IEC 62716:2013

Photovoltaic (PV) modules - Ammonia corrosion testing

IEC 62716:2013 describes test sequences useful to determine the resistance of PV modules to ammonia (NH3). All tests included in the sequences, except the bypass diode functionality test, are fully described in IEC 61215, IEC 61646 and IEC 61730-2. They are combined in this standard to provide means to evaluate possible faults caused in PV modules when operating under wet atmospheres having high concentration of dissolved ammonia (NH3). The contents of the corrigendum of May 2014 have been included in this copy.

Modules photovoltaïques (PV) - Essai de corrosion à l'ammoniac

La CEI 62716:2013 décrit des séquences d'essai pour déterminer la résistance des modules photovoltaïques à la corrosion due à l'ammoniac (NH3). Tous les essais inclus dans les séquences, à l'exception de l'essai de fonctionnalité des diodes de dérivation, sont décrits de façon détaillée dans les CEI 61215, CEI 61646 et CEI 61730-2. Ils sont combinés dans la présente Norme pour fournir des moyens d'évaluer les anomalies possibles causées dans les modules photovoltaïques qui fonctionnement en atmosphères humides avec une forte concentration d'ammoniac dissous (NH3). Le contenu du corrigendum de mai 2014 a été pris en considération dans cet exemplaire.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 26-Jun-2013
• ICS: 27.160 - Solar energy engineering
• Technical Committee: TC 82 - Solar photovoltaic energy systems
• Drafting Committee: WG 2 - TC 82/WG 2
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 27-Jun-2013
• Completion Date: 31-Jul-2013

Relations

• Corrected By: IEC 62716:2013/COR1:2014 - Corrigendum 1 - Photovoltaic (PV) modules - Ammonia corrosion testing
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 62716:2013 sets out internationally recognized procedures for testing photovoltaic (PV) modules for their resistance to ammonia-induced corrosion. Published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this standard is essential for evaluating PV modules, particularly in environments where ammonia (NH₃) concentrations are high, such as agricultural settings and near livestock operations. By simulating ammonia-rich wet atmospheres, IEC 62716 enables manufacturers and certification bodies to assess the durability and safety of PV modules exposed to corrosive ammonia, helping to ensure long-term performance and reliability in challenging outdoor conditions.

Key Topics

• Ammonia Corrosion Testing: Outlines methodologies to simulate and accelerate ammonia exposure, reproducing the effects that PV modules may encounter in real-world agricultural or industrial settings.
• Test Sequences: The standard combines several tests, referencing IEC 61215, IEC 61646, and IEC 61730-2, to comprehensively evaluate module integrity after ammonia exposure. This includes preconditioning, initial and final measurements, and bypass diode functionality testing.
• Sample Requirements: Provides guidance on the selection and preparation of PV module samples, allowing for representative samples if full-sized modules cannot fit into test chambers.
• Performance Criteria: Defines pass/fail requirements based on power output degradation, visual inspection, electrical safety (wet leakage current, dielectric withstand), and component integrity following ammonia exposure.
• Reporting and Documentation: Specifies requirements for thorough and standardized test reporting, supporting traceability and reproducibility in compliance assessment.

Applications

IEC 62716:2013 is widely used throughout the photovoltaic industry, ensuring that PV modules are suitable for use in environments where ammonia corrosion may otherwise compromise their function or safety. Key practical applications include:

• Farm and Livestock Installations: Solar panels located near barns, stables, or manure storage facilities are subject to high ammonia levels. IEC 62716 testing verifies that PV modules can withstand prolonged exposure without significant degradation.
• Greenhouse and Fertilizer Plant Sites: Facilities where ammonia vapors may be present benefit from modules tested to this standard, reducing the risks of corrosion-induced failures.
• Quality Assurance in Manufacturing: PV module manufacturers employ this test as part of robust quality control processes to certify products for global export or for specific use-cases in corrosive environments.
• Certification and Compliance: Regulatory bodies, certification agencies, and end-users require evidence that PV products meet ammonia corrosion resistance standards before procurement and installation in sensitive regions.

By adhering to IEC 62716, stakeholders can reduce warranty claims, improve product longevity, and ensure sustainable energy solutions in corrosive settings.

