PVS - Solar photovoltaic energy systems

This document 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. In climates where 98th percentile operating temperatures exceed 70 °C, users are
recommended to consider testing to higher temperature test conditions as described in
IEC TS 63126.
Users desiring qualification of PV products with lesser lifetime expectations are recommended
to consider testing designed for PV in consumer electronics, as described in IEC 63163
(under development). Users wishing to gain confidence that the characteristics tested in
IEC 61215 appear consistently in a manufactured product may wish to utilize IEC 62941
regarding quality systems in PV manufacturing.
This document is intended to apply to all crystalline silicon terrestrial flat plate modules.
This document does not apply to modules used with concentrated sunlight although it may be
utilized for low concentrator modules (1 to 3 suns). For low concentration modules, all tests
are performed using the irradiance, current, voltage and power levels expected at the design
concentration.
The objective of this test sequence is to determine the electrical characteristics of the module
and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the
module is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure outdoors. Accelerated test conditions
are empirically based on those necessary to reproduce selected observed field failures and
are applied equally across module types. Acceleration factors may vary with product design
and thus not all degradation mechanisms may manifest. Further general information on
accelerated test methods including definitions of terms may be found in IEC 62506.
Some long-term degradation mechanisms can only reasonably be detected via component
testing, due to long times required to produce the failure and necessity of stress conditions
that are expensive to produce over large areas. Component tests that have reached a
sufficient level of maturity to set pass/fail criteria with high confidence are incorporated into
the IEC 61215 series via addition to Table 1 in IEC 61215-1:2021. In contrast, the tests
procedures described in this series, in IEC 61215-2, are performed on modules.
This document defines PV technology dependent modifications to the testing procedures and
requirements per IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021.

This document 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.
In climates where 98th percentile operating temperatures exceed 70 °C, users are
recommended to consider testing to higher temperature test conditions as described in
IEC TS 63126. Users desiring qualification of PV products with lesser lifetime expectations
are recommended to consider testing designed for PV in consumer electronics, as described
in IEC 63163 (under development). Users wishing to gain confidence that the characteristics
tested in IEC 61215 appear consistently in a manufactured product may wish to utilize
IEC 62941 regarding quality systems in PV manufacturing.
This document is intended to apply to all thin-film amorphous silicon (a-Si; a-Si/μc-Si) 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 document does not apply to modules used with concentrated sunlight although it may be
utilized for low concentrator modules (1 to 3 suns). For low concentration modules, all tests
are performed using the irradiance, current, voltage and power levels expected at the design
concentration.
The object of this test sequence is to determine the electrical characteristics of the module
and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the
module is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure outdoors. Accelerated test conditions
are empirically based on those necessary to reproduce selected observed field failures and
are applied equally across module types. Acceleration factors may vary with product design
and thus not all degradation mechanisms may manifest. Further general information on
accelerated test methods including definitions of terms may be found in IEC 62506.
Some long-term degradation mechanisms can only reasonably be detected via component
testing, due to long times required to produce the failure and necessity of stress conditions
that are expensive to produce over large areas. Component tests that have reached a
sufficient level of maturity to set pass/fail criteria with high confidence are incorporated into
the IEC 61215 series via addition to Table 1 in IEC 61215-1. In contrast, the tests procedures
described in this series, in IEC 61215-2, are performed on modules.
This document defines PV technology dependent modifications to the testing procedures and
requirements per IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021.

This document 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.
In climates where 98th percentile operating temperatures exceed 70 °C, users are
recommended to consider testing to higher temperature test conditions as described in
IEC TS 631261. Users desiring qualification of PV products with lesser lifetime expectations are
recommended to consider testing designed for PV in consumer electronics, as described in
IEC TS 63163 (under development). Users wishing to gain confidence that the characteristics
tested in IEC 61215 appear consistently in a manufactured product may wish to utilize
IEC 62941 regarding quality systems in PV manufacturing.
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 does not apply to modules used with concentrated sunlight although it may be
utilized for low concentrator modules (1 to 3 suns). For low concentration modules, all tests are
performed using the irradiance, current, voltage and power levels expected at the design
concentration.
The objective of this test sequence is to determine the electrical characteristics of the module
and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the module
is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure outdoors. Accelerated test conditions are
empirically based on those necessary to reproduce selected observed field failures and are
applied equally across module types. Acceleration factors may vary with product design and
thus not all degradation mechanisms may manifest. Further general information on accelerated
test methods including definitions of terms may be found in IEC 62506.
Some long-term degradation mechanisms can only reasonably be detected via component
testing, due to long times required to produce the failure and necessity of stress conditions that
are expensive to produce over large areas. Component tests that have reached a sufficient
level of maturity to set pass/fail criteria with high confidence are incorporated into the IEC 61215
series via addition to Table 1 in IEC 61215-1:2021. In contrast, the tests procedures described
in this series, in IEC 61215-2, are performed on modules.

