Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies - Design qualification and type approval

This International Standard specifies the minimum requirements for the design qualification and type approval of concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies suitable for long-term operation in general open-air climates as defined in IEC 60721-2-1. The test sequence is partially based on that specified in IEC 61215-1 for the design qualification and type approval of flat-plate terrestrial crystalline silicon PV modules. However, some changes have been made to account for the special features of CPV receivers and modules, particularly with regard to the separation of on-site and in-lab tests, effects of tracking alignment, high current density, and rapid temperature changes, which have resulted in the formulation of some new test procedures or new requirements. The object of this test standard is to determine the electrical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of the CPV modules and assemblies and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the CPV modules and assemblies are capable of withstanding prolonged exposure in climates described in the scope. The actual life of CPV modules and assemblies so qualified will depend on their design, production, environment, and the conditions under which they are operated. This standard shall be used in conjunction with the retest guidelines described in Annex B.

Konzentrator-Photovoltaik(CPV)-Module und -Anordnungen - Bauarteignung und Bauartzulassung

Modules et ensembles photovoltaïques à concentration - Qualification de la conception et homologation

IEC 62108:2022 est disponible sous forme de IEC 62108:2022 RLV qui contient la Norme internationale et sa version Redline, illustrant les modifications du contenu technique depuis l'édition précédente.L'IEC 62108:2022 spécifie les exigences minimales relatives à la qualification de la conception et l'homologation des modules et ensembles photovoltaïques à concentration (CPV - concentrator photovoltaic) pour une utilisation de longue durée dans les climats généraux d'air libre, comme cela est défini dans l'IEC 60721-2-1. Le présent document d'essai a pour objet de déterminer les caractéristiques électriques, mécaniques et thermiques des modules et ensembles CPV et de montrer, autant que possible avec des contraintes de coût et de temps raisonnables, que les modules et ensembles CPV peuvent supporter une exposition prolongée aux climats définis dans le domaine d'application.

Koncentratorski fotonapetostni (CPV) moduli in sestavi - Ocena zasnove in odobritev tipa

Ta mednarodni standard določa minimalne zahteve za oceno zasnove in odobritev tipa koncentratorskih fotonapetostnih (CPV) modulov in sestavov, primernih za dolgotrajno uporabo v običajnih okoljih na prostem, kot je opredeljeno v standardu IEC 60721-2-1. Preskusno zaporedje delno temelji na zaporedju, določenem v standardu IEC 61215-1 za oceno zasnove in odobritev tipa za ploščate prizemne fotonapetostne module iz kristalnega silicija. Vendar so bile vpeljane spremembe, ki obravnavajo posebne funkcije koncentratorskih fotonapetostnih sprejemnikov in modulov, zlasti glede ločevanja preskusov na mestu uporabe in laboratorijskih preskusov, učinkov poravnave, visoke tokovne gostote in hitrih temperaturnih sprememb, na podlagi katerih so bili pripravljeni nekateri novi preskusni postopki ali nove zahteve.
Namen tega preskusnega standarda je določiti električne, mehanske in toplotne lastnosti koncentratorskih fotonapetostnih modulov in sestavov ter prikazati (kot je mogoče v razumnih stroškovnih in časovnih omejitvah), da lahko koncentratorski fotonapetostni moduli in sestavi prenesejo učinke dolgotrajne izpostavljenosti v okoljih, opisanih v okviru področja uporabe. Dejanska življenjska doba tako ocenjenih koncentratorskih fotonapetostnih modulov in sestavov je odvisna od njihove zasnove, izdelave, okolja uporabe in pogojev delovanja.
Ta standard se uporablja skupaj z navodili za ponovno preskušanje, opisanimi v dodatku B.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
21-Jul-2022
Current Stage
6060 - Document made available - Publishing
Start Date
22-Jul-2022
Completion Date
22-Jul-2022

Relations

Standard
EN IEC 62108:2022
English language
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Standards Content (Sample)


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2022
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 62108:2017
Koncentratorski fotonapetostni (CPV) moduli in sestavi - Ocena zasnove in
odobritev tipa
Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies - Design qualification and type
approval
Konzentrator-Photovoltaik(CPV)-Module und -Anordnungen - Bauarteignung und
Bauartzulassung
Modules et ensembles photovoltaïques à concentration - Qualification de la conception
et homologation
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 62108:2022
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 62108