Related Standards

To provide comprehensive testing and qualification for PV modules, IEC 62716:2013 should be considered alongside these key standards:

• IEC 61215:Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval. Foundational for module performance and reliability.
• IEC 61646:Thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval. Focuses on thin-film technologies.
• IEC 61730-2:Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification – Part 2: Requirements for testing. Addresses module safety under various stress conditions.
• ISO/IEC 17025:General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Ensures laboratory quality management and consistent testing procedures.
• ISO 6988:Metallic and other non-organic coatings – Sulfur dioxide test with general condensation of moisture. Referenced for test chamber procedures, substituting ammonia for sulfur dioxide.

Compliance with IEC 62716 is crucial for PV manufacturers, system integrators, and purchasers aiming to guarantee module reliability and safety in harsh ammonia-rich environments. Leveraging this standard helps ensure optimal system performance and long-term customer satisfaction.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 62716 ®
Edition 1.0 2013-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Photovoltaic (PV) modules – Ammonia corrosion testing

Modules photovoltaïques (PV) – Essai de corrosion à l'ammoniac

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IEC 62716 ®
Edition 1.0 2013-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Photovoltaic (PV) modules – Ammonia corrosion testing

Modules photovoltaïques (PV) – Essai de corrosion à l'ammoniac

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
M
CODE PRIX
ICS 27.160 ISBN 978-2-83220-887-8

– 2 – 62716 © IEC:2013
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope and object . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Samples . 5
4 Test procedures . 9
4.1 General . 9
4.2 Bypass diode functionality test . 9
4.2.1 Purpose . 9
4.2.2 Apparatus . 9
4.2.3 Procedure . 9
4.2.4 Requirements . 9
5 Preconditioning . 10
6 Initial measurements . 10
6.1 General . 10
6.2 Crystalline silicon . 10
6.3 Thin-film technologies . 10
7 Ammonia resistance test procedure . 10
7.1 Testing facility and material . 10
7.2 Test conditions and execution . 10
8 Cleaning and recovery . 11
9 Final measurements . 11
9.1 General . 11
9.2 Crystalline silicon . 11
9.3 Thin-film technologies . 12
10 Requirements . 12
10.1 General . 12
10.2 Crystalline silicon . 12
10.3 Thin-film technologies . 12
11 Test report . 13

Figure 1 – Ammonia resistance test sequence for crystalline PV modules . 7
Figure 2 – Ammonia resistance test sequence for thin-film PV modules . 8

Table 1 – Test conditions . 11

62716 © IEC:2013 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –
AMMONIA CORROSION TESTING
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
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
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patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62716 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 82: Solar
photovoltaic energy systems.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
82/769/FDIS 82/778/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

– 4 – 62716 © IEC:2013
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
The contents of the corrigendum of May 2014 have been included in this copy.

62716 © IEC:2013 – 5 –
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –
AMMONIA CORROSION TESTING
1 Scope and object
Photovoltaic (PV) modules are electrical devices intended for continuous outdoor exposure
during their lifetime. Highly corrosive wet atmospheres, such as in the environment of stables
of agricultural companies, could eventually degrade some of the PV module components
(corrosion of metallic parts, deterioration of the properties of some non-metallic materials –
such as protective coatings and plastics – by assimilation of ammonia) causing permanent
damages that could impair their functioning and safe operation.
This standard describes test sequences useful to determine the resistance of PV modules to
ammonia (NH ). All tests included in the sequences, except the bypass diode functionality
test, are fully described in IEC 61215, IEC 61646 and IEC 61730-2. They are combined in this
standard to provide means to evaluate possible faults caused in PV modules when operating
under wet atmospheres having high concentration of dissolved ammonia (NH ).
This standard applies to flat plate PV modules. The structure of this standard follows closely
IEC 61701.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 61215:2005, Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design
qualification and type approval
IEC 61646:2008, Thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and
type approval
IEC 61730-2:2004, Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification – Part 2: Requirements for
testing
ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration
laboratories
ISO 6988:1985, Metallic and other non organic coatings – Sulfur dioxide test with general
condensation of moisture
3 Samples
Three identical samples of the model of PV module or assembly of interest shall be subjected
to any of the testing sequences included in Figures 1 or 2, depending on the PV technology
considered, namely crystalline silicon or thin-film respectively. As the figures indicate one of
these samples should be used as a control. The control sample should be used as a check
every time the test samples are measured to evaluate the effect of the ammonia exposure
test.
– 6 – 62716 © IEC:2013
If a full-size sample is too large to fit into the environmental chambers required for the
ammonia exposure test then a smaller representative sample may be specially designed and
manufactured for this test. The representative sample should be carefully designed so that it
can reveal similar failure mechanisms as the full-size one, and the fabrication process of the
representative sample should be as identical as possible to the process of the full-size ones.
The fact that the test has been made on representative samples and not on the full-size
samples has to be indicated and reported in the test report item g), see Clause 11.
If the PV module is provided with means for grounding then they constitute a part of the test
sample.
The test results relate only to the sample structure as tested. If a module manufacturer uses
several sources for PV module components, additional test samples are required. Samples
shall be chosen in such way, that each encapsulation material used and any component
forming an outer surface of the module used in the product range is represented.