This document 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.
In climates where 98th percentile operating temperatures exceed 70 °C, users are
recommended to consider testing to higher temperature test conditions as described in
IEC TS 63126. Users desiring qualification of PV products with lesser lifetime expectations
are recommended to consider testing designed for PV in consumer electronics, as described
in IEC 63163 (under development). Users wishing to gain confidence that the characteristics
tested in IEC 61215 appear consistently in a manufactured product may wish to utilize
IEC 62941 regarding quality systems in PV manufacturing.
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 document does not apply to modules used with concentrated sunlight although it may be
utilized for low concentrator modules (1 to 3 suns). For low concentration modules, all tests
are performed using the irradiance, current, voltage and power levels expected at the design
concentration.
The object of this test sequence is to determine the electrical characteristics of the module
and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the
module is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure outdoors. Accelerated test conditions
are empirically based on those necessary to reproduce selected observed field failures and
are applied equally across module types. Acceleration factors may vary with product design
and thus not all degradation mechanisms may manifest. Further general information on
accelerated test methods including definitions of terms may be found in IEC 62506.
Some long-term degradation mechanisms can only reasonably be detected via component
testing, due to long times required to produce the failure and necessity of stress conditions
that are expensive to produce over large areas. Component tests that have reached a
sufficient level of maturity to set pass/fail criteria with high confidence are incorporated into
the IEC 61215 series via addition to Table 1 in IEC 61215-1. In contrast, the tests procedures
described in this series, in IEC 61215-2, are performed on modules.
This document defines PV technology dependent modifications to the testing procedures and
requirements per IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021.

This document 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.
In climates where 98th percentile operating temperatures exceed 70 °C, users are recommended to consider testing to higher temperature test conditions as described in IEC TS 63126. Users desiring qualification of PV products with lesser lifetime expectations are recommended to consider testing designed for PV in consumer electronics, as described in IEC 63163 (under development). Users wishing to gain confidence that the characteristics tested in IEC 61215 appear consistently in a manufactured product may wish to utilize IEC TS 62941 regarding quality systems in PV manufacturing.
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. It does not apply to systems that are not long-term applications, such as flexible modules installed in awnings or tenting.
This document does not apply to modules used with concentrated sunlight although it may be utilized for low concentrator modules (1 to 3 suns). For low concentration modules, all tests are performed using the irradiance, current, voltage and power levels expected at the design concentration.
This document does not address the particularities of PV modules with integrated electronics. It may however be used as a basis for testing such PV modules.
The objective of this test sequence is to determine the electrical characteristics of the module and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the module is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure outdoors. Accelerated test conditions are empirically based on those necessary to reproduce selected observed field failures and are applied equally across module types. Acceleration factors may vary with product design, and thus not all degradation mechanisms may manifest. Further general information on accelerated test methods including definitions of terms may be found in IEC 62506.
Some long-term degradation mechanisms can only reasonably be detected via component testing, due to long times required to produce the failure and necessity of stress conditions that are expensive to produce over large areas. Component tests that have reached a sufficient level of maturity to set pass/fail criteria with high confidence are incorporated into the IEC 61215 series via addition to Table 1. In contrast, the tests procedures described in this series, in IEC 61215-2, are performed on modules.

This document specifies the minimum requirements for the qualification of concentrator
photovoltaic (CPV) cells and Cell on Carrier (CoC) assemblies for incorporation into CPV
receivers, modules and systems.
The object of this qualification standard is to determine the optoelectronic, mechanical, thermal,
and processing characteristics of CPV cells and CoCs to show that they are capable of
withstanding assembly processes and CPV application environments. The qualification tests of
this document are designed to demonstrate that cells or CoCs are suitable for typical assembly
processes, and when properly assembled, are capable of passing IEC 62108.
This document defines qualification testing for two levels of concentrator photovoltaic device
assembly:
a) cell, or bare cell; and
b) cell on carrier (CoC).
NOTE Note that a variety of alternate names are used within the industry, such as solar cell assembly, receiver,
etc.

This document 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.
In climates where 98th percentile operating temperatures exceed 70 °C, users are
recommended to consider testing to higher temperature test conditions as described in
IEC TS 63126. Users desiring qualification of PV products with lesser lifetime expectations
are recommended to consider testing designed for PV in consumer electronics, as described
in IEC 63163 (under development). Users wishing to gain confidence that the characteristics
tested in IEC 61215 appear consistently in a manufactured product may wish to utilize
IEC 62941 regarding quality systems in PV manufacturing.
This document is intended to apply to all thin-film CdTe 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 document does not apply to modules used with concentrated sunlight although it may be
utilized for low concentrator modules (1 to 3 suns). For low concentration modules, all tests
are performed using the irradiance, current, voltage and power levels expected at the design
concentration.
The object of this test sequence is to determine the electrical characteristics of the module
and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the
module is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure outdoors. Accelerated test conditions
are empirically based on those necessary to reproduce selected observed field failures and
are applied equally across module types. Acceleration factors may vary with product design
and thus not all degradation mechanisms may manifest. Further general information on
accelerated test methods including definitions of terms may be found in IEC 62506.
Some long-term degradation mechanisms can only reasonably be detected via component
testing, due to long times required to produce the failure and necessity of stress conditions
that are expensive to produce over large areas. Component tests that have reached a
sufficient level of maturity to set pass/fail criteria with high confidence are incorporated into
the IEC 61215 series via addition to Table 1 in IEC 61215-1. In contrast, the tests procedures
described in this series, in IEC 61215-2, are performed on modules.
This document defines PV technology dependent modifications to the testing procedures and
requirements per IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021.