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM July 2022
ICS 27.160 Supersedes EN 62108:2016
English Version
Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies -
Design qualification and type approval
(IEC 62108:2022)
Modules et ensembles photovoltaïques à concentration - Konzentrator-Photovoltaik(CPV)-Module und -Anordnungen
Qualification de la conception et homologation - Bauarteignung und Bauartzulassung
(IEC 62108:2022) (IEC 62108:2022)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2022-07-07. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard 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 European Standard 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,
Türkiye 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 62108:2022 E
European foreword
The text of document 82/2024/FDIS, future edition 3 of IEC 62108, prepared by IEC/TC 82 "Solar
photovoltaic energy systems" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by
CENELEC as EN IEC 62108:2022.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2023-04-07
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2025-07-07
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 62108:2016 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).
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 62108:2022 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
NOTE 1 Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the
relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2 Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60529 - Degrees of protection provided by - -
enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60664-1 2020 Insulation coordination for equipment EN IEC 60664-1 2020
within low-voltage supply systems - Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60721-2-1 - Classification of environmental conditions - EN 60721-2-1 -
Part 2-1: Environmental conditions
appearing in nature - Temperature and
humidity
IEC 60904-1 2020 Photovoltaic devices - Part 1: EN IEC 60904-1 2020
Measurement of photovoltaic current-
voltage characteristics
IEC 60904-1-1 2017 Photovoltaic devices - Part 1-1: EN 60904-1-1 2017
Measurement of current-voltage
characteristics of multi-junction
photovoltaic (PV) devices
IEC/TS 60904-1-2 2019 Photovoltaic devices - Part 1-2: - -
Measurement of current-voltage
characteristics of bifacial photovoltaic (PV)
devices
IEC 60904-2 2015 Photovoltaic devices - Part 2: EN 60904-2 2015
Requirements for photovoltaic reference
devices
IEC 60904-3 2019 Photovoltaic devices - Part 3: EN IEC 60904-3 2019
Measurement principles for terrestrial
photovoltaic (PV) solar devices with
reference spectral irradiance data
IEC 60904-4 2019 Photovoltaic devices - Part 4: Reference EN IEC 60904-4 2019
solar devices - Procedures for establishing
calibration traceability
IEC 60904-5 2011 Photovoltaic devices - Part 5: EN 60904-5 2011
Determination of the equivalent cell
temperature (ECT) of photovoltaic (PV)
devices by the open-circuit voltage method
IEC 60904-7 2019 Photovoltaic devices - Part 7: Computation EN IEC 60904-7 2019
of the spectral mismatch correction for
measurements of photovoltaic devices
IEC 60904-8 2014 Photovoltaic devices - Part 8: EN 60904-8 2014
Measurement of spectral responsivity of a
photovoltaic (PV) device
IEC 60904-8-1 2017 Photovoltaic devices - Part 8-1: EN 60904-8-1 2017
Measurement of spectral responsivity of
multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) devices
IEC 61140 2016 Protection against electric shock - EN 61140 2016
Common aspects for installation and
equipment
IEC 61210 (mod) 2010 Connecting devices - Flat quick-connect EN 61210 2010
terminations for electrical copper
conductors - Safety requirements
IEC 61215-1 2021 Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - EN IEC 61215-1 2021
Design qualification and type approval -
Part 1: Test requirements
IEC 61215-2 2021 Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - EN IEC 61215-2 2021
Design qualification and type approval -
Part 2: Test procedures
IEC/TS 61836 2016 Solar photovoltaic energy systems -  -
Terms, definitions and symbols
IEC 61853-1 2011 Photovoltaic (PV) module performance - -
testing and energy rating - Part 1:
Irradiance and temperature performance
measurements and power rating
IEC 61853-2 2016 Photovoltaic (PV) module performance EN 61853-2 2016
testing and energy rating - Part 2: Spectral
responsivity, incidence angle and module
operating temperature measurements
IEC 61853-3 2018 Photovoltaic (PV) module performance EN IEC 61853-3 2018
testing and energy rating – Part 3: Energy
rating of PV modules
IEC 62670-1 - Photovoltaic concentrators (CPV) - EN 62670-1 -
Performance testing - Part 1: Standard
conditions
IEC 62670-3 2017 Photovoltaic concentrators (CPV) - EN 62670-3 2017
Performance testing – Part 3: Performance
measurements and power rating
IEC 62790 2020 Junction boxes for photovoltaic modules - EN IEC 62790 2020
Safety requirements and tests
IEC 62852 2014 Connectors for DC-application in EN 62852 2015
photovoltaic systems - Safety requirements
and tests
+ A1 2020  + A1 2020
- -  + AC 2019-02
IEC 62108 ®
Edition 3.0 2022-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies – Design qualification
and type approval
Modules et ensembles photovoltaïques à concentration – Qualification de la
conception et homologation
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 27.160 ISBN 978-2-8322-3824-0
– 2 – IEC 62108:2022 © IEC 2022
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 Sampling . 10
5 Marking . 11
6 Testing . 11
7 Pass criteria . 12
8 Report . 20
9 Modifications . 21
10 Test procedures . 21
10.1 Visual inspection . 21
10.1.1 General . 21
10.1.2 Procedure . 21
10.1.3 Major visual defects . 22
10.1.4 Requirements . 22
10.2 Electrical performance measurement . 22
10.2.1 Purpose . 22
10.2.2 Outdoor side-by-side I-V measurement . 22
10.2.3 Solar simulator I-V measurement . 24
10.2.4 Dark I-V measurement . 24
10.3 Ground path continuity test . 25
10.3.1 General . 25
10.3.2 Purpose . 25
10.3.3 Procedure . 25
10.3.4 Requirements . 25
10.4 Electrical insulation test . 26
10.4.1 Purpose . 26
10.4.2 Procedure . 26
10.4.3 Requirements . 26
10.5 Wet insulation test . 27
10.5.1 Purpose . 27
10.5.2 Procedure . 27
10.5.3 Requirements . 27
10.6 Thermal cycling test . 27
10.6.1 Purpose . 27
10.6.2 Test sample . 28
10.6.3 Procedure . 28
10.6.4 Procedure for active cooling system . 30
10.6.5 Requirements . 30
10.7 Damp heat test . 31
10.7.1 Purpose . 31
10.7.2 Test sample . 31
10.7.3 Procedure . 31
10.7.4 Requirements . 32

