7.1 General . 44
5.7.2 Physical and water ingress protection . 44
5.7.3 Drop test requirements . 47
5.7.4 Soldering and electronics quality . 49
5.7.5 Switch, gooseneck, connector, and moving parts durability . 49
5.7.6 Strain relief durability . 49
5.7.7 Outdoor cable durability (size B products only) . 49
5.7.8 PV overvoltage requirement . 50
5.7.9 Miswiring protection requirement . 51
5.7.10 Requirements specific to systems with non‑plug‑and‑play connections . 51
5.8 Consumer information . 52
5.8.1 Warranty requirements . 52
5.8.2 Date of manufacture . 53
5.8.3 User manual requirements (size B products only) . 53
5.8.4 Component replacement methods (size B products only) . 54
Annex A (normative) Testing of similar products . 55
A.1 General . 55
A.2 Guidelines . 55
A.2.1 Visual screening . 55
A.2.2 Lumen maintenance and light output . 55
A.2.3 Charge controller testing. 56
A.2.4 PV modules . 56
A.2.5 Battery durability testing . 56
A.2.6 Connector durability testing . 56
A.2.7 Battery testing, full-battery run time, solar run time, and energy service
calculations . 56
A.2.8 Miswiring protection . 57
A.2.9 Output overload . 57
A.2.10 PV overvoltage . 57
A.2.11 Assessment of DC ports . 57
A.2.12 Power consumption and charging efficiency. 57
A.2.13 Voltage range . 57
A.2.14 Changes to firmware or software . 58
Annex B (normative) Partial shading test for photovoltaic modules . 59
B.1 General . 59
B.2 Equipment requirements . 59
B.3 Test prerequisites . 60
B.4 Procedure . 60
B.5 Calculations . 62
B.6 Pass criteria . 62
B.7 Reporting . 62
Annex C (normative) Visual screening and durability tests for photovoltaic modules . 64
C.1 General . 64
C.2 Durability of markings test . 64

– 4 – IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020
C.2.1 Equipment requirements . 64
C.2.2 Test prerequisites . 64
C.2.3 Procedure . 64
C.3 Sharp edge test . 64
C.3.1 Test prerequisites . 64
C.3.2 Procedure . 65
C.4 Screw connections test . 65
C.4.1 Equipment requirements . 65
C.4.2 Test prerequisites . 65
C.4.3 Required test conditions . 65
C.4.4 Procedure . 65
C.5 Impact test . 67
C.5.1 Equipment requirements . 67
C.5.2 Test prerequisites . 67
C.5.3 Procedure . 67
C.6 Bending or folding test . 67
C.6.1 General . 67
C.6.2 Equipment requirements . 67
C.6.3 Test prerequisites . 67
C.6.4 Required test conditions . 68
C.6.5 Procedure . 68
C.6.6 Pass criteria . 68
C.7 Reporting . 68
Bibliography . 70

Figure 1 – Example water protection warning label or instruction . 47
Figure 2 – Decision process to determine whether or not a component is subject to
the drop test . 48

Table 1 – Summary of test requirements and alternatives – initial testing requirements to
determine compliance with Clause 5 . 16
Table 2 – Summary of test requirements – recurring testing requirements to ensure
continued compliance with Clause 5 . 16
Table 3 – Summary of quality requirements . 25
Table 4 – Sample size and renewal requirements for PV tests . 38
Table 5 – Examples of maximum current ratings . 39
Table 6 – Default battery deep discharge protection voltage specifications . 42
Table 7 – Default battery overcharge protection voltage specifications. 42
Table 8 – Physical ingress protection requirements . 45
Table 9 – Water protection requirements . 45
Table C.1 – Torque tests on screws per IEC 61730-2 . 66

IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
RENEWABLE ENERGY AND HYBRID SYSTEMS
FOR RURAL ELECTRIFICATION –
Part 9-8: Integrated systems – Requirements for stand-alone renewable
energy products with power ratings less than or equal to 350 W

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
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preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
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Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
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.
The main task of IEC technical committees is to prepare International Standards. In exceptional
circumstances, a technical committee may propose the publication of a technical specification
when
• the required support cannot be obtained for the publication of an International Standard,
despite repeated efforts, or
• the subject is still under technical development or where, for any other reason, there is the
future but no immediate possibility of an agreement on an International Standard.
Technical specifications are subject to review within three years of publication to decide
whether they can be transformed into International Standards.
IEC TS 62257-9-8, which is a Technical Specification, has been prepared by IEC technical
committee 82: Solar photovoltaic energy systems.

