IEC 61730-1:2023 ED3

Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification - Part 1: Requirements for construction

IEC 61730-1:2023 specifies and describes the fundamental construction requirements for photovoltaic (PV) modules in order to provide safe electrical and mechanical operation. Specific topics are provided to assess the prevention of electrical shock, fire hazards, and personal injury due to mechanical and environmental stresses. This document pertains to the particular requirements of construction. IEC 61730-2 defines the requirements for testing. Modules with modified construction are qualified as described in IEC TS 62915.
This document lays down requirements for terrestrial PV modules suitable for long-term operation in open-air climates with 98th percentile module operating temperatures of 70 °C or less. Guidelines for modules to be used at higher operating temperatures are described in IEC TS 63126.
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 defines the basic requirements for various applications of PV modules, but it cannot be considered to encompass all national or regional codes.

Qualification pour la sûreté de fonctionnement des modules photovoltaïques (PV) - Partie 1: Exigences pour la construction

IEC 61730-1:2023 spécifie et décrit les exigences fondamentales de construction pour les modules photovoltaïques (PV) afin d'assurer un fonctionnement électrique et mécanique sûr. Des thèmes spécifiques sont fournis pour évaluer la prévention contre les chocs électriques, les risques de feu et les accidents corporels dus à des contraintes mécaniques et environnementales. Le présent document se rapporte aux exigences particulières de construction. L'IEC 61730-2 définit les exigences d'essai. Les modules dont la construction est modifiée sont qualifiés comme cela est décrit dans l’IEC TS 62915.
Le présent document présente les exigences pour les modules PV terrestres adaptés à un fonctionnement à long terme dans des climats à l’air libre à des températures de fonctionnement de 98e centile du module inférieures ou égales à 70 °C. Les lignes directrices concernant les modules à utiliser à des températures de fonctionnement plus élevées sont décrites dans l’IEC TS 63126.
Le présent document est destiné à s'appliquer à tous les matériels à module à plaque plane pour application terrestre (les types de modules au silicium cristallin et les modules en couches minces, par exemple).

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 12-Sep-2023
• 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: 11-Aug-2023
• Completion Date: 13-Sep-2023

Relations

• Revises: IEC 61730-1:2016 ED2 - Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification - Part 1: Requirements for construction
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 61730-1
®

Edition 3.0 2023-09
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside


Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification –
Part 1: Requirements for construction

Qualification pour la sûreté de fonctionnement des modules
photovoltaïques (PV) –
Partie 1: Exigences pour la construction
IEC 61730-1:2023-09(en-fr)

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IEC 61730-1

®


Edition 3.0 2023-09




INTERNATIONAL



STANDARD




NORME


INTERNATIONALE
colour

inside










Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification –

Part 1: Requirements for construction



Qualification pour la sûreté de fonctionnement des modules

photovoltaïques (PV) –

Partie 1: Exigences pour la construction














INTERNATIONAL

ELECTROTECHNICAL

COMMISSION


COMMISSION

ELECTROTECHNIQUE


INTERNATIONALE





ICS 27.160  ISBN 978-2-8322-7197-1




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– 2 – IEC 61730-1:2023 © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviated terms . 10
3.1 General terms and definitions . 11
3.2 Components . 11
3.3 Installation and application. 12
3.4 Insulation concepts . 13
3.5 Ratings . 16
3.6 Temperatures . 17
3.7 Voltages . 17
3.8 Bifacial photovoltaics . 18
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms . 19
5 Classification, applications and intended use . 19
5.1 General . 19
5.2 PV modules of Class 0 . 19
5.2.1 General . 19
5.2.2 Insulation . 19
5.2.3 Application. 19
5.3 PV modules of Class II . 20
5.3.1 General . 20
5.3.2 Insulation . 20
5.3.3 Application. 20
5.4 PV modules of Class III . 20
5.4.1 General . 20
5.4.2 Insulation . 20
5.4.3 Application. 20
5.5 Rating categories and special applications . 21
6 Requirements for design and construction . 22
6.1 General . 22
6.2 Marking and documentation . 23
6.2.1 General . 23
6.2.2 Marking . 23
6.2.3 Documentation . 27
6.3 Electrical components and insulation . 30
6.3.1 General . 30
6.3.2 Internal wiring . 30
6.3.3 External wiring and cables . 30
6.3.4 Module overcurrent protection rating . 30
6.3.5 Connectors . 30
6.3.6 Junction boxes . 30
6.3.7 Frontsheets and backsheets . 31
6.3.8 Insulation barriers . 31
6.3.9 Electrical connections . 31
6.3.10 Encapsulants . 32
6.3.11 Bypass diodes . 32