This part of IEC 60904 describes procedures for the measurement of current-voltage
characteristics (I-V curves) of photovoltaic (PV) devices in natural or simulated sunlight. These
procedures are applicable to a single PV solar cell, a sub-assembly of PV solar cells, or a PV
module. They are applicable to single-junction mono-facial PV devices. For other device types,
reference is made to the respective documents, in particular for multi-junction devices to
IEC 60904-1-1 and for bifacial devices to IEC TS 60904-1-2. Additionally informative annexes
are provided concerning area measurement of PV devices (Annex A), PV devices with
capacitance (Annex B), measurement of dark current-voltage characteristics (dark I-V curves)
(Annex C) and effects of spatial non-uniformity of irradiance (Annex D).
NOTE The methods provided in this document can also be used as guidance for taking I-V curves of PV arrays. For
on-site measurement refer to IEC 61829.
This document is applicable to non-concentrating PV devices for use in terrestrial environments,
with reference to (usually but not exclusively) the global reference spectral irradiance AM1.5
defined in IEC 60904-3. It may also be applicable to PV devices for use under concentrated
irradiation if the application uses direct sunlight and reference is instead made to the direct
reference spectral irradiance AM1.5d in IEC 60904-3.
The purposes of this document are to lay down basic requirements for the measurement of I-V
curves of PV devices, to define procedures for different measuring techniques in use and to
show practices for minimising measurement uncertainty. It is applicable to the measurement of
I-V curves in general. I-V measurements can have various purposes, such as calibration (i.e.
traceable measurement with stated uncertainty, usually performed at standard test conditions)
of a PV device under test against a reference device, performance measurement under various
conditions (e.g. for device temperature and irradiance) such as those required by IEC 60891
(for determination of temperature coefficients or internal series resistance), by IEC 61853-1
(power rating of PV devices) or by IEC 60904-10 (for determination of output’s linear
dependence and linearity with respect to a particular test parameter). I-V measurements are
also important in industrial environments such as PV module production facilities, and for testing
in the field. Further guidance on I-V measurements in production facilities is provided in
IEC TR 60904-14.
The actual requirements (e.g. for the class of solar simulator) depend on the end-use. Other
standards referring to IEC 60904-1 can stipulate specific requirements. Where those
requirements are in conflict with this document, the specific requirements take precedence.

IEC standards for photovoltaic devices require the use of specific classes of solar simulators
deemed appropriate for specific tests. Solar simulators can be either used for performance
measurements of PV devices or endurance irradiation tests. This part of IEC 60904 provides
the definitions of and means for determining simulator classifications at the required
irradiance levels used for electrical stabilization and characterisation of PV devices.
This document is applicable for solar simulators used in PV test and calibration laboratories
and in manufacturing lines of solar cells and PV modules. The A+ category is primarily
intended for calibration laboratories and is not considered necessary for power measurements
in PV manufacturing and in qualification testing. Class A+ has been introduced because it
allows for reduction in the uncertainty of secondary reference device calibration, which is
usually performed in a calibration laboratory. Measurement uncertainty in PV production lines
will directly benefit from a lower uncertainty of calibration, because production line
measurements are performed using secondary reference devices.
In the case of PV performance measurements, using a solar simulator of a particular class
does not eliminate the need to quantify the influence of the simulator on the measurement by
making spectral mismatch corrections and analysing the influences of spatial non-uniformity
of irradiance in the test plane and temporal stability of irradiance on that measurement. Test
reports for PV devices tested with the simulator report the class of simulator used for the
measurement and the method used to quantify the simulator’s effect on the results.
The purpose of this document is to define classifications of solar simulators for use in indoor
measurements of terrestrial photovoltaic devices. Solar simulators are classified as A+, A, B
or C based on criteria of spectral distribution match, irradiance non-uniformity in the test
plane and temporal instability of irradiance. This document provides the required
methodologies for determining the classification of solar simulators in each of the categories.
A solar simulator which does not meet the minimum requirements of class C cannot be
classified according to this document.
For spectral match classification a new procedure has been added. This procedure addresses
the actual need for an extended wavelength range, which is arising from advances in solar
cell technology (such as increased spectral responsivity below 400 nm) as well as solar
simulator technology (use of component LEDs). The procedure of the second edition of this
standard is still valid, but is only applied if backward compatibility of classification for solar
simulators already in use and for solar simulators in production/sale is required. This
document is referred to by other IEC standards, in which class requirements are laid down for
the use of solar simulators. The solar simulator characteristics described in this document
are not used in isolation to imply any level of measurement confidence or measurement
uncertainty for a solar simulator application (for example, PV module power measurement).
Measurement uncertainties in each application depend on many factors, several of which are
outside the scope of this document:
• Characteristics of the solar simulator, possibly including characteristics not covered by this
document;
• Methods used to calibrate and operate the solar simulator;
• Characteristics of the device(s) under test (for example, size and spectral responsivity);
• Quantities measured from the device(s) under test, including equipment and methods
used for measurement;
• Possible corrections applied to measured quantities.
When applications require a certain solar simulator characteristic, it is preferable to specify a
numerical value rather than a letter classification (for example, “≤ 5 % non-uniformity of
irradiance” rather than “C