62716 © IEC:2013 – 7 –
3 modules
Preconditioning
MST 01
Visual inspection
10.2
Maximum power determination
MST 16
Dielectric withstand test
10.15
Wet leakage current test
MST 13
Ground continuity test
2 modules
1 module
Ammonia resistance test following ISO 6988 with
ammonia instead of sulphur dioxide
Cleaning and recovery
MST 01
Visual inspection
10.2
Maximum power determination
C
o
MST 16
n
t Dielectric withstand test
r
o
l
10.15
Wet leakage current test
MST 13
Ground continuity test
Bypass diode functionality test
IEC  1507/13
NOTE 1 Preconditioning and tests 10.2 and 10.15 are taken from IEC 61215:2005. Tests MST 01, MST 13 and
MST 16 are taken from IEC 61730-2:2004.
NOTE 2 The control module should be used as a check every time the test modules are measured to evaluate the
effect of the ammonia resistance test.
Figure 1 – Ammonia resistance test sequence for crystalline PV modules

– 8 – 62716 © IEC:2013
3 modules
MST 01
Visual inspection
10.2
Maximum power determination
MST 16
Dielectric withstand test
10.15
Wet leakage current test
MST 13
Ground continuity test
2 modules
1 module Ammonia resistance test following ISO 6988 with
ammonia instead of sulphur dioxide
Cleaning and recovery
MST 01
Visual inspection
MST 16
Dielectric withstand test
C
o
n
10.15
t
Wet leakage current test
r
o
l
MST 13
Ground continuity test
Bypass diode functionality test
10.19
Light soaking
10.6
Performance at STC (not NOCT)
IEC  1508/13
NOTE 1 Tests 10.2, 10.6, 10.15 and 10.19 are taken from IEC 61646:2008. Tests MST 01, MST 13 and MST 16
are taken from IEC 61730-2:2004.
NOTE 2 The control module should be used as a check every time the test modules are measured to evaluate the
effect of the ammonia resistance test.
NOTE 3 A maximum power determination can be added after ammonia resistance testing according to test 10.2 of
IEC 61646:2008 for diagnostic purposes. Whether light soaking is required is dependend on the kind of thin-film
technology tested.
NOTE 4 Test 10.6 is performed as a part of the requirements cooresponding to test 10.19 as described in
IEC 61646:2008. For the remaining requirements use test MST 01 instead of 10.1 and MST 16 instead of 10.13.
Figure 2 – Ammonia resistance test sequence for thin-film PV modules

62716 © IEC:2013 – 9 –
4 Test procedures
4.1 General
All tests included in Figures 1 or 2, except the bypass diode functionality test, are fully
described (including purpose, apparatus, procedure and requirements) in the IEC standards
from where the specific tests are taken (see notes in the figures). Tests included in Figures 1
or 2 shall be performed in the specified order. Any changes and deviations shall be recorded
and reported in details, as required in Clause 11, item l).
4.2 Bypass diode functionality test
4.2.1 Purpose
The purpose of this test is to verify that the bypass diode(s) of the test samples remain(s)
functional following the ammonia exposure. In case of modules without bypass diodes this
test can be omitted.
4.2.2 Apparatus
a) DC power source capable of applying a current up to 1,25 times the Standard Test
Conditions (STC) short-circuit current of the sample under test and means for monitoring
the flow of current through the test sample during the test period.
b) Equipment for measuring the voltage drop across the test sample at an accuracy of
± 0,5 % of reading.
c) Equipment for measuring test current at an accuracy of ± 0,5 % of reading.
4.2.3 Procedure
This procedure can be conducted in any ambient within (25 ± 10) °C. During the test the
sample shall not be subjected to illumination.
a) Electrically short any blocking diodes incorporated to the test sample.
b) Determine the rated STC short-circuit current of the test sample from its label or
instruction sheet.
c) Connect the DC power source´s positive output to the test sample negative leads and the
DC power source’s negative output to the test sample positive leads by using wires of the
manufacturer’s minimum recommended wire gauge. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendations for wire entry into the wiring compartment. With this configuration the
current shall pass through the cells in the reverse direction and through the diode(s) in the
forward direction.
In the case of modules with overlapping bypass diode circuits, it may be necessary to
install a jumper cable to assure that all of the current is flowing through one bypass diode.
d) Apply a current equal to of 1,25 times (± 5 %) the STC short-circuit current of the test
sample for a period of 1 h.
4.2.4 Requirements
After the 1 h of current flow check that the bypass diode(s) remain(s) operational. A possible
method is to again pass a forward current through the diode(s) by passing a reverse current
through the cells and then monitor the temperature of the diode(s) with the aid of a thermal IR
camera. Diode(s) shall reach thermal equilibrium with the environment after step d) above
before applying this procedure. Another option is to shade a solar cell protected by each
diode (one per string, step by step) in the PV module and verify the characteristics of the
resulting I-V curve (under illumination close to Standard Test Conditions) to check if the
bypass diode(s) is (are) working.