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IEC 61730-1:2023 © IEC 2023 – 3 –
6.4 Mechanical and electromechanical connections . 32
6.4.1 General . 32
6.4.2 Screw connections. 33
6.4.3 Rivets . 34
6.4.4 Thread-cutting screws . 34
6.4.5 Form/press/tight fit . 34
6.4.6 Connections by adhesives . 34
6.4.7 Other connections . 35
6.5 Materials . 35
6.5.1 General . 35
6.5.2 Polymeric materials . 35
6.5.3 Metallic materials. 38
6.5.4 Adhesives . 38
6.6 Protection against electric shock . 38
6.6.1 General . 38
6.6.2 Protection against accessibility to hazardous live parts . 39
6.6.3 Insulation coordination . 40
6.6.4 Distance through functional and relied upon insulation . 47
Annex A (normative) Symbol "Do not disconnect under load" . 50
Annex B (normative) Basis for insulation coordination dimensions . 51
B.1 General . 51
B.2 Influencing factors . 51
B.2.1 General . 51
B.2.2 Overvoltage category and rated impulse voltage . 51
B.2.3 Working voltage . 52
B.2.4 Pollution degree . 52
B.2.5 Insulating material – material groups . 53
B.3 Clearances . 53
B.4 Creepage distances . 54
B.4.1 General . 54
B.4.2 Enclosed parts . 54
B.5 Distance through insulation . 55
B.5.1 Cemented joints. 55
B.5.2 Insulation in thin layers (DTI) . 55
B.5.3 Distance through functional insulation (DTFI) . 56
Annex C (informative) Specific use cases . 57
C.1 Modules . 57
C.1.1 General . 57
C.1.2 Insulation coordination diagrams . 57
C.2 Insulation coordination after mounting of components . 64
C.2.1 General . 64
C.2.2 Backsheets . 65
C.2.3 Junction box . 66
Bibliography . 68

Figure 1 – IEC 60417-5021:2002-10 . 26
Figure 2 – IEC 60417-5017:2006-08 . 26
Figure 3 – IEC 60417-5018:2011-07 . 26

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Figure A.1 – Symbol "DO NOT DISCONNECT UNDER LOAD" . 50
Figure A.2 – Symbol IEC 60417-6070:2011-06: "Do not disconnect under load" . 50
Figure C.1 – General case for clearance, creepage distances and DTI . 58
Figure C.2 – Location of highest potential difference within the module . 59
Figure C.3 – Examples of spacing requirements between live parts of different
potential within a module . 60
Figure C.4 – Clearance and creepage distance between internal live parts and outer

accessible surfaces . 62
Figure C.5 – Effect of frame tape or edge adhesive on clearance and creepage
distance . 62
Figure C.6 – Distance between internal live parts and outer accessible surfaces with a
cemented joint . 63
Figure C.7 – Backsheet with aluminium layer . 64
Figure C.8 – Spacing requirements between the junction box ribbon and aluminium
layer of backsheet . 66
Figure C.9 – Considerations for clearances and creepage distances between live parts
and outer accessible surfaces after installation and termination of junction box (J-box) . 67
Figure C.10 – Possible critical points due to improper installation . 67

Table 1 – Classes for protection against electric shock . 19
Table 2 – Required type of insulation . 40
Table 3 – Minimum clearances (cl), creepage distances (cr) and distances through
solid insulation for Class II PV modules . 41
Table 4 – Minimum clearances (cl), creepage distances (cr) and distances through
solid insulation for Class 0 PV modules . 43
Table 5 – Multiplication factors for clearances of equipment rated for operation at
altitudes greater than 2 000 m above sea level . 47
Table B.1 – Rated impulse voltage . 52
Table B.2 – Minimum clearances for an inhomogeneous field . 54
Table B.3 – Minimum spacings for thin layers . 55
Table C.1 – Distance between parts of different potential within a PV module (values
for Class II modules with working voltage of ≤ 35 V) . 59
Table C.2 – Spacing between live parts and outer accessible surfaces (values for