IEC 62108:2022 © IEC 2022 – 3 –
10.8 Humidity freeze test . 32
10.8.1 Purpose . 32
10.8.2 Test sample . 32
10.8.3 Procedure . 32
10.8.4 Requirements . 32
10.9 Hail impact test . 33
10.9.1 Purpose . 33
10.9.2 Apparatus . 33
10.9.3 Procedure . 34
10.9.4 Requirements . 34
10.10 Dust and water ingress protection test . 34
10.10.1 Purpose . 34
10.10.2 Procedure . 35
10.10.3 Requirements . 35
10.11 Bypass/blocking diode thermal test . 35
10.11.1 Purpose . 35
10.11.2 Test sample . 35
10.11.3 Apparatus . 35
10.11.4 Procedure . 36
10.11.5 Requirements . 36
10.11.6 Procedure 2 – Alternate method . 36
10.12 Robustness of terminations test . 37
10.12.1 Purpose . 37
10.12.2 Procedure . 38
10.12.3 Requirements . 38
10.13 Mechanical load test . 38
10.13.1 Purpose . 38
10.13.2 Procedure . 39
10.13.3 Requirements . 39
10.14 Off-axis beam damage test . 39
10.14.1 General . 39
10.14.2 Purpose . 39
10.14.3 Special case . 39
10.14.4 Procedure . 40
10.14.5 Requirements . 40
10.15 Outdoor exposure test . 40
10.15.1 Purpose . 40
10.15.2 Procedure . 40
10.15.3 Requirements . 41
10.16 Hot-spot endurance test . 41
Annex A (informative) Summary of test conditions and requirements . 42
Annex B (normative) Retesting guideline . 45
B.1 Product or process modifications requiring limited retesting to maintain

certification . 45
B.2 Modifications of CPV cell technology . 45
B.3 Modifications in optical encapsulation on the cell (Includes optical coupling
between the cell and a glass secondary optical element bonded to the cell) . 46
B.4 Modification in cell encapsulation outside of intended light path . 46
B.5 Modification of cell package substrate used for heat transfer . 46

– 4 – IEC 62108:2022 © IEC 2022
B.6 Accessible optics (primary or secondary) . 47
B.7 Inaccessible optics (secondary) . 47
B.8 Frame and/or mounting structure . 47
B.9 Enclosure . 48
B.10 Wiring compartment/junction box . 48
B.11 Interconnection terminals . 48
B.12 Interconnection materials or technique (to cells and between receivers) . 49
B.13 Change in electrical circuit design in an identical package . 49
B.14 Output power . 49
B.15 Thermal energy transfer means . 50
B.16 Adhesives . 50

