SIST EN IEC 61215-1-2:2021/A1:2022

Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1-2: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) based photovoltaic (PV) modules

No scope available

Terrestrische kristalline Silizium-Photovoltaik(PV)-Module - Bauarteignung und Bauartzulassung - Teil 1-2: Besondere Anforderungen an die Prüfung von Photovoltaik(PV)-Dünnschichtmodulen aus Cadmiumtellurid-(CdTe)

Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres - Qualification de la conception et homologation - Partie 1-2: Exigences particulières d'essai des modules photovoltaïques (PV) au tellurure de cadmium (CdTe) à couches minces

Prizemni fotonapetostni (PV) moduli - Ocena zasnove in odobritev tipa - 1-2. del: Posebne zahteve za preskušanje fotonapetostnih modulov iz tankoslojnega kadmij-telurja (CdTe) - Dopolnilo A1

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Jun-2022
• ICS: 27.160 - Solar energy engineering
• Technical Committee: PVS - Solar photovoltaic energy systems
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 02-Jun-2022
• Due Date: 07-Aug-2022
• Completion Date: 15-Jun-2022
• Ref Project: EN IEC 61215-1-2:2021/A1:2022 - Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1-2: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) based photovoltaic (PV) modules

Relations

• Amends: SIST EN IEC 61215-1-2:2021 - Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1-2: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) based photovoltaic (PV) modules
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2022

Overview

SIST EN IEC 61215-1-2:2021/A1:2022 specifies special requirements for the design qualification and type approval of terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules based on thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) technology. This amendment updates the European and international framework for ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of thin-film CdTe PV modules under real-world conditions. It focuses particularly on the unique characteristics and installation requirements of these modules, supporting their use in utility-scale and ground-mounted solar energy installations.

This standard was prepared by IEC Technical Committee 82 (Solar photovoltaic energy systems), endorsed by CENELEC, and adopted as a Slovenian national standard by the Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo (SIST).

Key Topics

• Design Qualification and Type Approval: The amendment adapts the standard testing procedures to accommodate the specific needs and properties of thin-film CdTe PV modules.
• Mechanical Load Definitions: Introduction of terms such as “reduced mechanical load” for modules tested under lower requirements than standard modules, and “restricted access area” specifying installation environments with limited personnel access.
• Marking and Documentation: Additional nameplate and documentation requirements for modules with reduced mechanical load ratings, facilitating correct application and regulatory compliance.
  • Requirements include clear indications if a module is for reduced mechanical load, its exact load capacity, and its restrictions (e.g., not for rooftop installations).
  • Documentation must inform engineers and installers about the reduced mechanical load criteria and safe applications.
• Testing Procedures: References to modifications in mechanical load testing (MQT 16) for modules designed for lower-than-standard loads, which may be suitable for engineered ground-mounted solar arrays but not for general rooftop use.

Applications

SIST EN IEC 61215-1-2:2021/A1:2022 is highly relevant for:

• Manufacturers of Thin-Film CdTe PV Modules: Ensures products meet rigorous, internationally recognized approval processes for quality and durability, with proper mechanical rating and documentation.
• Solar Project Developers and EPC Contractors: Helps select and deploy CdTe photovoltaic modules best suited for utility-scale, ground-mounted solar installations where installation environments are controlled and staff are qualified.
• Engineers and Designers: Provides guidelines on when and how to use PV modules with reduced mechanical load ratings, allowing optimized, site-specific solar system design in accordance with local regulations and structural codes.
• Certification Bodies: Assists conformity assessment, backed by clear test levels and criteria specific to CdTe modules, clarifying safety, reliability, and suitability for various applications.

Modules marked for reduced mechanical load must be installed only in restricted access areas designed and maintained by professionals, usually within secure, utility-scale installations. These modules cannot be used for rooftop mounting, which typically requires higher mechanical endurance due to increased exposure to wind, snow, and other loads.