Class II modules with rated system voltage of 1 500 V) . 61

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IEC 61730-1:2023 © IEC 2023 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULE SAFETY QUALIFICATION –

Part 1: Requirements for construction

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
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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.
IEC 61730-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 82: Solar photovoltaic energy
systems. It is an International Standard.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2016. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Revision of Clauses 2 and 3.
b) Addition of requirements for qualification of specific components according to their standard
documents (junction box, connectors, frontsheets/backsheets).
c) Significant changes to the definition and testing of relied upon insulation materials (RUI).
These requirements are described in the pre-qualification document for frontsheets and
backsheets (IEC 62788-2-1). This includes:
1) clarifications on the concept and measurement of DTI, and related materials test
requirements;

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– 6 – IEC 61730-1:2023 © IEC 2023
2) frontsheet/backsheet weathering requirements.
d) Removal of all reference to "open rack", with updates according to an intended use for
th
applications according to the application's 98 percentile module operating temperature.
e) Modules meeting Class 0 for use in restricted access areas are not required to pass the
breakage test, (MST 32).
f) Marking and documentation subclauses have been revised and aligned with the IEC 61215
series.
g) Electronic copies are now allowed instead of paper copies of required safety documentation.
h) Requirements for bifacial modules:
1) addition of new term, aBSI;
2) relevant tests have been changed to account for higher current of bifacial modules;
3) for bifacial modules, marking that indicates which side is designed as the front side, or
2
if both are designed for prolonged exposure to direct sunlight (> 300 W/m );
4) relevant parameters for installing bifacial modules clarified;
5) overprotection rating;
6) documentation has been modified.
i) In 6.2, marking requirements for connectors have been added.
j) Related to the intended use temperature range:
th
1) Clause 5 and 6.2 have been modified to include temperature ratings, with > 70 °C 98
percentile module operating temperature as the default maximum. Guidance for factors
which could impact the module operating temperature for a system design/location are
provided, and responsibility for proper installation is placed upon the installer.
2) Changes to insulation coordination sections (6.6, Annex B and Annex C).
3) Subclauses on insulation coordination (6.6.3) and distance through solid insulation
(6.6.4) have been updated to clearly state the insulation coordination requirements, and
are aligned with Annex B.
4) Annex B has been revised to show the basis for the dimensioning related to insulation
coordination and is aligned with 6.6.3 and 6.6.4.
5) Annex C has been created to show specific use cases and describe how changes to
materials or use of additional testing can modify the required dimensioning. Diagrams
have been updated.
6) A new term, distance through functional insulation (DTFI), has been defined to describe
the spacing between fully encapsulated live parts of different potential (the larger of
creepage and clearance for the relevant voltage).
7) Testing requirements to verify a clearance value less than the listed value (but not below
the creepage distance) are defined.
8) Requirements for junction boxes, cables and connectors, and polymeric
frontsheets/backsheets have been removed (these are now covered in their respective
standards).
9) In Table 2, functional insulation is required for insulation between live parts of different
potential inside a PV module for all module types.
10) In Table 3 and Table 4:
i) lines related to pollution degree 3 have been removed, since this is not applicable to
module laminates passing the requirements of IEC 61730-2;
ii)  the minimum values for DTI have been increased to include the minimum 0,030 mm
thickness (pinhole considerations);
iii) lines related to reinforced insulation have been combined;
iv) lines related to basic insulation have been combined, and functional insulation
included on those lines;

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IEC 61730-1:2023 © IEC 2023 – 7 –
v) lines for DTFI have been added.
11) Insulation coordination requirements for Class III modules have been removed from
Table 4, and functional insulation requirements are included in text (no DTI thickness
requirement).
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
82/2140/FDIS 82/2165/RVD

Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61730 series, under the general title Photovoltaic (PV) module safety
qualification, can be found on the IEC website.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/standardsdev/publications.
The committe
...