– 6 – IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020
The text of this technical specification is based on the following documents:
Enquiry draft Report on voting
82/1643/DTS 82/1685/RVDTS
82/1685A/RVDTS
Full information on the voting for the approval of this technical specification 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.
This part of IEC 62257 is to be used in conjunction with IEC TS 62257-9-5.
A list of all parts in the IEC 62257 series, published under the general title Renewable energy
and hybrid systems for rural electrification, can be found on the IEC website.
Future standards in this series will carry the new general title as cited above. Titles of existing
standards in this series will be updated at the time of the next edition.
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.
IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020 – 7 –
INTRODUCTION
IEC 62257 (all parts) 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.
These documents are recommendations to support buyers who want to connect with good
quality options in the market:
• to choose the right system for the right place,
• to design the system, and
• to operate and maintain the system.
These documents are focused only on technical aspects of rural off-grid electrification
concentrating on, but not specific to, developing countries. They are not considered as all
inclusive to rural electrification. The documents do not describe a range of factors that can
determine project or product success: environmental, social, economic, service capabilities,
and others. Further developments in this field could be introduced in future steps.
This consistent set of documents is best considered as a whole with different parts
corresponding to items for safety, sustainability of systems, and costs. The main objectives are
to support the capabilities of households and communities that use small renewable energy and
hybrid off-grid systems and inform organizations and institutions in the off-grid power market.
The purpose of this document is to provide baseline standards for quality, durability and truth-
in-advertising to protect consumers 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 applies to products with peak power
ratings of 350 W or less. While most provisions apply to all products in this range, a few are
applicable only to products with peak power ratings greater than 10 W and less than or equal
to 350 W.
The term "stand-alone renewable energy product" is used in this document to describe this
class of products. Other equivalent terms, including "off-grid solar" or "rechargeable," are often
used by manufacturers, distributors, and other stakeholders to describe these products. Many
of these systems meet the definition of type T I (individual electrification systems with energy
storage) in IEC TS 62257-2.
The intended users of this document are:
• market support programmes that support the off-grid lighting market with financing,
consumer education, awareness, and other services;
• manufacturers and distributors that need to verify the quality and performance of products;
• bulk procurement programmes that facilitate or place large orders of products; and,
• trade regulators such as government policymakers and officials who craft and implement
trade and tax policy.
This document establishes minimum requirements for quality standards and warranty
requirements. Products are compared to specifications based on test results from
IEC TS 62257-9-5 and other information about the product. The requirements are designed to
be widely applicable across different markets, countries, and regions.

– 8 – IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020
RENEWABLE ENERGY AND HYBRID SYSTEMS
FOR RURAL ELECTRIFICATION –
Part 9-8: Integrated systems – Requirements for stand-alone renewable
energy products with power ratings less than or equal to 350 W

1 Scope
This part of IEC 62257 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 devices 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.
• All components required to provide basic energy services are sold/installed as a kit, included
as a part of family of products as defined in 4.2.5, or integrated into a single component,
including at a minimum:
– a battery/batteries or other energy storage device(s);
– power generating device, such as a solar panel, capable of charging the battery/batteries
or other energy storage device(s);
– cables, switches, wiring, connectors and protective devices sufficient to connect the
power generating device, power control unit(s) and energy storage device(s).
• 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. Systems that include PV modules (or combinations
of PV modules) with ratings that exceed 240 W at peak power, 35 V at open circuit or 8 A
at short circuit are subject to additional safety requirements beyond those assessed in
IEC TS 62257-9-5.
NOTE This voltage limit corresponds to the definition of decisive voltage classification A (DVC-A) for wet locations
in Table 6 of IEC 62109-1:2010. The limits of 240 W, 35 V and 8 A are consistent with the definition of Class III in
IEC 61730-1.
• These requirements cover only DC outputs and loads. Products that include inverters, AC
outputs/outlets, or AC appliances are not within the scope of this document. Products can
have AC inputs.
• No design expertise is required to choose appropriate system components.
• All electrical connections, except for permanent connections made at the time of installation,
can be made using plug-and-socket connectors without the use of any tools. All connections
made in the field are straightforward to make and do not require technical expertise, such
as wrapping wire in a specific direction, soldering, or crimping.

IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020 – 9 –
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.
IEC 60364-7-712, Low voltage electrical installations – Part 7-712: Requirements for special
installations or locations – Solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60904-9, Photovoltaic devices – Part 9: Solar simulator performance requirements
IEC 61215 (all parts), Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type
approval
IEC 61215-2, Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –
Part 2: Test procedures
IEC 61730 (all parts). Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification
IEC 61730-1, 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 62109-1:2010, Safety of power converters for use in photovoltaic power systems – Part 1:
General requirements
IEC 62133-2, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes –
Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary lithium cells, and for batteries made from
them, for use in portable applications – Part 2: Lithium systems
IEC TS 62257-9-5, Recommendations for renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural
electrification: Integrated systems – Laboratory evaluation of stand-alone renewable energy
products for rural electrification
IEC TS 62257-12-1, Recommendations for renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural
electrification – Part 12-1: Selection of lamps and lighting appliances for off-grid electricity
systems
IEC 62281, Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport
IEC 62619, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes –
Safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries, for use in industrial applications
IEC 62930, Electric cables for photovoltaic systems with a voltage rating of 1,5 kV DC
ISO 4892, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources
EN 50618, Electric cables for photovoltaic systems

– 10 – IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020
HD 605, Electric cables – Additional test methods
UL 1741, Standard for inverters, converters, controllers and interconnection system equipment
for use with distributed energy resources
UL 1973, Standard for batteries for use in stationary, vehicle auxiliary power and light electric
rail (LER) applications
UL 2054, Standard for Household and Commercial Batteries
UL 62133, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes –
Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells, and for batteries made from them, for
use in portable applications
United Nations. Recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods: manual of tests and
criteria
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC TS 61836 and the
following apply.
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 Terms related to photometric tests
3.1.1
illuminance
E
areal density of the luminous flux incident at a point on a surface
[SOURCE: ANSI/IES RP-16-17, 3.3.1]
3.1.2
colour rendering index
CRI
measure of the degree to which the psychophysical colour of an object illuminated by the test
illuminant conforms to that of the same object illuminated by the reference illuminant, suitable
allowance having been made for the state of chromatic adaptation
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:1987, 845-02-61, modified – The symbol "R" has been replaced by
"CRI" and the note has been omitted.]
3.1.3
correlated colour temperature
CCT
temperature of the Planckian radiator whose perceived colour most closely resembles that of a
given stimulus at the same brightness and under specified viewing conditions
Note 1 to entry: The correlated colour temperature is expressed in kelvins (K).
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:1987, 845-03-50, modified – Notes 1 and 2 have been replaced by
a new note to entry.]
IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020 – 11 –
3.1.4
full width half maximum
FWHM
range of a variable over which a given characteristic is greater than 50 % of its maximum value
Note 1 to entry: FWHM can be applied to characteristics such as radiation patterns, spectral linewidths, etc., and
the variable can be wavelength, spatial or angular properties, etc., as appropriate.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-731:1991, 731-01-57, modified – in note 1, "may" has been replaced with
"can".]
3.2
light emitting diode
LED
solid state device embodying a p-n junction, emitting optical radiation when excited by an
electric current
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845: 1987, 845-04-40]
3.3
power supply
electric energy converter which draws electric energy from a source and supplies it in a
specified form to a load
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-151:2001, 151-13-76]
3.4
overvoltage protection
protection intended to operate when the power system voltage is in excess of a predetermined
value
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-448:1995, 448-14-32]
3.5
cell block
group of cells connected together in parallel configuration with or without protective devices
(e.g. fuse or PTC) and monitoring circuitry
Note 1 to entry: It is not ready for use in an application because it is not yet fitted with its final housing, terminal
arrangement and electronic control device.
[SOURCE: IEC 62619:2017, 3.8]
3.6
IP Code
coding system to indicate the degrees of protection provided by an enclosure against access
to hazardous parts, ingress of solid foreign objects, ingress of water and to give additional
information in connection with such protection
Note 1 to entry: In this document, certain IP Codes can be estimated using procedures in IEC TS 62257-9-5, which
provides a simplified and lower-cost alternative to IEC 60529. The procedure in IEC TS 62257-9-5 evaluates
protection against ingress of solid foreign objects and water, but not protection against access to hazardous parts.
[SOURCE: IEC 60529, 3.4, modified – note 1 has been added.]
3.7 Component categories
3.7.1
portable
connected in a way that makes a product or subsystem easy for an individual to carry

