Standard Practice for Visual Inspections of Photovoltaic Modules

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Environmental stress tests, such as those listed in 1.2, are normally used to evaluate module designs prior to production or purchase. These test methods rely on performing electrical tests and visual inspections of modules before and after stress testing to determine the effects of the exposures.  
4.2 Effects of environmental stress testing may vary from no effects to significant changes. Some physical changes in the module may be visible when there are no measurable electrical changes. Similarly, electrical changes in the module may occur with no visible changes.  
4.3 It is the intent of this practice to provide a recognized procedure for performing visual inspections and to specify effects that should be reported.  
4.4 Many of these effects are subjective. In order to determine if a module has passed a visual inspection, the user of this practice must specify what changes or conditions are acceptable. The user may have to judge whether changes noted during an inspection will limit the useful life of a module design.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers procedures and criteria for visual inspections of photovoltaic modules.  
1.2 Visual inspections of photovoltaic modules are normally performed before and after modules have been subjected to environmental, electrical, or mechanical stress testing, such as thermal cycling, humidity-freeze cycling, damp heat exposure, ultraviolet exposure, mechanical loading, hail impact testing, outdoor exposure, or other stress testing that may be part of the photovoltaic module testing sequence.  
1.3 This practice does not establish pass or fail levels. The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is beyond the scope of this practice.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-Jul-2023

Relations

Effective Date
01-Sep-2013
Effective Date
01-Sep-2011
Effective Date
01-Apr-2005
Effective Date
27-Feb-1987
Effective Date
27-Feb-1987

Overview

ASTM E1799-12(2023), Standard Practice for Visual Inspections of Photovoltaic Modules, provides a recognized methodology for conducting visual inspections of photovoltaic (PV) modules. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is essential for evaluating PV modules both before and after they undergo environmental, mechanical, or electrical stress testing as part of quality assurance, production validation, or procurement processes. Visual inspections according to this practice help identify physical changes or defects which may impact module performance or long-term reliability, even if electrical performance metrics do not indicate issues.

Key Topics

  • Pre- and Post-Test Inspections: The standard details procedures for visual inspections conducted before and after PV modules are subjected to stress tests, such as thermal cycling, humidity-freeze, damp heat, UV exposure, mechanical loading, hail impact, or outdoor exposure.

  • Scope of Inspection: The practice identifies a comprehensive list of possible anomalies and defects to record, including:

    • Shipping damage
    • Poor workmanship
    • Mounting bracket or structural defects
    • Cracks, shrinkage, or tacky polymeric surfaces
    • Adhesive bond failures
    • Bubbles or delamination of encapsulants
    • Presence of foreign material
    • Corrosion of mechanical or electrical parts
    • Voids or corrosion in thin-film layers
    • Discoloration of encapsulation or active elements
    • Breakage or faults in electrical interconnections
  • Documentation Requirements: Inspection results must be documented clearly, noting the specific location and type of any anomaly, defect, or physical change. This typically includes descriptions, diagrams, and/or images.

  • No Prescribed Pass/Fail Criteria: The standard does not set acceptance or rejection criteria, instead leaving it to the user to determine what is acceptable based on project, client, or regulatory requirements.

  • Subjective Judgement: Many inspection outcomes may be subjective. Users are responsible for defining acceptance levels and determining if observed changes may impact the service life of PV modules.

Applications

This standard practice is widely used in the solar energy industry for:

  • Module Qualification: Assessing PV modules’ durability after environmental and mechanical stress tests during design, manufacturing, or procurement.
  • Quality Assurance: Supporting consistent, thorough inspections in production lines or at delivery acceptance.
  • Field Evaluations: Documenting and comparing the condition of modules exposed to real-world operating environments, including post-storm or warranty claim assessments.
  • Certification & Testing Laboratories: Providing a basis for inspection criteria during third-party validation or certification schemes.

By providing standardized visual inspection procedures, ASTM E1799-12(2023) helps manufacturers, buyers, and third-party assessors systematically identify and document potential issues affecting photovoltaic module safety, performance, or longevity.

Related Standards

  • ASTM E772: Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion - provides definitions supporting photovoltaic testing and inspection standards.
  • IEC 61215: International standard outlining design qualification and type approval for PV modules, including visual inspection among other tests.
  • ASTM standards for PV module testing sequences: Referenced alongside ASTM E1799 for comprehensive module qualification.