Figure 1 – Schematic of point-focus dish PV concentrator . 14
Figure 2 – Schematic of linear-focus trough PV concentrator . 15
Figure 3 – Schematic of point-focus Fresnel lens PV concentrator . 16
Figure 4 – Schematic of linear-focus Fresnel lens PV concentrator . 17
Figure 5 – Schematic of a heliostat CPV . 18
Figure 6 – Qualification test sequence for CPV modules . 19
Figure 7 – Qualification test sequence for CPV assemblies . 20
Figure 8 – Temperature and current profile of thermal cycle test (not to scale) . 31
Figure 9 – Profile of humidity-freeze test conditions . 33
Figure 10 – Bypass diode thermal test . 37

Table 1 – Terms used for CPV . 10
Table 2 – Allocation of test samples to typical test sequences . 12
Table 3 – Thermal cycle test options for sequence A . 29
Table 4 – Humidity freeze test options for sequence B . 32
Table 5 – Minimum wind loads . 38
Table A.1 – Summary of test conditions and requirements . 42

IEC 62108:2022 © IEC 2022 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
CONCENTRATOR PHOTOVOLTAIC (CPV) MODULES AND ASSEMBLIES –
DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 62108 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 82: Solar photovoltaic energy
systems. It is an International Standard.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2016. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Changes in the procedure of the thermal cycling test for the active cooling module.
b) Solar simulator I-V measurement.

– 6 – IEC 62108:2022 © IEC 2022
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
82/2024/FDIS 82/2046/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/standardsdev/publications.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IEC 62108:2022 © IEC 2022 – 7 –
CONCENTRATOR PHOTOVOLTAIC (CPV) MODULES AND ASSEMBLIES –
DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL

1 Scope
This document specifies the minimum requirements for the design qualification and type
approval of concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies suitable for long-term
operation in general open-air climates as defined in IEC 60721-2-1. The test sequence is
partially based on that specified in IEC 61215-1 for the design qualification and type approval
of flat-plate terrestrial crystalline silicon PV modules. However, some changes have been made
to account for the special features of CPV receivers and modules, particularly with regard to
the separation of on-site and in-lab tests, effects of tracking alignment, high current density,
and rapid temperature changes, which have resulted in the formulation of some new test
procedures or new requirements.
The object of this test document is to determine the electrical, mechanical, and thermal
characteristics of the CPV modules and assemblies and to show, as far as possible within
reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the CPV modules and assemblies are capable of
withstanding prolonged exposure in climates described in the scope. The actual life of CPV
modules and assemblies so qualified will depend on their design, production, environment, and
the conditions under which they are operated.
This document is used in conjunction with the retest guidelines described in Annex B.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60664-1:2020, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage supply systems –
Part 1: Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60721-2-1, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 2-1: Environmental conditions
appearing in nature – Temperature and humidity
IEC 60904-1:2020, Photovoltaic devices – Part 1: Measurement of photovoltaic current-voltage
characteristics
IEC 60904-1-1:2017, Photovoltaic devices – Part 1-1: Measurement of current-voltage
characteristics of multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) devices
IEC TS 60904-1-2:2019, Photovoltaic devices – Part 1-2: Measurement of current-voltage
characteristics of bifacial photovoltaic (PV) devices
IEC 60904-2:2015, Photovoltaic devices – Part 2: Requirements for photovoltaic reference
devices
IEC 60904-3:2019, Photovoltaic devices – Part 3: Measurement principles for terrestrial
photovoltaic (PV) solar devices with reference spectral irradiance data