– 12 – IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020
Note 1 to entry: Products or subsystems are portable when two or more of the main components (energy source,
energy storage, and light source) are connected in this way.
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.17]
3.7.2
fixed
designed for permanent or semi-permanent mounting and use in place
Note 1 to entry: Products or subsystems are fixed when the main components (energy source, energy storage, and
light source) are designed in this way.
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.18]
3.7.3
separate
without solar module or with a solar module connected to other components via a cable with a
length of at least 3 m
Note 1 to entry: The length criterion allows the solar module to collect energy outdoors while the other product
components remain indoors.
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.19, modified – the 3 m length specification has been
incorporated into the definition.]
3.7.4
integrated, adj
with a solar module integrated into another component or connected to another component
(other than a fixed outdoor component) via a cable with a length less than 3 m
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.20, modified – the 3 m length specification has been
incorporated into the definition.]
3.8 Electrical quantities
3.8.1
capacity
capacity of a cell or a battery
electric charge which a cell or battery can deliver under specified discharge conditions
Note 1 to entry: The SI unit for electric charge, or quantity of electricity, is the coulomb (1 C = 1 A·s) but in practice,
capacity is usually expressed in ampere hours (Ah).
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-14]
3.8.2
low-voltage disconnect
LVD
battery voltage at which the load terminals of the charge controller are switched off to prevent
the battery from reaching a problematically low state of charge (SOC)
Note 1 to entry: This is a specific case of a "load disconnect point" as defined by IEC 62509:2010, 3.11.
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.23, modified – the reference to overdischarge has been
removed since an LVD can be designed to terminate the discharge before the battery is
completely discharged]
3.8.3
standby loss
quantity of electricity (electric charge), expressed as a fraction of the total battery capacity,
drawn from a product's battery with the product switched off over a specific length of time

IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020 – 13 –
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.24]
3.8.4
standard operating voltage
standardized voltage corresponding to a typical battery operating point during discharge
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.31]
3.8.5
typical battery discharge voltage
battery voltage corresponding to the "typical operating point" (e.g. the operating point resulting
in the average value of power) during discharge
Note 1 to entry: The typical battery discharge voltage is an outcome of the full-battery run time test, while the
standard operating voltage depends only on the battery chemistry and number of cells.
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.32]
3.8.6
appliance operating voltage
voltage supplied to an appliance by a port when the appliance is operating at a particular setting
and the power control unit battery is at the typical battery discharge voltage
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.33]
3.9 Component categories and types, and related terms
3.9.1
product
complete stand-alone renewable energy product or kit, typically including an energy source,
power control unit(s), one or more lights or other appliances, wiring, and other accessories, and
sold or distributed as a kit
Note 1 to entry: The product is the unit to which the IEC TS 62257-9-5 test report applies.
Note 2 to entry: The complete definition of a stand-alone renewable energy product is given in
IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 4.1.1.
3.9.2
appliance
device that performs a specific function providing service to an end user, such as a light, radio,
mobile device, or television set
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.26, modified – mobile device has been added to the list
of examples.]
3.9.3
mobile device
basic mobile phone, feature phone, smartphone, tablet computer, or similar portable
communication and/or computing device having an internal rechargeable battery
Note 1 to entry: Larger portable devices, such as laptop computers, can also be considered mobile devices, but
some provisions (e.g. related to charging current and ports) may not be applicable.
Note 2 to entry: A mobile device is an appliance.
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.27, modified – note 2 has been added.]

– 14 – IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020
3.9.4
power control unit
component of a stand-alone renewable energy product that includes a battery and one or more
ports plus, typically, the associated battery management, voltage regulation and overload
protection components
Note 1 to entry: In the case of a product with a single power control unit, the power control unit is often referred to
as the "main unit" or "control box." A power control unit can include appliance functionality such as a light or built-in
radio. A portable appliance (such as a light) with internal battery is a power control unit if it includes a port.
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.29]
3.9.5
main unit
component or assembly including an input for connecting the primary energy source (e.g. solar,
grid or mechanical charger), a battery, and one or more built-in appliance(s) or port(s)
Note 1 to entry: A power control unit can be a main unit, though a main unit does not necessarily have a port.
Note 2 to entry: A product can contain more than one main unit.
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.30, modified – note 2 to entry has been added.]
3.9.6
port
connector (typically a socket) on a component that can supply power to an appliance
Note 1 to entry: This definition applies when the word "port" is used without qualification in this document. The wo
...