Related Standards

SIST EN IEC 61215-1-2:2021/A1:2022 is part of a comprehensive series of standards, including:

• IEC 61215-1:2021: General requirements for design qualification and type approval of terrestrial photovoltaic modules.
• IEC 61215-2:2021: Test procedures for all types of PV modules, including mechanical and environmental tests.
• IEC 60050-195: International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Earthing and protection against electric shock.
• IEC 61215 Series: Covers crystalline silicon and other thin-film technologies, establishing a harmonized international framework for PV module certification.

Adherence to these standards supports global market access, reliable performance, and the safe deployment of solar photovoltaic technology across various scales and environments.

Keywords: Cadmium Telluride, thin-film PV, module testing, mechanical load, ground-mounted solar, utility-scale solar, photovoltaic standards, SIST, IEC 61215, PV type approval.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2022
Prizemni fotonapetostni (PV) moduli - Ocena zasnove in odobritev tipa - 1-2. del:
Posebne zahteve za preskušanje fotonapetostnih modulov iz tankoslojnega
kadmij-telurja (CdTe) - Dopolnilo A1
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1-2:
Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) based
photovoltaic (PV) modules
Terrestrische kristalline Silizium-Photovoltaik(PV)-Module - Bauarteignung und
Bauartzulassung - Teil 1-2: Besondere Anforderungen an die Prüfung von Photovoltaik
(PV)-Dünnschichtmodulen aus Cadmiumtellurid-(CdTe)
Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres - Qualification de la
conception et homologation - Partie 1-2: Exigences particulières d'essai des modules
photovoltaïques (PV) au tellurure de cadmium (CdTe) à couches minces
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 61215-1-2:2021/A1:2022
ICS:
27.160 Sončna energija Solar energy engineering
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 61215-1-2:2021/A1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM May 2022
ICS 27.160
English Version
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and
type approval - Part 1-2: Special requirements for testing of thin-
film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) based photovoltaic (PV) modules
(IEC 61215-1-2:2021/AMD1:2022)
Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres - Terrestrische kristalline Silizium-Photovoltaik(PV)-Module -
Qualification de la conception et homologation - Partie 1-2: Bauarteignung und Bauartzulassung - Teil 1-2: Besondere
Exigences particulières d'essai des modules Anforderungen an die Prüfung von Photovoltaik(PV)-
photovoltaïques (PV) au tellurure de cadmium (CdTe) à Dünnschichtmodulen aus Cadmiumtellurid-(CdTe)
couches minces (IEC 61215-1-2:2021/AMD1:2022)
(IEC 61215-1-2:2021/AMD1:2022)
This amendment A1 modifies the European Standard EN IEC 61215-1-2:2021; it was approved by CENELEC on 2022-05-02. CENELEC
members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this amendment the
status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This amendment exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the
responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as
the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2022 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 61215-1-2:2021/A1:2022 E

European foreword
The text of document 82/1996/FDIS, future IEC 61215-1-2/AMD1, prepared by IEC/TC 82 "Solar
photovoltaic energy systems" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by
CENELEC as EN IEC 61215-1-2:2021/A1:2022.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2023-02-02
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2025-05-02
document have to be withdrawn
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61215-1-2:2021/AMD1:2022 was approved by CENELEC
as a European Standard without any modification.

IEC 61215-1-2 ®
Edition 2.0 2022-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
A MENDMENT 1
AM ENDEMENT 1
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –

Part 1-2: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)

based photovoltaic (PV) modules

Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres – Qualification de la

conception et homologation –
Partie 1-2: Exigences particulières d'essai des modules photovoltaïques (PV) au

tellurure de cadmium (CdTe) à couches minces

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 27.160 ISBN 978-2-8322-1089-2

– 2 – IEC 61215-1-2:2021/AMD1:2022
© IEC 2022
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –
DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL –

Part 1-2: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cadmium Telluride
(CdTe) based photovoltaic (PV) modules

AMENDMENT 1
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 possi
...