No scope available

This part of IEC 60904 describes the procedures used to measure the dependence of any
electrical parameter (Y) of a photovoltaic (PV) device with respect to a test parameter (X) and
to determine the degree at which this dependence is close to an ideal linear (straight-line)
function. It also gives guidance on how to consider deviations from the ideal linear
dependence and in general on how to deal with non-linearities of PV device electrical
parameters. Typical device parameters are the short-circuit current ISC, the open-circuit
voltage VOC and the maximum power Pmax. Typical test parameters are the temperature T and
the irradiance G. However, the same principles described in this document can be applied to
any other test parameter with proper adjustment of the procedure used to vary the parameter
itself.
Performance evaluations of PV modules and systems, as well as performance translations
from one set of temperature and irradiance to another, frequently rely on the use of linear
equations (see for example IEC 60891, IEC 61853-1, IEC 61829 and IEC 61724-1). This
document lays down the requirements for linear dependence test methods, data analysis and
acceptance limits of results to ensure that these linear equations will give satisfactory results.
Such requirements prescribe also the range of the temperature and irradiance over which the
linear equations may be used. This document gives also a procedure on how to correct for
deviations of the short-circuit current ISC from the ideal linear dependence on irradiance
(linearity) for PV devices, regardless of whether they are classified linear or non-linear
according to the limits set in 9.7. The impact of spectral irradiance distribution and spectral
mismatch is considered for measurements using solar simulators as well as under natural
sunlight.
The measurement methods described herein apply to all PV devices, with some caution to be
used for multi-junction PV devices, and are intended to be carried out on a device, or in some
cases on an equivalent device of identical technology, that is stable according to the criteria
set in the relevant part of IEC 61215. These measurements are meant to be performed prior
to all measurements and correction procedures that require a linear device or that prescribe
restrictions for non-linear devices.
The main methodology used in this document is based on a fitting procedure in which a linear
(straight-line) function is fitted to a set of measured data points {Xi,Yi}. The linear function
uses a least-squares fit calculation routine, which in the most advanced analysis also
accounts for the expanded combined uncertainty (k=2) of the measurements. The linear
function crosses the origin in the case of short-circuit current data versus irradiance. The
deviation of the measured data from the ideal linear function is also calculated and limits are
prescribed for the permissible percentage deviation.
Procedures to determine the deviation of the Y(X) dependence from the linear (straight-line)
function are described in Clause 6 (measurements under natural sunlight and with solar
simulator), Clause 7 (differential spectral responsivity measurements) and Clause 8
(measurements via two-lamp and N-lamp method). Data analyses to determine the deviations
from the linear function are given in Clause 9.
A device is considered linear for the specific measured dependence Y(X), when it meets the
requirements of 9.7.

IEC corrected version

This document describes safety requirements, constructional requirements and tests for
junction boxes up to 1 500 V DC for use on photovoltaic modules in accordance with class II
of IEC 61140:2016.
This document applies also to enclosures mounted on PV-modules containing electronic
circuits for converting, controlling, monitoring or similar operations. Additional requirements
concerning the relevant operations are applied under consideration of the environmental
conditions of the PV-modules. This document does not apply to the electronic circuits of these
devices, for which other IEC standards apply.
NOTE For junction boxes in accordance with classes 0 and III of IEC 61140:2016, in photovoltaic-systems, this
document can be used as a guideline.

Photovoltaic (PV) modules are electrical devices normally intended for continuous outdoor
exposure during their lifetime. Highly corrosive wet atmospheres, such as marine
environments or locations near the ocean or other large bodies of salt water, 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 salts, etc.) causing permanent degradation that could impair their functioning.
Temporary corrosive atmospheres are also present in places where salt is used in winter
periods to melt ice formations on streets and roads.
This document describes test sequences useful to determine the resistance of different PV
modules to corrosion from salt mist containing Cl (NaCl, MgCl2, etc.). All tests included in the
sequences are fully described in IEC 61215-2, IEC 62108, IEC 61730-2 and IEC 60068-2-52.
The bypass diode functionality test in this document is modified from its description in IEC
61215-2. They are combined in this document to provide means to evaluate possible faults
caused in PV modules when operating under wet atmospheres having high concentration of
dissolved salt (NaCl). Depending on the specific nature of the surrounding atmosphere to
which the module is exposed in real operation several testing methods can be applied, as
defined in IEC 60068-2-52. Guidance for determining the applicability of this document and
selecting an appropriate method is provided in Annex A.
This document can be applied to both flat plate PV modules and concentrator PV modules
and assemblies.

This document provides a method for determining how well a framed PV module performs
mechanically under the influence of inclined non-uniform snow loads. This document is
applicable for framed modules with frames protruding beyond the front glass surface on the
lower edge after intended installation and as such creates an additional barrier to snow sliding
down from modules. For modules with other frame constructions, such as backrails formed in
frames, on the side edges, on the top edge and on the lower edge not creating an additional
snow slide barrier, this document is not applicable.
The test method determines the mechanical non-uniform-load limit of a framed PV module.
The loads specified in this document apply exclusively to natural snow load distributions. Any
expected artificial accumulations (e.g. from snow removal or redistribution) are considered
separately.
Methods to eliminate or counteract the occurence of inhomogeneous snow accumulation, such
as a steep installation angle (more than 60°), are not included in this document. This document
assumes a relationship between ground snow-cover and module snow-cover which may not be
applicable in locations where the snow does not completely melt between snow falls. This
document does not consider the effect of snow cover on power generation.
While the test method includes a wait time between load steps, the document does not provide
a complete assessment of the fatigue behaviour of the materials of the module, such as front
glass.
Because typical field failures of PV modules caused by snow load show glass breakage and
frame bending, the test method aims at reproducing the load under which such failures occur.