IEC TS 62257-9-8 ®
Edition 1.0 2020-06
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
SPECIFICATION
TECHNIQUE
Renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural electrification –
Part 9-8: Integrated systems – Requirements for stand-alone renewable energy
products with power ratings less than or equal to 350 W

Systèmes à énergie renouvelable et systèmes hybrides destinés à
l'électrification rurale –
Partie 9-8: Systèmes intégrés – Exigences applicables aux produits à énergie
renouvelable autonomes d'une puissance assignée inférieure ou égale à 350 W

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IEC TS 62257-9-8 ®
Edition 1.0 2020-06
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
SPECIFICATION
TECHNIQUE
Renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural electrification –

Part 9-8: Integrated systems – Requirements for stand-alone renewable energy

products with power ratings less than or equal to 350 W

Systèmes à énergie renouvelable et systèmes hybrides destinés à

l'électrification rurale –
Partie 9-8: Systèmes intégrés – Exigences applicables aux produits à énergie

renouvelable autonomes d'une puissance assignée inférieure ou égale à 350 W

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 27.160 ISBN 978-2-8322-1034-7

– 2 – IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms and definitions . 10
4 Test requirements . 15
4.1 General . 15
4.2 Initial testing requirements . 17
4.2.1 General . 17
4.2.2 Quality test method . 17
4.2.3 Accelerated verification method . 17
4.2.4 Pay-as-you-go targeted testing . 18
4.2.5 Product families . 19
4.2.6 Similar products . 19
4.2.7 Verification of product identicality . 20
4.2.8 Reference to other standards . 20
4.3 Recurring testing requirements . 22
4.4 Retesting of non-conforming products . 22
4.5 General testing requirements applicable to all testing pathways . 23
4.5.1 General . 23
4.5.2 Exception for accessory lights . 23
5 Quality requirements . 24
5.1 General . 24
5.2 Truth in advertising . 26
5.2.1 General . 26
5.2.2 Assessment of run time values . 27
5.2.3 Information and performance reporting requirements . 28
5.2.4 Fee-for service or pay-as-you-go (PAYG) metering requirements . 31
5.2.5 Included appliances requirements . 31
5.2.6 Assessment of ingress protection advertisements . 31
5.3 Ports requirements. 32
5.3.1 General . 32
5.3.2 Voltage converters . 33
5.3.3 Ports with multiple output voltages . 33
5.3.4 Appliance voltage compatibility requirements . 33
5.3.5 Truth-in-advertising requirements . 33
5.3.6 Functionality requirements . 34
5.4 Lumen maintenance . 37
5.5 Health and safety . 37
5.5.1 AC-DC power supply safety . 37
5.5.2 Hazardous substances . 37
5.5.3 Circuit and overload protection . 38
5.5.4 Wiring and connector safety . 38
5.5.5 Additional tests for PV modules . 38
5.5.6 Requirements for systems with large PV modules or arrays . 41
5.6 Battery requirements . 41

IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020 – 3 –
5.6.1 Provision of battery specification sheets . 41
5.6.2 Battery charge control . 41
5.6.3 Specific requirements for lithium-based batteries . 43
5.6.4 Battery durability . 44
5.7 Quality and durability . 44
5.7.1 General . 44
5.7.2 Physical and water ingress protection . 44
5.7.3 Drop test requirements . 47
5.7.4 Soldering and electronics quality . 49
5.7.5 Switch, gooseneck, connector, and moving parts durability . 49
5.7.6 Strain relief durability . 49
5.7.7 Outdoor cable durability (size B products only) . 49
5.7.8 PV overvoltage requirement . 50
5.7.9 Miswiring protection requirement . 51
5.7.10 Requirements specific to systems with non‑plug‑and‑play connections . 51
5.8 Consumer information . 52
5.8.1 Warranty requirements . 52
5.8.2 Date of manufacture . 53
5.8.3 User manual requirements (size B products only) . 53
5.8.4 Component replacement methods (size B products only) . 54
Annex A (normative) Testing of similar products . 55
A.1 General . 55
A.2 Guidelines . 55
A.2.1 Visual screening . 55
A.2.2 Lumen maintenance and light output . 55
A.2.3 Charge controller testing. 56
A.2.4 PV modules . 56
A.2.5 Battery durability testing . 56
A.2.6 Connector durability testing . 56
A.2.7 Battery testing, full-battery run time, solar run time, and energy service
calculations . 56
A.2.8 Miswiring protection . 57
A.2.9 Output overload . 57
A.2.10 PV overvoltage . 57
A.2.11 Assessment of DC ports . 57
A.2.12 Power consumption and charging efficiency. 57
A.2.13 Voltage range . 57
A.2.14 Changes to firmware or software . 58
Annex B (normative) Partial shading test for photovoltaic modules . 59
B.1 General . 59
B.2 Equipment requirements . 59
B.3 Test prerequisites . 60
B.4 Procedure . 60
B.5 Calculations . 62
B.6 Pass criteria . 62
B.7 Reporting . 62
Annex C (normative) Visual screening and durability tests for photovoltaic modules . 64
C.1 General . 64
C.2 Durability of markings test . 64

