IEC 61215-1-4:2021

Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cu(In,GA)(S,Se)2 based photovoltaic (PV) modules

IEC 61215-1-4:2021 lays down requirements for the design qualification of terrestrial photovoltaic modules suitable for long-term operation in open-air climates. The useful service life of modules so qualified will depend on their design, their environment and the conditions under which they are operated. Test results are not construed as a quantitative prediction of module lifetime. This document is intended to apply to all thin-film Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 based terrestrial flat plate modules. As such it addresses special requirements for testing of this technology supplementing IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021 requirements for testing. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-1-4, issued in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a. A cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) added.
b. A test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21) added.
c. A bending test (MQT 22) for flexible modules added.
This standard is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021.

Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres - Qualification de la conception et homologation - Partie 1-4: Exigences particulières d'essai des modules photovoltaïques (PV) au Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 à couches minces

L'IEC 61215-1-4:2021 établit les exigences pour la qualification de la conception des modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres adaptés à une utilisation de longue durée dans les climats à l'air libre. La durée de vie utile des modules ainsi qualifiés dépend de leur conception, de leur environnement et de leurs conditions de fonctionnement. Les résultats d’essai ne sont pas considérés comme une prévision quantitative de la durée de vie des modules. Le présent document est destiné à s'appliquer à tous les modules à plaque plane au Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 à couches minces pour applications terrestres. À ce titre, il spécifie des exigences d'essai particulières à cette technologie en complément des exigences d'essai données dans l'IEC 61215-1:2021 et l'IEC 61215-2:2021. Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition de l'IEC 61215-1-4, parue en 2016. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
a. Ajout d'un essai de charge mécanique (dynamique) cyclique (MQT 20).
b. Ajout d'un essai de dégradation induite par le potentiel (MQT 21).
c. Ajout d'un essai de flexion (MQT 22) dédié aux modules souples.
La présente norme doit être utilisée conjointement avec l'IEC 61215-1:2021 et l'IEC 61215‑2:2021.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 27-Mar-2022
• 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: 05-Mar-2021
• Completion Date: 23-Feb-2021

Relations

• Amended By: IEC 61215-1-4:2021/AMD1:2022 - Amendment 1 - Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 based photovoltaic (PV) modules
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 61215-1-4:2016 - Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cu(In,GA)(S,Se)₂ based photovoltaic (PV) modules
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 61215-1-4 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-02
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –
Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) based
photovoltaic (PV) modules
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
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IEC 61215-1-4 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-02
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –

Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) based
photovoltaic (PV) modules
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 27.160 ISBN 978-2-8322-9489-5

– 2 – IEC 61215-1-4:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope and object . 6
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Test samples . 7
5 Marking and documentation . 7
6 Testing . 7
7 Pass criteria . 7
8 Major visual defects . 7
9 Report . 7
10 Modifications . 7
11 Test flow and procedures . 8
11.1 Visual inspection (MQT 01) . 8
11.2 Maximum power determination (MQT 02) . 8
11.3 Insulation test (MQT 03) . 8
11.4 Measurement of temperature coefficients (MQT 04) . 8
11.5 Measurement of nominal module operating temperature (NMOT) (MQT 05)
Placeholder section, formerly NMOT . 8
11.6 Performance at STC (MQT 06.1) and NMOT (MQT 06.2) . 8
11.7 Performance at low irradiance (MQT 07) . 8
11.8 Outdoor exposure test (MQT 08) . 8
11.9 Hot-spot endurance test (MQT 09) . 8
11.9.1 Purpose . 8
11.9.2 Hot-spot effect . 8
11.9.3 Classification of cell interconnection . 9
11.9.4 Apparatus . 9
11.9.5 Procedure . 9
11.9.6 Final measurements . 9
11.9.7 Requirements . 9
11.10 UV preconditioning test (MQT 10) . 9
11.11 Thermal cycling test (MQT 11) . 9
11.12 Humidity-freeze test (MQT 12) . 9
11.13 Damp heat test (MQT 13) . 11
11.13.1 Procedure . 11
11.14 Robustness of terminations test (MQT 14) . 12
11.15 Wet leakage current test (MQT 15) . 12
11.16 Static mechanical load test (MQT 16) . 12
11.17 Hail test (MQT 17) . 12
11.18 Bypass diode testing (MQT 18) . 12
11.19 Stabilization (MQT 19) . 12
11.19.1 Criterion definition for stabilization . 12
11.19.2 Light induced stabilization procedures . 12
11.19.3 Other stabilization procedures . 12
11.19.4 Initial stabilization (MQT 19.1) . 12
11.19.5 Final stabilization (MQT 19.2) . 13

11.20 Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) . 13
11.21 Potential induced degradation test (MQT 21) . 13
11.22 Bending test (MQT 22) . 14

Figure 1 – Current flow using MQT 11 Method B . 10
Figure 2 – Current flow using MQT 12 Method B . 11
Figure 3 – Electrical connections for MQT 21 Method B, positive system voltage . 14
Figure 4 – Electrical connections for MQT 21 Method B, negative system voltage . 14

– 4 – IEC 61215-1-4:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
___________
TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –
DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL –

Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film
Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) based photovoltaic (PV) modules
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,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
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
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
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services carried out by independent certification bodies.
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
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
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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.
This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes made to
the previous edition IEC 61215-1-4:2016. A vertical bar appears in the margin wherever a change
has been made. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough red text.