IEC 61215-2 provides a set of qualification tests that indicate that a PV module design is likely
to be free of flaws that will result in early failure. However, IEC 61215-2 does not address the
long term wear-out of PV modules. This part of IEC 62788-1 is designed as a more rigorous
qualification test, using accelerated UV exposure at elevated temperature to determine whether
polymeric encapsulants can suffer loss of optical transmittance. IEC 61215-2 already includes
a UV preconditioning test (MQT 10), however, the parameters for that test only represent a
limited level of exposure (~weeks of UV dose). This test procedure is intended for
representative coupon specimens, applying stress at a greater intensity (designed relative to
Phoenix, AZ), using a radiation spectrum that is more similar to the terrestrial solar spectrum,
and using a duration of exposure that is more relevant to the PV application (i.e., equivalent to
several years of outdoor exposure). This test quantifies the degradation rate of encapsulants
so that the risk of the materials losing optical transmittance during operation in the terrestrial
environments can be managed. The quantitative correlation between climate (or location of use),
a specific application (utility-installation, residential-installation, roof-mount, rack-mount, use of
a tracker, the system electrical configuration and its operation), and the test can be established
for each specific encapsulant material, but is beyond the scope of this document.
The method herein is intended to qualify encapsulants for use in a PV module. This document
is intended to apply to encapsulants used in PV modules deployed under temperature
conditions of normal use, as defined in IEC TS 63126. The use of this method for encapsulants
in modules deployed under conditions of higher temperature is specified elsewhere, for example
IEC TS 63126. The method here is intended to be used to examine a particular encapsulant
and does not cover incompatibilities between the encapsulant and other packaging materials.
This document covers PV technology constructed using a transparent incident
surface/encapsulant/photovoltaic device construction, the relevance to other geometries where
the encapsulant layer is located behind the photovoltaic device layer, is outside the scope of
this document. In the case of bifacial cell technology, the module can accept light from its front
and back surfaces – the transmittance of a frontsheet (if used), encapsulant, and transparent
backsheet (if used) is relevant for both active surfaces. The optical durability of frontsheets and
backsheets, however, is addressed separately in the IEC TS 62788-2. Thin coatings that might
be added for antireflection or anti-soiling purposes are outside the scope of this document. The
method in this document can be used for other purposes (e.g., research and development);
many details of alternate uses of the method (e.g., alternate test durations or measurement
increments) are not described here.

NEXT ACTION: PUBLICATION EXPECTED BY 2020-05-15

IEC 62446-2 IEC 62446 describes basic preventive, corrective, and performance relatedmaintenance requirements and recommendations for grid-connected PV systems. Themaintenance procedures cover: - Basic maintenance of the system components and connections for reliability, safety andfire prevention - Measures for corrective maintenance and troubleshooting• Worker safetyThis document also addresses maintenance activities for maximizing anticipated performancesuch as module cleaning and upkeep of vegetation. Special considerations unique to rooftopor ground-mounted systems are summarized. This document does not cover off-grid systemsor systems that include batteries or other energy storage technologies; however, parts may beapplicable to the PV circuits of those systems.This document also does not cover maintenance of medium and high voltage a.c. equipmentthat are sometimes integral to larger scale systems, as those requirements are not specific toPV systems.Maintenance of PV systems is often lumped into the catch-all term operations andmaintenance (O&M.) This document does not address business or management operationalprocesses (e.g. forecasting, utility pricing incentives, etc.) or other considerations driven byfactors outside of basic system working condition, safety and performance.The confirmation of a system’s compliance with the appropriate design and installationstandards is covered in Part 1 and takes place during initial project commissioning.The objectives of this document are to: - Identify a baseline set of maintenance requirements which may differ by system type(residential, commercial, utility scale), owner, or financing requirements. -Identify additional maintenance steps that are recommended or optional.• Identify factors to be used to determine appropriate maintenance intervals. - Ensure that remote diagnostic methods are allowed as means for periodic verification,problem identification and early failure detection. - Ensure that alternate means of achieving maintenance related requirements are allowed toaccommodate for innovation, manufacturer specific methods, evolving customerrequirements, etc.

Amendment to add Annex ZZ for EMC

EN-IEC 62788-5-1 provides procedures for standardized test methods for evaluating theproperties of materials designed to be used as edge seals. When modules are constructed withimpermeable (or extremely low permeability) front- and backsheets designed to protectmoisture-sensitive photovoltaic (PV) materials, there is still the possibility for moisture to get infrom the sides. This moisture ingress pathway can be restricted by using a low-diffusivitymaterial around the perimeter of a module between the impermeable front- and backsheets.Alternatively, it can be desirable to use a low-diffusivity encapsulant, which may significantlyreduce moisture ingress over the lifetime of the module, and to evaluate it in a similar way toan edge seal material.In addition to restricting moisture ingress, edge seal materials also provide electrical insulation.To perform these functions, edge seal materials are relied upon to adhere well.The test methods described in this document are intended to be used to standardize the wayedge seals are evaluated. Only some of these tests are applied for IEC 61215 and IEC 61730,and that status depends on the specific design. It is not required that all of these tests beperformed, but that if these measurements are made that they be performed as outlined here.

EN-IEC 62788-6-2 provides methods for measuring the steady-state water vapour transmissionrate (WVTR), water vapour permeability (P), diffusivity (D), solubility (S), and moisturebreakthrough time (?10) (defined as the time to reach 10 % of the steady state WVTR) forpolymeric materials such as encapsulants, edge seals, frontsheets and backsheets. Thesemeasurements can be made at selected temperatures and humidity levels as deemedappropriate for evaluation of their performance in PV modules. Measurement is accomplishedby inspection of the transient WVTR curve and by fitting it to a theoretical Fickian model. Thisdocument is best applied to monolithic films. If multilayer films are used, the D and S values areonly apparent values, but the steady-state values can still be measured.This document was written for the measurement of water permeation, but it can equally be usedfor other permeants such as O2. In this case the same diffusion equations, fitting procedures,and scaling arguments are used.

EN-IEC 62941 is applicable to organizations manufacturing photovoltaic (PV) modulescertified to IEC 61215 series and IEC 62108 for design qualification and type approval andIEC 61730 for safety qualification and type approval. The design qualification and typeapproval of PV modules depend on appropriate methods for product and process design, aswell as appropriate control of materials and processes used to manufacture the product. Thisdocument lays out best practices for product design, manufacturing processes, and selectionand control of materials used in the manufacture of PV modules that have met therequirements of IEC 61215 series, IEC 61730, or IEC 62108. These standards also form thebasis for factory audit criteria of such sites by various certifying and auditory bodies.The object of this document is to provide a framework for the improved confidence in theongoing consistency of performance and reliability of certified PV modules. The requirementsof this document are defined with the assumption that the quality management system of theorganization has already fulfilled the requirements of ISO 9001 or equivalent qualitymanagement system. This document is not intended to replace or remove any requirements ofISO9001 or equivalent quality management system. By maintaining a manufacturing system inaccordance with this document, PV modules are expected to maintain their performance asdetermined from the test sequences in IEC 61215 series, IEC 62108, or IEC 61730.This document is applicable to all PV modules independent of design and technology, i.e. flatpanel, concentrator photovoltaic (CPV). Quality controls for CPV and nonconventional flatplatemanufacturing will differ somewhat from those of more conventional designs; thisdocument has not considered these differences.