– 4 – IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020
C.2.1 Equipment requirements . 64
C.2.2 Test prerequisites . 64
C.2.3 Procedure . 64
C.3 Sharp edge test . 64
C.3.1 Test prerequisites . 64
C.3.2 Procedure . 65
C.4 Screw connections test . 65
C.4.1 Equipment requirements . 65
C.4.2 Test prerequisites . 65
C.4.3 Required test conditions . 65
C.4.4 Procedure . 65
C.5 Impact test . 67
C.5.1 Equipment requirements . 67
C.5.2 Test prerequisites . 67
C.5.3 Procedure . 67
C.6 Bending or folding test . 67
C.6.1 General . 67
C.6.2 Equipment requirements . 67
C.6.3 Test prerequisites . 68
C.6.4 Required test conditions . 68
C.6.5 Procedure . 68
C.6.6 Pass criteria . 68
C.7 Reporting . 68
Bibliography . 70

Figure 1 – Example water protection warning label or instruction . 47
Figure 2 – Decision process to determine whether or not a component is subject to
the drop test . 48

Table 1 – Summary of test requirements and alternatives – initial testing requirements to
determine compliance with Clause 5 . 16
Table 2 – Summary of test requirements – recurring testing requirements to ensure
continued compliance with Clause 5 . 16
Table 3 – Summary of quality requirements . 25
Table 4 – Sample size and renewal requirements for PV tests . 38
Table 5 – Examples of maximum current ratings . 39
Table 6 – Default battery deep discharge protection voltage specifications . 42
Table 7 – Default battery overcharge protection voltage specifications. 42
Table 8 – Physical ingress protection requirements . 45
Table 9 – Water protection requirements . 45
Table C.1 – Torque tests on screws per IEC 61730-2 . 66

IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
RENEWABLE ENERGY AND HYBRID SYSTEMS
FOR RURAL ELECTRIFICATION –
Part 9-8: Integrated systems – Requirements for stand-alone renewable
energy products with power ratings less than or equal to 350 W

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
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Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
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.
The main task of IEC technical committees is to prepare International Standards. In exceptional
circumstances, a technical committee may propose the publication of a technical specification
when
• the required support cannot be obtained for the publication of an International Standard,
despite repeated efforts, or
• the subject is still under technical development or where, for any other reason, there is the
future but no immediate possibility of an agreement on an International Standard.
Technical specifications are subject to review within three years of publication to decide
whether they can be transformed into International Standards.
IEC TS 62257-9-8, which is a Technical Specification, has been prepared by IEC technical
committee 82: Solar photovoltaic energy systems.

– 6 – IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020
The text of this technical specification is based on the following documents:
Enquiry draft Report on voting
82/1643/DTS 82/1685/RVDTS
82/1685A/RVDTS
Full information on the voting for the approval of this technical specification 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.
This part of IEC 62257 is to be used in conjunction with IEC TS 62257-9-5.
A list of all parts in the IEC 62257 series, published under the general title Renewable energy
and hybrid systems for rural electrification, can be found on the IEC website.
Future standards in this series will carry the new general title as cited above. Titles of existing
standards in this series will be updated at the time of the next edition.
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.
IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020 – 7 –
INTRODUCTION
IEC 62257 (all parts) 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.
These documents are recommendations to support buyers who want to connect with good
quality options in the market:
• to choose the right system for the right place,
• to design the system, and
• to operate and maintain the system.
These documents are focused only on technical aspects of rural off-grid electrification
concentrating on, but not specific to, developing countries. They are not considered as all
inclusive to rural electrification. The documents do not describe a range of factors that can
determine project or product success: environmental, social, economic, service capabilities,
and others. Further developments in this field could be introduced in future steps.
This consistent set of documents is best considered as a whole with different parts
corresponding to items for safety, sustainability of systems, and costs. The main objectives are
to support the capabilities of households and communities that use small renewable energy and
hybrid off-grid systems and inform organizations and institutions in the off-grid power market.
The purpose of this document is to provide baseline standards for quality, durability and truth-
in-advertising to protect consumers 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 applies to products with peak power
ratings of 350 W or less. While most provisions apply to all products in this range, a few are
applicable only to products with peak power ratings greater than 10 W and less than or equal
to 350 W.
The term "stand-alone renewable energy product" is used in this document to describe this
class of products. Other equivalent terms, including "off-grid solar" or "rechargeable," are often
used by manufacturers, distributors, and other stakeholders to describe these products. Many
of these systems meet the definition of type T I (individual electrification systems with energy
storage) in IEC TS 62257-2.
The intended users of this document are:
• market support programmes that support the off-grid lighting market with financing,
consumer education, awareness, and other services;
• manufacturers and distributors that need to verify the quality and performance of products;
• bulk procurement programmes that facilitate or place large orders of products; and,
• trade regulators such as government policymakers and officials who craft and implement
trade and tax policy.
This document establishes minimum requirements for quality standards and warranty
requirements. Products are compared to specifications based on test results from
IEC TS 62257-9-5 and other information about the product. The requirements are designed to
be widely applicable across different markets, countries, and regions.