International Standard IEC 61215-1-4 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 82: Solar
photovoltaic energy systems.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-1-4, issued in 2016, and
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) A cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) added.
b) A test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21) added.
c) A bending test (MQT 22) for flexible modules added.
Informative Annex A of 61215-1:2021 explains the background and reasoning behind some of
the more substantial changes that were made in the IEC 61215 series in progressing from
edition 1 to edition 2.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
82/1827/FDIS 82/1852/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
This standard is to be read in conjunction with IEC 6
...

IEC 61215-1-4 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –
Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) based
photovoltaic (PV) modules
Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres – Qualification de la
conception et homologation –
Partie 1-4: Exigences particulières d'essai des modules photovoltaïques (PV)
au Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) à couches minces
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
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About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

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(IEV) online.
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IEC 61215-1-4 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –

Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) based
photovoltaic (PV) modules
Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres – Qualification de la

conception et homologation –
Partie 1-4: Exigences particulières d'essai des modules photovoltaïques (PV)

au Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) à couches minces
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 27.160 ISBN 978-2-8322-9393-5

– 2 – IEC 61215-1-4:2021 © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Test samples . 7
5 Marking and documentation . 7
6 Testing . 7
7 Pass criteria . 7
8 Major visual defects . 7
9 Report . 7
10 Modifications . 7
11 Test flow and procedures . 7
11.1 Visual inspection (MQT 01) . 7
11.2 Maximum power determination (MQT 02) . 7
11.3 Insulation test (MQT 03) . 8
11.4 Measurement of temperature coefficients (MQT 04) . 8
11.5 Placeholder section, formerly NMOT . 8
11.6 Performance at STC (MQT 06.1) . 8
11.7 Performance at low irradiance (MQT 07) . 8
11.8 Outdoor exposure test (MQT 08) . 8
11.9 Hot-spot endurance test (MQT 09) . 8
11.9.1 Purpose . 8
11.9.2 Hot-spot effect . 8
11.9.3 Classification of cell interconnection . 8
11.9.4 Apparatus . 8
11.9.5 Procedure . 8
11.9.6 Final measurements . 9
11.9.7 Requirements . 9
11.10 UV preconditioning test (MQT 10) . 9
11.11 Thermal cycling test (MQT 11) . 9
11.12 Humidity-freeze test (MQT 12) . 10
11.13 Damp heat test (MQT 13) . 11
11.13.1 Procedure . 11
11.14 Robustness of terminations (MQT 14) . 12
11.15 Wet leakage current test (MQT 15) . 12
11.16 Static mechanical load test (MQT 16) . 12
11.17 Hail test (MQT 17) . 12
11.18 Bypass diode testing (MQT 18) . 12
11.19 Stabilization (MQT 19) . 12
11.19.1 Criterion definition for stabilization . 12
11.19.2 Light induced stabilization procedures . 12
11.19.3 Other stabilization procedures . 12
11.19.4 Initial stabilization (MQT 19.1) . 12
11.19.5 Final stabilization (MQT 19.2) . 13
11.20 Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) . 13

11.21 Potential induced degradation test (MQT 21) . 13
11.22 Bending test (MQT 22) . 14

Figure 1 – Current flow using MQT 11 Method B . 10
Figure 2 – Current flow using MQT 12 Method B . 11
Figure 3 – Electrical connections for MQT 21 Method B, positive system voltage . 14
Figure 4 – Electrical connections for MQT 21 Method B, negative system voltage . 14

– 4 – IEC 61215-1-4:2021 © IEC 2021
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
___________
TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –
DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL –

Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film
Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) based photovoltaic (PV) modules
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, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for 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
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their nationa
...

IEC 61215-1-4 ®
Edition 2.1 2022-03
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –
Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cu(In,GA)(S,Se)2 based
photovoltaic (PV) modules
Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres – Qualification de la
conception et homologation –
Partie 1-4: Exigences particulières d'essai des modules photovoltaïques (PV) au
Cu(In,GA)(S,Se)2 à couches minces

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite
ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie
et les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de l'IEC ou du Comité national de l'IEC du pays du demandeur. Si vous avez des
questions sur le copyright de l'IEC ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette publication, utilisez
les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de l'IEC de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Secretariat Tel.: [phone]
3, rue de Varembé [e-mail]
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.

IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform IEC Products & Services Portal - products.iec.ch
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The world's leading online dictionary on electrotechnology,
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published
containing more than 22 300 terminological entries in English
details all new publications released. Available online and
and French, with equivalent terms in 19 additional languages.
once a month by email.
Also known as the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary

(IEV) online.
IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or
need further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: [e-mail].
A propos de l'IEC
La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (IEC) est la première organisation mondiale qui élabore et publie des
Normes internationales pour tout ce qui a trait à l'électricité, à l'électronique et aux technologies apparentées.

A propos des publications IEC
Le contenu technique des publications IEC est constamment revu. Veuillez vous assurer que vous possédez l’édition la
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Le premier dictionnaire d'électrotechnologie en ligne au
Restez informé sur les nouvelles publications IEC. Just
monde, avec plus de 22 300 articles terminologiques en
Published détaille les nouvelles publications parues.
anglais et en français, ainsi que les termes équivalents dans
Disponible en ligne et une fois par mois par email.
19 langues additionnelles. Egalement appelé Vocabulaire

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Service Clients - webstore.iec.ch/csc

Si vous désirez nous donner des commentaires sur cette
publication ou si vous avez des questions contactez-nous:
[e-mail].
IEC 61215-1-4 ®
Edition 2.1 2022-03
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –
Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cu(In,GA)(S,Se) based
photovoltaic (PV) modules
Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres – Qualification de la
conception et homologation –
Partie 1-4: Exigences particulières d'essai des modules photovoltaïques (PV) au
Cu(In,GA)(S,Se) à couches minces
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 27.160 ISBN 978-2-8322-4912-3

IEC 61215-1-4 ®
Edition 2.1 2022-03
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
REDLINE VERSION
VERSION REDLINE
colour
inside
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –
Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cu(In,GA)(S,Se)2 based
photovoltaic (PV) modules
Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres – Qualification de la
conception et homologation –
Partie 1-4: Exigences particulières d'essai des modules photovoltaïques (PV) au
Cu(In,GA)(S,Se)2 à couches minces

– 2 – IEC 61215-1-4:2021+AMD1:2022 CSV
© IEC 2022
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Test samples . 7
5 Marking and documentation . 7
5.1 Name plate . 7
5.2 Documentation . 7
6 Testing . 8
7 Pass criteria . 8
8 Major visual defects . 8
9 Report . 8
10 Modifications . 8
11 Test flow and procedures . 8
11.1 Visual inspection (MQT 01) . 9
11.2 Maximum power determination (MQT 02) . 9
11.3 Insulation test (MQT 03) . 9
11.4 Measurement of temperature coefficients (MQT 04) . 9
11.5 Placeholder section, formerly NMOT . 9
11.6 Performance at STC (MQT 06.1) . 9
11.7 Performance at low irradiance (MQT 07) . 9
11.8 Outdoor exposure test (MQT 08) . 9
11.9 Hot-spot endurance test (MQT 09) . 9
11.9.1 Purpose . 10
11.9.2 Hot-spot effect . 10
11.9.3 Classification of cell interconnection . 10
11.9.4 Apparatus . 10
11.9.5 Procedure . 10
11.9.6 Final measurements . 10
11.9.7 Requirements . 10
11.10 UV preconditioning test (MQT 10) . 10
11.11 Thermal cycling test (MQT 11) . 10
11.12 Humidity-freeze test (MQT 12) . 11
11.13 Damp heat test (MQT 13) . 12
11.13.1 Procedure . 12
11.14 Robustness of terminations (MQT 14) . 13
11.15 Wet leakage current test (MQT 15) . 13
11.16 Static mechanical load test (MQT 16) . 13
11.17 Hail test (MQT 17) . 13
11.18 Bypass diode testing (MQT 18) . 13
11.19 Stabilization (MQT 19) . 13
11.19.1 Criterion definition for stabilization . 13
11.19.2 Light induced stabilization procedures . 13
11.19.3 Other stabilization procedures . 13
11.19.4 Initial stabilization (MQT 19.1) . 14

© IEC 2022
11.19.5 Final stabilization (MQT 19.2) . 14
11.20 Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) . 14
11.21 Potential induced degradation test (MQT 21) . 14
11.22 Bending test (MQT 22) . 16

– 4 – IEC 61215-1-4:2021+AMD1:2022 CSV
© IEC 2022
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
___________
TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –
DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL –

Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film
Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) based photovoltaic (PV) modules
FOREWORD
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