This document sets the requirements for calibration procedures intended to establish the traceability of photovoltaic (PV) reference devices to SI units as required by IEC 60904-2. This document applies to PV reference devices that are used to measure the irradiance of natural or simulated sunlight for the purpose of quantifying the performance of PV devices. The use of a PV reference device is required in many standards concerning PV (e.g. IEC 60904-1 and IEC 60904-3). This document has been written with single-junction PV reference devices in mind, in particular crystalline silicon, but it is sufficiently general to include other single-junction technologies.

This European Standard describes the procedure for correcting the spectral mismatch error introduced in the testing of a photovoltaic device, caused by the mismatch between the test spectrum and the reference spectrum (e.g. AM1.5 spectrum) and by the mismatch between the spectral responsivities (SR) of the reference device and of the device under test and therewith reduce the systematic uncertainty. This procedure is valid for single-junction devices but the principle may be extended to cover multi-junction devices. The purpose of this document is to give guidelines for the correction of the spectral mismatch error, should there be a spectral mismatch between the test spectrum and the reference spectrum as well as between the reference device SR and the device under test SR. The calculated spectral mismatch correction is only valid for the specific combination of test and reference devices measured with a particular test spectrum. Since a PV device has a wavelength-dependent spectral responsivity, its performance is significantly affected by the spectral distribution of the incident radiation, which in natural sunlight varies with several factors such as location, weather, time of year, time of day, orientation of the receiving surface, etc., and with a solar simulator varies with its type and conditions. If the irradiance is measured with a thermopile-type radiometer (that is not spectrally selective) or with a PV reference device (IEC 60904-2), the spectral irradiance distribution of the incoming light must be known to make the necessary corrections to obtain the performance of the PV device under the reference spectral irradiance distribution defined in IEC 60904-3. If a reference PV device or a thermopile type detector is used to measure the irradiance, then, following the procedure given in this document, it is possible to calculate the spectral mismatch correction necessary to obtain the short-circuit current of the device under test under the reference spectral irradiance distribution in IEC 60904-3 or any other reference spectrum. If the reference PV device has the same relative spectral responsivity as the device under test then the reference device automatically takes into account deviations of the measured spectral irradiance distribution from the reference spectral irradiance distribution, and no further correction of spectral mismatch errors is necessary. In this case, location and weather conditions are not critical when the reference device method is used for performance measurements under natural sunlight. Also, for identical relative SRs, the spectral classification of the simulator is not critical for measurements with solar simulators. If the performance of a PV device is measured using a known spectral irradiance distribution, its short-circuit current at any other spectral irradiance distribution can be computed using the spectral responsivity of the PV device under test.

This European Standard describes procedures for measuring the light-induced degradation (LID) of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells in simulated sunlight. The magnitude of LID in a crystalline silicon PV cell is determined by comparing maximum output power at Standard Test Conditions (STC) before, and after, exposure to simulated sunlight at a specified temperature and irradiance. The purpose of this document is to provide standardized PV cell LID information to help PV module manufacturers in minimizing the mismatch between cells within the same module, thereby maximizing power yield. When compared to PV module LID measurements described in the IEC 61215 series, several extra experimental factors have been found to show significant impact on the PV cell LID test, which were not considered by IEC 61215-2. This document provides a conditioning and measurements procedure and parameter settings required for consistent PV cell LID measurements. LID magnitude is one important factor of cell quality. For cells from the same sorting bin, the most important factor is the distribution of output power after LID.

This document defines a test sequence that extends the thermal cycling test of IEC 61215-2. It
is intended to differentiate PV modules with improved durability to thermal cycling and evaluate
modules for deployment in locations most susceptible to thermal cycling type stress1. This
document is based on the ability for 95 % of the modules represented by the samples submitted
for this test to pass an equivalency of 500 thermal cycles, as defined in IEC 61215-2:2016,
4.11.3, with a maximum power degradation of less than 5 %. Provisions are also provided to
reduce overall test time by increasing the maximum cycle temperature and/or the number of
modules submitted for test.
The test procedure in this document was developed based on analysis of the stress on tin-lead
solder bonds on crystalline silicon solar cells in a glass superstrate type package. Changes to
lead-free solder have an effect on the acceleration factors but not enough to change the overall
results of this test. Monolithic type modules with integral cell interconnection do not suffer from
this specific type of stress but there are still electrical connections within the module, for
example between the integrated cell circuit and the module bus bars, that may be subject to
wear out from thermal cycling. Flexible modules (without glass) are not stressed in the same
way as those with glass superstrates or substrates, therefore use of the equivalency factor
employed in this document may not be applicable to these modules.