– 8 – IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020
RENEWABLE ENERGY AND HYBRID SYSTEMS
FOR RURAL ELECTRIFICATION –
Part 9-8: Integrated systems – Requirements for stand-alone renewable
energy products with power ratings less than or equal to 350 W

1 Scope
This part of IEC 62257 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 devices 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.
• All components required to provide basic energy services are sold/installed as a kit, included
as a part of family of products as defined in 0, or integrated into a single component,
including at a minimum:
– a battery/batteries or other energy storage device(s);
– power generating device, such as a solar panel, capable of charging the battery/batteries
or other energy storage device(s);
– cables, switches, wiring, connectors and protective devices sufficient to connect the
power generating device, power control unit(s) and energy storage device(s).
• 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. Systems that include PV modules (or combinations
of PV modules) with ratings that exceed 240 W at peak power, 35 V at open circuit or 8 A
at short circuit are subject to additional safety requirements beyond those assessed in
IEC TS 62257-9-5.
NOTE This voltage limit corresponds to the definition of decisive voltage classification A (DVC-A) for wet locations
in Table 6 of IEC 62109-1:2010. The limits of 240 W, 35 V and 8 A are consistent with the definition of Class III in
IEC 61730-1.
• These requirements cover only DC outputs and loads. Products that include inverters, AC
outputs/outlets, or AC appliances are not within the scope of this document. Products can
have AC inputs.
• No design expertise is required to choose appropriate system components.
• All electrical connections, except for permanent connections made at the time of installation,
can be made using plug-and-socket connectors without the use of any tools. All connections
made in the field are straightforward to make and do not require technical expertise, such
as wrapping wire in a specific direction, soldering, or crimping.

IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020 – 9 –
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.
IEC 60364-7-712, Low voltage electrical installations – Part 7-712: Requirements for special
installations or locations – Solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60904-9, Photovoltaic devices – Part 9: Solar simulator performance requirements
IEC 61215 (all parts), Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type
approval
IEC 61215-2, Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –
Part 2: Test procedures
IEC 61730 (all parts). Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification
IEC 61730-1, 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 62109-1:2010, Safety of power converters for use in photovoltaic power systems – Part 1:
General requirements
IEC 62133-2, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes –
Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary lithium cells, and for batteries made from
them, for use in portable applications – Part 2: Lithium systems
IEC TS 62257-9-5, Recommendations for renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural
electrification: Integrated systems – Laboratory evaluation of stand-alone renewable energy
products for rural electrification
IEC TS 62257-12-1, Recommendations for renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural
electrification – Part 12-1: Selection of lamps and lighting appliances for off-grid electricity
systems
IEC 62281, Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport
IEC 62619, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes –
Safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries, for use in industrial applications
IEC 62930, Electric cables for photovoltaic systems with a voltage rating of 1,5 kV DC
ISO 4892, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources
EN 50618, Electric cables for photovoltaic systems