– 10 – 62716 © IEC:2013
5 Preconditioning
All test samples shall be preconditioned with either global or direct normal sunlight (natural or
simulated) according to the specifications given in the applicable design qualification and type
approval IEC Standard applicable to the PV module technology considered, i.e.,
IEC 61215:2005 for crystalline silicon and IEC 61646:2008 for thin-film materials. At the time
of writing this standard no preconditioning is specified for thin-film technologies in
IEC 61646:2008.
6 Initial measurements
6.1 General
The following initial measurements shall be performed on the selected samples depending on
the PV module technology being evaluated.
6.2 Crystalline silicon
The test sequence is shown in Figure 1.
– Tests according to IEC 61215:2005:
a) 10.2: Maximum power determination
b) 10.15: Wet leakage current test
– Tests according to IEC 61730-2:2004:
c) MST 01: Visual inspection
d) MST 13: Ground continuity test
e) MST 16: Dielectric withstand test
NOTE The reference before each test corresponds to its identification in the relevant IEC standard.
6.3 Thin-film technologies
The test sequence is shown in Figure 2.
– Tests according to IEC 61646:2008:
a) 10.2: Maximum power determination
NOTE 1 The only purpose of this test is to verify that the PV module is operational before being
subjected to the subsequent tests of the sequence.
b) 10.15: Wet leakage current test
– Tests according to IEC 61730-2:2004:
c) MST 01: Visual inspection
d) MST 13: Ground continuity test
e) MST 16: Dielectric withstand test
NOTE 2 The reference before each test corresponds to its identification in the relevant IEC standard.
7 Ammonia resistance test procedure
7.1 Testing facility and material
As described in Clause 3 of ISO 6988:1985.
7.2 Test conditions and execution
The test conditions are fixed in Table 1.

62716 © IEC:2013 – 11 –
Table 1 – Test conditions
Hours 8 h including heating up
1)
NH -concentration 6 667 ppm
1 test section
Temperature (60 ± 3) °C
Saturation at about 100 %
Relative humidity
(dewing of the samples)
Cycles
16 h including cooling
Hours
(Test chamber opened and/or
ventilates)
2 test section
NH -concentration 0 ppm
Temperature 18 °C to 28 °C
Relative humidity max. 75 %
Duration 20 cycles (480 h)
1)
The concentration is related to the volume of the test chamber and corresponds to a ground quantity of water
of 2 l with a chamber volume of 300 l. The level of concentration is derived from DIN 50018, Table 1.

During testing the inclination to the vertical of the face of the PV module normally exposed to
solar irradiance shall be 15° to 30° inside the test chamber. The two samples shall be
installed in the chamber such that they are oriented in opposite directions. One sample’s front
side facing the chamber outer wall, one sample’s rear side facing the chamber outer wall.
8 Cleaning and recovery
After the ammonia test all samples shall be washed to remove the adherent ammonia using
running tap water (not artificially pressurised) for a maximum time of 5 min per square metre
of area of the sample. Once the washing is finished distilled or demineralized water shall be
used to rinse the samples, followed by complete drying at room temperature. To accelerate
drying it is allowed to shake the test sample by hand or to use air blasts with the aid of a fan.
The temperature of the water used for washing shall not exceed 35 °C. During cleaning or
drying the use of cloths, gauzes or any other woven material shall be avoided and no scraping
is allowed. After drying, the recovery time shall be minimised and the applicable testing
sequence shall be continued as soon as possible to avoid further damage produced by
ammonia chloride depositions.
9 Final measurements
9.1 General
After the ammonia exposure the test samples shall be subjected to the following tests
depending on the PV module technology.
9.2 Crystalline silicon
The test sequence is shown in Figure 1.
– Tests according to IEC 61215:2005:
a) 10.2: Maximum power determination
b) 10.15: Wet leakage current test
– Tests according to IEC 61730-2:2004:
c) MST 01: Visual inspection
d) MST 13: Ground continuity test