This part of IEC 60904 applies to the following photovoltaic devices for terrestrial applications:
– solar cells with or without a protective cover;
– sub-assemblies of solar cells;
– modules; and
– systems.
NOTE The term “test specimen” is used to denote any of these devices.
The principles contained in this document cover testing in both natural and simulated sunlight.
Photovoltaic conversion is spectrally selective due to the nature of the semiconductor
materials used in PV solar cells and modules. To compare the relative performance of
different PV devices and materials a reference standard solar spectral distribution is
necessary. This document includes such a reference solar spectral irradiance distribution.
This document also describes basic measurement principles for determining the electrical
output of PV devices. The principles given in this document are designed to relate the
performance rating of PV devices to a common reference terrestrial solar spectral irradiance
distribution.
The reference terrestrial solar spectral irradiance distribution is given in this document in
order to classify solar simulators according to the spectral performance requirements
contained in IEC 60904-9.

TC - Corrigendum to add superseding information

This part of IEC 61853 describes the standard reference climatic profiles used for calculating
energy ratings.
IEC 61853-1 describes requirements for evaluating PV module performance in terms of power
(watts) rating. IEC 61853-2 describes test procedures for determining module temperature
from irradiance, ambient temperature and wind speed, a method for measuring angle of
incidence effects, and spectral responsivity. IEC 61853-3 describes the calculation of PV
module energy rating values, using the data from IEC 61853-1, IEC 61853-2 and
IEC 61853-4.

This part of IEC 61853 describes the calculation of PV module energy rating values.
IEC 61853-1 describes requirements for evaluating PV module performance at various
temperatures and irradiances in terms of power (watts) rating. IEC 61853-2 describes test
procedures for determining module temperature from irradiance, ambient temperature and
wind speed, a method for measuring angle of incidence effects, and spectral responsivity.
IEC 61853-4 describes the standard reference climatic profiles (standard environmental data
sets) that are used for calculating energy rating values.
The purpose of this document is to define a methodology to determine the PV module energy
output (watt-hours), and the climatic specific energy rating (dimensionless) for a complete
year at maximum power operation for the reference climatic profile(s) given in IEC 61853-4. It
is applied to determine a specific module output in a standard reference climatic profile for the
purposes of comparison of rated modules.
The methodology does not take into account either progressive degradation or transient
behaviour such as light induced changes and/or thermal annealing.
The present document applies to mono-facial modules.

CCMC - wrong reference to EU Directive in the foreword

CCMC - wrong reference to EU Directive in the foreword

This part of IEC 61730 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 part of IEC 61730 pertains to the particular requirements of construction. IEC 61730-2 defines the requirements for testing.
This International Standard series lays down IEC requirements of terrestrial photovoltaic modules suitable for long-term operation in open-air climates. This standard is intended to apply to all terrestrial flat plate module materials such as crystalline silicon module types as well as thin-film modules.
PV modules covered by this standard are limited to a maximum DC system voltage of 1 500 V.
This International Standard defines the basic requirements for various applications of PV modules, but it cannot be considered to encompass all national or regional codes. Specific requirements, e.g. for building, marine and vehicle applications, are not covered.
This International Standard does not address specific requirements for products that combine a PV module with power conversion equipment, monitoring or control electronics, such as integrated inverters, converters or output disabling functions.
While parts of this standard may be applicable to flat plate PV modules with internally generated low level concentration below 3 times, it was not written specifically to address these concerns.
This International Standard is designed to coordinate with the test sequences in the IEC 61215 series, so that a single set of samples may be used to perform both the safety and qualification of a photovoltaic module design.
The object of this International Standard is to define the requirements for the construction of photovoltaic modules with respect to safety. These requirements are intended to minimize the misapplication and misuse of PV modules or the failure of their components which could result in fire, electric shock and personal injury.
Additional construction requirements outlined in relevant ISO standards, or the national or local codes which govern the installation and use of these PV modules in their intended locations, should be considered in addition to the requirements contained within this standard.

2018-04 AJC: IEC published corrigendum.

This part of IEC 61730 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 part of IEC 61730
pertains to the particular requirements of construction. IEC 61730-2 defines the requirements
for testing.
This International Standard series lays down IEC requirements of terrestrial photovoltaic
modules suitable for long-term operation in open-air climates. This standard is intended to
apply to all terrestrial flat plate module materials such as crystalline silicon module types as
well as thin-film modules.
PV modules covered by this standard are limited to a maximum DC system voltage of
1 500 V.
This International Standard defines the basic requirements for various applications of PV
modules, but it cannot be considered to encompass all national or regional codes. Specific
requirements, e.g. for building, marine and vehicle applications, are not covered.
This International Standard does not address specific requirements for products that combine
a PV module with power conversion equipment, monitoring or control electronics, such as
integrated inverters, converters or output disabling functions.
While parts of this standard may be applicable to flat plate PV modules with internally
generated low level concentration below 3 times, it was not written specifically to address
these concerns.
This International Standard is designed to coordinate with the test sequences in the
IEC 61215 series, so that a single set of samples may be used to perform both the safety and
qualification of a photovoltaic module design.
The object of this International Standard is to define the requirements for the construction of
photovoltaic modules with respect to safety. These requirements are intended to minimize the
misapplication and misuse of PV modules or the failure of their components which could
result in fire, electric shock and personal injury.
Additional construction requirements outlined in relevant ISO standards, or the national or
local codes which govern the installation and use of these PV modules in their intended
locations, should be considered in addition to the requirements contained within this standard.

This document describes the fundamental construction and testing requirements for
Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies in order to provide safe electrical
and mechanical operation during their expected lifetime. Specific topics are provided to
assess the prevention of electrical shock, fire hazards, and personal injury due to mechanical
and environmental stresses.
This document attempts to define the basic requirements for various application classes of
concentrator photovoltaic modules and assemblies, but it cannot be considered to encompass
all national and regional codes.
This document is designed so that its test sequence can coordinate with those of IEC 62108,
so that a single set of samples may be used to perform both the safety and performance
evaluation of a CPV module and assembly.
CPV modules that are constructed in the flat plate module format and operate at 3X and less
geometric concentration ratio are considered for evaluation to IEC 61730-1 and IEC 61730-2.