– 10 – IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020
HD 605, Electric cables – Additional test methods
UL 1741, Standard for inverters, converters, controllers and interconnection system equipment
for use with distributed energy resources
UL 1973, Standard for batteries for use in stationary, vehicle auxiliary power and light electric
rail (LER) applications
UL 2054, Standard for Household and Commercial Batteries
UL 62133, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes –
Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells, and for batteries made from them, for
use in portable applications
United Nations. Recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods: manual of tests and
criteria
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC TS 61836 and the
following apply.
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 Terms related to photometric tests
3.1.1
illuminance
E
areal density of the luminous flux incident at a point on a surface
[SOURCE: ANSI/IES RP-16-17, 3.3.1]
3.1.2
colour rendering index
CRI
measure of the degree to which the psychophysical colour of an object illuminated by the test
illuminant conforms to that of the same object illuminated by the reference illuminant, suitable
allowance having been made for the state of chromatic adaptation
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:1987, 845-02-61, modified – The symbol "R" has been replaced by
"CRI" and the note has been omitted.]
3.1.3
correlated colour temperature
CCT
temperature of the Planckian radiator whose perceived colour most closely resembles that of a
given stimulus at the same brightness and under specified viewing conditions
Note 1 to entry: The correlated colour temperature is expressed in kelvins (K).
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:1987, 845-03-50, modified – Notes 1 and 2 have been replaced by
a new note to entry.]
IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020 – 11 –
3.1.4
full width half maximum
FWHM
range of a variable over which a given characteristic is greater than 50 % of its maximum value
Note 1 to entry: FWHM can be applied to characteristics such as radiation patterns, spectral linewidths, etc., and
the variable can be wavelength, spatial or angular properties, etc., as appropriate.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-731:1991, 731-01-57, modified – in note 1, "may" has been replaced with
"can".]
3.2
light emitting diode
LED
solid state device embodying a p-n junction, emitting optical radiation when excited by an
electric current
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845: 1987, 845-04-40]
3.3
power supply
electric energy converter which draws electric energy from a source and supplies it in a
specified form to a load
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-151:2001, 151-13-76]
3.4
overvoltage protection
protection intended to operate when the power system voltage is in excess of a predetermined
value
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-448:1995, 448-14-32]
3.5
cell block
group of cells connected together in parallel configuration with or without protective devices
(e.g. fuse or PTC) and monitoring circuitry
Note 1 to entry: It is not ready for use in an application because it is not yet fitted with its final housing, terminal
arrangement and electronic control device.
[SOURCE: IEC 62619:2017, 3.8]
3.6
IP Code
coding system to indicate the degrees of protection provided by an enclosure against access
to hazardous parts, ingress of solid foreign objects, ingress of water and to give additional
information in connection with such protection
Note 1 to entry: In this document, certain IP Codes can be estimated using procedures in IEC TS 62257-9-5, which
provides a simplified and lower-cost alternative to IEC 60529. The procedure in IEC TS 62257-9-5 evaluates
protection against ingress of solid foreign objects and water, but not protection against access to hazardous parts.
[SOURCE: IEC 60529, 3.4, modified – note 1 has been added.]
3.7 Component categories
3.7.1
portable
connected in a way that makes a product or subsystem easy for an individual to carry

– 12 – IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020
Note 1 to entry: Products or subsystems are portable when two or more of the main components (energy source,
energy storage, and light source) are connected in this way.
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.17]
3.7.2
fixed
designed for permanent or semi-permanent mounting and use in place
Note 1 to entry: Products or subsystems are fixed when the main components (energy source, energy storage, and
light source) are designed in this way.
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.18]
3.7.3
separate
without solar module or with a solar module connected to other components via a cable with a
length of at least 3 m
Note 1 to entry: The length criterion allows the solar module to collect energy outdoors while the other product
components remain indoors.
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.19, modified – the 3 m length specification has been
incorporated into the definition.]
3.7.4
integrated, adj
with a solar module integrated into another component or connected to another component
(other than a fixed outdoor component) via a cable with a length less than 3 m
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.20, modified – the 3 m length specification has been
incorporated into the definition.]
3.8 Electrical quantities
3.8.1
capacity
capacity of a cell or a battery
electric charge which a cell or battery can deliver under specified discharge conditions
Note 1 to entry: The SI unit for electric charge, or quantity of electricity, is the coulomb (1 C = 1 A·s) but in practice,
capacity is usually expressed in ampere hours (Ah).
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-482:2004, 482-03-14]
3.8.2
low-voltage disconnect
LVD
battery voltage at which the load terminals of the charge controller are switched off to prevent
the battery from reaching a problematically low state of charge (SOC)
Note 1 to entry: This is a specific case of a "load disconnect point" as defined by IEC 62509:2010, 3.11.
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.23, modified – the reference to overdischarge has been
removed since an LVD can be designed to terminate the discharge before the battery is
completely discharged]
3.8.3
standby loss
quantity of electricity (electric charge), expressed as a fraction of the total battery capacity,
drawn from a product's battery with the product switched off over a specific length of time

IEC 62257-9-8:2020 © IEC 2020 – 13 –
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.24]
3.8.4
standard operating voltage
standardized voltage corresponding to a typical battery operating point during discharge
[SOURCE: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018, 3.31]
3.8.5
typical battery discharge voltage
battery voltage corresponding to the "typical operating point" (e.g. the operating point resulting
in the average value of power) during discharge
Note 1 to entry: The typical battery discharge voltage is an outcome of the full-battery run time test, while the
standard operating voltage depends only on the battery chemistry and number of cells.
[SOURCE: IEC
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