– 8 – IEC 62108:2022 © IEC 2022
IEC 60904-4:2019, Photovoltaic devices – Part 4: Photovoltaic reference devices – Procedures
for establishing calibration traceability
IEC 60904-5:2011, Photovoltaic devices – Part 5: Determination of the equivalent cell
temperature (ECT) of photovoltaic (PV) devices by the open-circuit voltage method
IEC 60904-7:2019, Photovoltaic devices – Part 7: Computation of the spectral mismatch
correction for measurements of photovoltaic devices
IEC 60904-8:2014, Photovoltaic devices – Part 8: Measurement of spectral responsivity of a
photovoltaic (PV) device
IEC 60904-8-1:2017, Photovoltaic devices – Part 8-1: Measurement of spectral responsivity of
multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) devices
IEC 61140:2016, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and
equipment
IEC 61210:2010, Connecting devices – Flat quick-connect terminations for electrical copper
conductors – Safety requirements
IEC 61215-1:2021, Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type
approval – Part 1: Test requirements
IEC 61215-2:2021, Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type
approval – Part 2: Test procedures
IEC TS 61836:2016, Solar photovoltaic energy systems – Terms, definitions and symbols
IEC 61853-1:2011, Photovoltaic (PV) module performance testing and energy rating – Part 1:
Irradiance and temperature performance measurements and power rating
IEC 61853-2:2016, Photovoltaic (PV) module performance testing and energy rating – Part 2:
Spectral responsivity, incidence angle and module operating temperature measurements
IEC 61853-3:2018, Photovoltaic (PV) module performance testing and energy rating – Part 3:
Energy rating of PV modules
IEC 62670-1, Photovoltaic concentrators (CPV) – Performance testing – Part 1: Standard
conditions
IEC 62670-3:2017, Photovoltaic concentrators (CPV) – Performance testing – Part 3:
Performance measurements and power rating
IEC 62790:2020, Junction boxes for photovoltaic modules – Safety requirements and tests
IEC 62852:2014, Connectors for DC-application in photovoltaic systems – Safety requirements
and tests
IEC 62852:2014/AMD1:2020
IEC 62108:2022 © IEC 2022 – 9 –
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60664-1,
IEC TS 60904-1-2, IEC 61140, IEC TS 61836 and the following apply, see also Table 1.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
concentrator
term associated with photovoltaic devices that use concentrated sunlight
3.2
concentrator cell
basic photovoltaic device that is used under the illumination of concentrated sunlight
3.3
concentrator optics
optical device that performs one or more of the following functions from its input to output:
increasing the light intensity, filtering the spectrum, modifying light intensity distribution, or
changing light direction. Typically, it is a lens or a mirror
Note 1 to entry: A primary optics receives unconcentrated sunlight directly from the sun. A secondary optics
receives concentrated or modified sunlight from another optical device, such as primary optics or another secondary
optics.
3.4
concentrator receiver
group of one or more concentrator cells and secondary optics (if present) that accepts
concentrated sunlight and incorporates the means for thermal and electric energy transfer
Note 1 to entry: A receiver could be made of several sub-receivers. The sub-receiver is a physically stand-alone,
smaller portion of the full-size receiver.
3.5
concentrator module
group of receivers, optics, and other related components, such as interconnection and
mounting, that accepts unconcentrated sunlight
Note 1 to entry: All above components are usually prefabricated as one unit, and the focus point is not field
adjustable.
Note 2 to entry: A module could be made of several sub-modules. The sub-module is a physically stand-alone,
smaller portion of the full-size module.
3.6
concentrator assembly
group of receivers, optics, and other related components, such as interconnection and
mounting, that accepts unconcentrated sunlight
Note 1 to entry: All above components would usually be shipped separately and need some field installation, and
the focus point is field adjustable.
Note 2 to entry: An assembly could be made of several sub-assemblies. The sub-assembly is a physically stand-
alone, smaller portion of the full-size assembly.

– 10 – IEC 62108:2022 © IEC 2022
3.7
control unit
hardware that is not stressed, but is included in each measurement to enable greater confidence
in consistent measurements
Table 1 – Terms used for CPV
4 Sampling
Figure 1 to Figure 5 are schematics of cells, receivers, modules, and assemblies.
For non-field-adjustable focus-point CPV systems or modules, 7 modules and 2 receivers are
required to complete all the specified tests, plus one receiver for the bypass/blocking diode
thermal test (intrusive or non-intrusive). For details, see Figure 6. For field-adjustable focus-
point CPV systems or assemblies, 9 receivers (including secondary optics sections, if applicable)
and 7 primary optics sections are required to complete all the specified tests, plus one receiver
for the bypass/blocking diode thermal test (intrusive or non-intrusive). For details, see Figure 7.
In the case that a full-size module or assembly is too large to fit into available testing equipment,
such as environmental chambers, or a full-size module or assembly is too expensive (e.g., for
a 20 kW reflective dish concentrator system, 9 receiver samples account for 180 kW of PV cells),
a smaller representative sample can be used. However, even if representative samples are
used for the other test, a full-size module or assembly shall be installed and tested for outdoor
exposure. This can be conducted either in the testing lab, or through on-site witness.
Representative samples shall include all components, except some repeated parts. If possible,
the representative samples shall use sub-receivers, sub-modules, or sub-assemblies. During
the design and manufacturing of the representative samples, much attention shall be paid to
reach the maximum similarity to the full-size component in all electrical, mechanical, and
thermal characteristics related to quality and reliability.
Specifically, the cell string in representative samples shall be long enough to include at least
two bypass diodes, but in no case less than ten cells. The encapsulations, interconnects,
terminations, and the clearance distances around all edges shall be the same as on the actual
full-size products. Other representative components, including lens/housing joints,
receiver/housing joints, and end plate/lens shall also be included and tested.