IEC 62817:2014 is a design qualification standard applicable to solar trackers for photovoltaic systems, but may be used for trackers in other solar applications. The standard defines test procedures for both key components and for the complete tracker system. In some cases, test procedures describe methods to measure and/or calculate parameters to be reported in the defined tracker specification sheet. In other cases, the test procedure results in a pass/fail criterion. This standard ensures the user of the said tracker that parameters reported in the specification sheet were measured by consistent and accepted industry procedures. The tests with pass/fail criteria are engineered with the purpose of separating tracker designs that are likely to have early failures from those designs that are sound and suitable for use as specified by the manufacturer.

This part of IEC 62805 specifies a method for measurement and calculation of the total haze
and the spectral distribution of haze of glass used in photovoltaic (PV) modules.
This document is applicable to glass used in PV modules, including transparent conductive
oxide coated (TCO) glass and other kinds of glass used in PV modules.

This document provides a method for evaluating whether a bypass diode as mounted in the
module is susceptible to thermal runaway or if there is sufficient cooling for it to survive the
transition from forward bias operation to reverse bias operation without overheating.
This test methodology is particularly suited for testing of Schottky barrier diodes, which have
the characteristic of increasing leakage current as a function of reverse bias voltage at high
temperature, making them more susceptible to thermal runaway.
The test specimens which employ P/N diodes as bypass diodes are exempted from the
thermal runaway test required herein, because the capability of P/N diodes to withstand the
reverse bias is sufficiently high.

This part of IEC 62805 specifies methods for measuring the transmittance and reflectance of
glass used in photovoltaic (PV) modules and provides instructions on how to calculate the
effective hemispherical transmittance and reflectance of this glass.
This document is applicable to PV glasses used in PV modules, including ultra-clear patterned
glass, anti-reflective coated (AR) glass, transparent conductive oxide coated (TCO) glass and
other kinds of PV glass used in PV modules.
These test methods are designed to provide reproducible data appropriate for comparison of
results among laboratories or at different times by the same laboratory and for comparison of
data obtained on different PV glasses.
These test methods have been found practical for glass having both specular and diffuse
optical properties.

IEC 62920:2017 specifies electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for DC to AC power conversion equipment (PCE) for use in photovoltaic (PV) power systems. The PCE covered by this document can be grid-interactive or stand-alone. It can be supplied by single or multiple photovoltaic modules grouped in various array configurations, and can be intended for use in conjunction with batteries or other forms of energy storage. This document covers not only PCE connected to a public low voltage AC mains network or other low voltage AC mains installation, but also PCE connected to a medium or high voltage AC network with or without step-down power transformers.

This part of IEC 60904 gives guidance for the measurement of the spectral responsivity (SR)
of multi-junction photovoltaic devices. It is principally intended for non-concentrating devices,
but parts may be applicable also to concentrating multi-junction PV devices. The SR is
required for analysis of measured current-voltage characteristics of multi-junction PV devices
as described in IEC 60904-1-1.
The requirements for measurement of SR of single-junction PV devices are covered by
IEC 60904-8, whereas this document describes the additional requirements for the
measurement of SR of multi-junction PV devices. This document only considers the
measurement of SR of individual junction layers within a two-terminal multi-junction device.
This document may be applicable to PV devices designed for use under concentrated
irradiation if they are measured without the optics for concentration.

This part of IEC 60904 describes procedures for the measurement of the current-voltage
characteristics of multi-junction photovoltaic devices in natural or simulated sunlight. It is
applicable to single PV cells, sub-assemblies of such cells or entire PV modules. It is
principally intended for non-concentrating devices, but parts may be applicable also to
concentrating multi-junction PV devices. An essential prerequisite is the spectral responsivity
of the multi-junction devices, whose measurement is covered by IEC 60904-8-1.
The requirements for measurement of current-voltage characteristics of single-junction PV
devices are covered by IEC 60904-1 whereas this document describes the additional
requirements for the measurement of current-voltage characteristics of multi-junction PV
devices.
This document may be applicable to PV devices designed for use under concentrated
irradiation if they are measured without the optics for concentration and irradiated using direct
normal irradiance and a mismatch correction with respect to a direct normal reference
spectral irradiance distribution is performed. The reference spectral irradiance distribution is
provided in IEC 60904-3

This draft European Standard describes marking, including nameplate and documentation requirements for non-concentrating photovoltaic modules.
This document provides information that need to be included in the product documentation to ensure safe and proper use of the product. Therefore this document states mandatory information and requirements. A best practices guide is included in this document giving guidance on additional information, for example module’s performance at different irradiance levels.
In this context, markings, including nameplate, are permanently affixed information on an electric device, herein the PV module, which indelibly states the rating and other information as required by the relevant standard for safe use and maintenance. While, documentation information is a technical description separate from the photovoltaic module.
The content of this standard is based on various IEC and EN standards defining parts of marking, nameplate and documentation requirements for PV modules.

This part of IEC 61724 outlines equipment, methods, and terminology for performance
monitoring and analysis of photovoltaic (PV) systems. It addresses sensors, installation, and
accuracy for monitoring equipment in addition to measured parameter data acquisition and
quality checks, calculated parameters, and performance metrics. In addition, it serves as a
basis for other standards which rely upon the data collected.

This part of IEC 62670 defines measurement procedures and instrumentation for determining
concentrator photovoltaic performance at concentrator standard operating conditions (CSOC)
and concentrator standard test conditions (CSTC), defined in IEC 62670-1, including power
ratings.