Organizations seeking to enhance solar module reliability and ensure consistency in inspection processes can benefit greatly from incorporating ASTM E1799-12(2023) within their quality management and compliance programs. This standard aligns with international best practices and supports global trade by assisting with compliance to World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM E1799-12(2023) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Visual Inspections of Photovoltaic Modules". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Environmental stress tests, such as those listed in 1.2, are normally used to evaluate module designs prior to production or purchase. These test methods rely on performing electrical tests and visual inspections of modules before and after stress testing to determine the effects of the exposures. 4.2 Effects of environmental stress testing may vary from no effects to significant changes. Some physical changes in the module may be visible when there are no measurable electrical changes. Similarly, electrical changes in the module may occur with no visible changes. 4.3 It is the intent of this practice to provide a recognized procedure for performing visual inspections and to specify effects that should be reported. 4.4 Many of these effects are subjective. In order to determine if a module has passed a visual inspection, the user of this practice must specify what changes or conditions are acceptable. The user may have to judge whether changes noted during an inspection will limit the useful life of a module design. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers procedures and criteria for visual inspections of photovoltaic modules. 1.2 Visual inspections of photovoltaic modules are normally performed before and after modules have been subjected to environmental, electrical, or mechanical stress testing, such as thermal cycling, humidity-freeze cycling, damp heat exposure, ultraviolet exposure, mechanical loading, hail impact testing, outdoor exposure, or other stress testing that may be part of the photovoltaic module testing sequence. 1.3 This practice does not establish pass or fail levels. The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is beyond the scope of this practice. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Environmental stress tests, such as those listed in 1.2, are normally used to evaluate module designs prior to production or purchase. These test methods rely on performing electrical tests and visual inspections of modules before and after stress testing to determine the effects of the exposures. 4.2 Effects of environmental stress testing may vary from no effects to significant changes. Some physical changes in the module may be visible when there are no measurable electrical changes. Similarly, electrical changes in the module may occur with no visible changes. 4.3 It is the intent of this practice to provide a recognized procedure for performing visual inspections and to specify effects that should be reported. 4.4 Many of these effects are subjective. In order to determine if a module has passed a visual inspection, the user of this practice must specify what changes or conditions are acceptable. The user may have to judge whether changes noted during an inspection will limit the useful life of a module design. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers procedures and criteria for visual inspections of photovoltaic modules. 1.2 Visual inspections of photovoltaic modules are normally performed before and after modules have been subjected to environmental, electrical, or mechanical stress testing, such as thermal cycling, humidity-freeze cycling, damp heat exposure, ultraviolet exposure, mechanical loading, hail impact testing, outdoor exposure, or other stress testing that may be part of the photovoltaic module testing sequence. 1.3 This practice does not establish pass or fail levels. The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is beyond the scope of this practice. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM E1799-12(2023) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 27.160 - Solar energy engineering. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM E1799-12(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E772-13, ASTM E772-11, ASTM E772-05, ASTM E772-87(1993)e1, ASTM E772-87(2001). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM E1799-12(2023) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1799 − 12 (Reapproved 2023) An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Visual Inspections of Photovoltaic Modules
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1799; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Significance and Use
1.1 This practice covers procedures and criteria for visual 4.1 Environmental stress tests, such as those listed in 1.2,
inspections of photovoltaic modules. are normally used to evaluate module designs prior to produc-
tion or purchase. These test methods rely on performing
1.2 Visual inspections of photovoltaic modules are normally
electrical tests and visual inspections of modules before and
performed before and after modules have been subjected to
after stress testing to determine the effects of the exposures.
environmental, electrical, or mechanical stress testing, such as
thermal cycling, humidity-freeze cycling, damp heat exposure, 4.2 Effects of environmental stress testing may vary from no
ultraviolet exposure, mechanical loading, hail impact testing, effects to significant changes. Some physical changes in the
outdoor exposure, or other stress testing that may be part of the module may be visible when there are no measurable electrical
photovoltaic module testing sequence. changes. Similarly, electrical changes in the module may occur
with no visible changes.
1.3 This practice does not establish pass or fail levels. The
determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is beyond 4.3 It is the intent of this practice to provide a recognized
the scope of this practice. procedure for performing visual inspections and to specify
effects that should be reported.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.4 Many of these effects are subjective. In order to deter-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
mine if a module has passed a visual inspection, the user of this
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
practice must specify what changes or conditions are accept-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
able. The user may have to judge whether changes noted during
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
an inspection will limit the useful life of a module design.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5. Procedure
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1 Pre-Test Inspection—Inspections performed prior to any
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
environmental stress tests must document the module condition
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
so that any changes that occur during testing can be identified
during the post-test inspection.
2. Referenced Documents
5.1.1 Visually inspect each module to determine the pres-
ence or absence of anomalies or defects. Optical magnification
2.1 ASTM Standards:
is not required. Such anomalies or defects should include, but
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
are not limited to:
5.1.1.1 Shipping damage,
3. Terminology
5.1.1.2 Poor workmanship,
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this practice
5.1.1.3 Defects in mounting brackets or structures,
may be found in Terminology E772.
5.1.1.4 Cracking, shrinkage, distortion, or tacky surfaces of
polymeric materials,
5.1.1.5 Failure of adhesive bonding,
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar,
5.1.1.6 Bubbles or delamination of encapsulant materials,
Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources and is the direct responsibility of
5.1.1.7 Presence of foreign material,
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric
...

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