– 12 – 62716 © IEC:2013
e) MST 16: Dielectric withstand test
NOTE The reference before each test corresponds to its identification in the relevant IEC standard.
– Test according to this standard:
f) Bypass diode functionality test
9.3 Thin-film technologies
The test sequence is shown in Figure 2.
– Tests according to IEC 61646:2008:
a) 10.6: Performance at STC (not NOCT)
b) 10.15: Wet leakage current test
c) 10.19: Light soaking
– Tests according to IEC 61730-2:2004:
d) MST 01: Visual inspection
e) MST 13: Ground continuity test
f) MST 16: Dielectric withstand test
NOTE The reference before each test corresponds to its identification in the relevant IEC standard.
– Test according to this standard:
g) Bypass diode functionality test
10 Requirements
10.1 General
The following requirements shall be fulfilled by the two PV samples that undergo the testing
sequences included in Figures 1 or 2.
10.2 Crystalline silicon
– After the ammonia exposure test there shall be no evidence of major visual defects as
described in IEC 61730-2:2004 including also no mechanical deterioration or corrosion of
module components which would significantly impair their function during their intended
life.
– After the ammonia exposure test the maximum power shall not decrease by more than 5 %
of the initial value.
The pass/fail criteria shall consider the laboratory uncertainty of the measurement
– All pass fail criteria corresponding to tests 10.15, MST 13 and MST 16 shall be fulfilled
according to what is specified in IEC 61215:2005 and IEC 61730-2:2004 for these specific
tests.
– The requirement for the bypass diode functionality test shall be also fulfilled.
10.3 Thin-film technologies
– After the ammonia exposure test there shall be no evidence of major visual defects as
described in IEC 61730-2:2004 including also no mechanical deterioration or corrosion of
module components which would significantly impair their function during their intended
life.
– After the light soaking the maximum power at Standard Test Conditions (STC) shall not be
less than 90 % of the minimum value specified by the manufacturer in the marking of the
PV module.
The pass/fail criteria shall consider the laboratory uncertainty of the measurement.

62716 © IEC:2013 – 13 –
– All pass fail criteria corresponding to tests 10.15, 10.19, MST 13 and MST 16 shall be
fulfilled according to what is specified in IEC 61646:2008 and IEC 61730-2:2004 for these
specific tests.
In the case of the requirements corresponding to test 10.19 (light soaking) MST 01 of
IEC 61730-2:2004 shall be applied instead of test 10.1 of IEC 61646:2008 and MST 16 of
IEC 61730-2:2004 shall be applied instead of test 10.3 of IEC 61646:2008.
– The requirement for the bypass diode functionality test shall be also fulfilled.
11 Test report
A test report with measured performance characteristics and test results shall be prepared by
the test agency in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025. The test report shall contain the following
data:
a) a title;
b) name and address of the test laboratory and location where the tests were carried out;
c) unique identification of the certification or report and of each page, and a clear
identification of the purpose of the test report;
d) name and address of client, where appropriate;
e) reference to sampling procedure, where relevant;
f) date of receipt of test items and date(s) of test, where appropriate;
g) description and identification of the items tested. If the test has been made on
representative samples and not on the full-size samples this has to be clearly indicated;
h) characterization and condition of the test items;
i) identification of test method used;
j) characteristics of the ammonia solution used;
k) any deviations from, additions to or exclusions from the test method, and any other
information relevant to a specific test, such as environmental conditions;
l) measurements, examinations and derived results supported by tables, graphs, sketches
and photographs as appropriate including any failures observed;
m) a statement of the estimated uncertainty of the test results (where relevant);
n) a signature and title, or equivalent identification of the person(s) accepting responsibility
for the content of the certificate or report, and the date of issue;
o) where relevant, a statement to the effect that the results relate only to the items tested;
p) a statement that the report shall not be reproduced
...