IEC 62108:2022 © IEC 2022 – 11 –
Test samples should be taken at random from a production batch or batches. When the samples
to be tested are prototypes of a new design and not from production, or representative samples
are used, these facts should be noted in the test report (see Clause 8).
The test samples shall have been manufactured from specified materials and components in
accordance with the relevant drawings and process instructions and should have been
subjected to the manufacturer’s normal inspection, quality control, and production acceptance
procedures. They shall be complete in every detail and should be accompanied by the
manufacturer’s handling, mounting, connection, and operation manuals. Samples shall not be
subjected to other special procedures that are not a part of standard production.
If the intrusive bypass/blocking diode thermal test is to be performed, an additional specially
manufactured receiver is required with extra electrical and thermal detector leads so that each
individual diode can be accessed separately.
5 Marking
Each receiver or module section shall carry the following clear and indelible markings:
– Name, monogram, or symbol of manufacturer.
– Type or model number.
– Serial number.
– Polarity of terminals or leads (color coding is permissible).
– Maximum system voltage for which the module or assembly is suitable.
– Nominal maximum output power and its tolerance at specified condition.
– The date, place of manufacture, and cell materials shall be marked, or be traceable from
the serial number.
If representative samples are used, the same markings as on full-size products shall be included
for all tests, and the marking should be capable of surviving all test sequences.
6 Testing
If recommended by the manufacturer, before beginning the testing, all testing samples,
including the control module and control receiver, shall be exposed to the direct normal
2 2
irradiation (DNI) of sunlight (either natural or simulated) for a total of 5 kWh/m to 5,5 kWh/m
while open circuited. This procedure is designed to reduce the initial photon degradation effects.
In this document all references to short-circuit current I , open-circuit voltage V , maximum
sc oc
output power P , are based on Concentrator Standard Test Condition (CSTC), which is defined
m
in IEC 62670-1. Alternatively, Concentrator Standard Operating Conditions (CSOC), as defined
in IEC 62670-1, may be used consistently. Other parameters and testing method unless
specified are based on IEC 60904 and IEC 61853.
The test samples shall be randomly divided into groups and subjected to the qualification test
sequences in Figure 6 or Figure 7. Test procedures and requirements are detailed in Clause 10,
and summarized in Annex A. The allocation of test samples to typical test sequences is given
in Table 2.
– 12 – IEC 62108:2022 © IEC 2022
After initial tests and inspections, one module or one receiver/mirror section shall be removed
from the test sequence as a control unit. Preferably, the control unit should be stored in the
dark at room temperature to reduce the electrical performance degradation, but it may be kept
outdoors with a dark cover. As shown in Figure 6 for modules or in Figure 7 for assemblies, the
test sequence is performed both in-lab and on-site. If the CPV receiver uses crystalline silicon,
a 1-sun measurement (flash or outdoor) can be used as a diagnostic tool throughout the
program. If the distance between these two locations is considerable or public shipping
companies are involved, a dark current-voltage (I-V) curve measurement before and after the
shipping should be performed to evaluate any possible changes on testing samples.
If a particular manufacturer produces only specific components, such as receivers, lenses, or
mirrors, the design qualification and type approval testing can be conducted only on applicable
test sequences, and a partial certification can be issued independently.
If some test procedures in this document are not applicable to a specific design configuration,
the manufacturer should discuss this with the certifying body and testing agency to develop a
comparable test program, based on the principles described in this document. Any changes and
deviations shall be recorded and reported in details, as required in Clause 8 j).
Table 2 – Allocation of test samples to typical test sequences
Test Module Assembly
sequence
receiver module receiver mirror
Control 1 1 1
A 2 2
B 2 2 2
C 2 2 2
D 1 1 1
E 1 (full-size) 1 (full-size) 1 (full-size)
F 1 1
Total 3 7 10 7
7 Pass criteria
A concentrator photovoltaic module or assembly design shall be judged to have passed the
qualification tests, and therefore to be IEC 62108 type approved, if each test sample meets all
the following criteria:
a) The relative power degradation in sequence A to D does not exceed 13 % if the I-V
measurement is under outdoor natural
...

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