EN 62108:2008

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies - Design qualification and type approvalKoncentratorski fotonapetostni (CPV) moduli in sestavi - Ocena zasnove in odobritev tipa (IEC 62108:2007)Modules et ensembles photovoltaïques à concentration
- Qualification de la conception et homologationKonzentrator-Photovoltaik(CPV)-Module und -Anordnungen - Bauarteignung und Bauartzulassung27.160Solar energy engineeringICS:SIST EN 62108:2008en,fr,deTa slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 62108:200801-september-2008SIST EN 62108:2008SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 62108 NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM March 2008
CENELEC European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels
© 2008 CENELEC -
All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 62108:2008 E
ICS 27.160
English version
Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies -
Design qualification and type approval (IEC 62108:2007)
Modules et ensembles photovoltaïques
à concentration -
Qualification de la conception
et homologation (CEI 62108:2007)
Konzentrator-Photovoltaik(CPV)-Module und -Anordnungen -
Bauarteignung und Bauartzulassung (IEC 62108:2007)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2008-02-01. 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 Central Secretariat 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 Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

- 2 -
Foreword The text of document 82/494/FDIS, future edition 1 of IEC 62108, prepared by IEC TC 82, Solar photovoltaic energy systems, was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and was approved by CENELEC as EN 62108 on 2008-02-01. The following dates were fixed: – latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement
(dop)
2008-11-01 – latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn
(dow)
2011-02-01 Annex ZA has been added by CENELEC. __________ Endorsement notice The text of the International Standard IEC 62108:2007 was approved by CENELEC as a European Standard without any modification. In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards indicated: IEC 60904-1 NOTE
Harmonized as EN 60904-1:2006 (not modified). IEC 61730-1 NOTE
Harmonized as EN 61730-1:2007 (modified). IEC 61730-2 NOTE
Harmonized as EN 61730-2:2007 (modified). __________

- 3 - EN 62108:2008 Annex ZA (normative)
Normative references to international publications with their corresponding European publications
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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
When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60068-2-21 2006 Environmental testing -
Part 2-21: Tests - Test U: Robustness of terminations and integral mounting devices EN 60068-2-21 2006
IEC 61215 2005 Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic
(PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval EN 61215 2005
ISO/IEC 17025 2005 General requirements for the competence
of testing and calibration laboratories EN ISO/IEC 17025 2005
ANSI/UL 1703 2002 Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels - -

IEC 62108Edition 1.0 2007-12INTERNATIONAL STANDARD NORME INTERNATIONALEConcentrator 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 WICS 27.160 PRICE CODECODE PRIXISBN 2-8318-9430-1

– 2 – 62108 © IEC:2007 CONTENTS FOREWORD.5
1 Scope and object.7 2 Normative references.7 3 Terms and definitions.7 4 Sampling.8 5 Marking.9 6 Testing.9 7 Pass criteria.10 8 Report.18 9 Modifications.18 10 Test procedures.18 10.1 Visual inspection.18 10.1.1 Procedure.19 10.1.2 Major visual defects.19 10.1.3 Requirements.19 10.2 Electrical performance measurement.19 10.2.1 Purpose.19 10.2.2 Outdoor side-by-side I-V measurement.19 10.2.3 Solar simulator I-V measurement.21 10.2.4 Dark I-V measurement.21 10.3 Ground path continuity test.22 10.3.1 Purpose.22 10.3.2 Procedure.22 10.3.3 Requirements.22 10.4 Electrical insulation test.22 10.4.1 Purpose.22 10.4.2 Procedure.22 10.4.3 Requirements.23 10.5 Wet insulation test.23 10.5.1 Purpose.23 10.5.2 Procedure.23 10.5.3 Requirements.24 10.6 Thermal cycling test.24 10.6.1 Purpose.24 10.6.2 Test sample.24 10.6.3 Procedure.24 10.6.4 Requirements.25 10.7 Damp heat test.26 10.7.1 Purpose.26 10.7.2 Test sample.26 10.7.3 Procedure.26 10.7.4 Requirements.27 10.8 Humidity freeze test.27 10.8.1 Purpose.27 10.8.2 Test sample.27

62108 © IEC:2007 – 3 – 10.8.3 Procedure.27 10.8.4 Requirements.27 10.9 Hail impact test.28 10.9.1 Purpose.28 10.9.2 Apparatus.28 10.9.3 Procedure.28 10.9.4 Requirements.29 10.10 Water spray test.29 10.10.1 Purpose.29 10.10.2 Procedure.29 10.10.3 Requirements.30 10.11 Bypass/blocking diode thermal test.30 10.11.1 Purpose.30 10.11.2 Test sample.30 10.11.3 Apparatus.30 10.11.4 Procedure.30 10.11.5 Requirements.31 10.12 Robustness of terminations test.31 10.12.1 Purpose.31 10.12.2 Types of terminations.31 10.12.3 Procedure.31 10.12.4 Requirements.32 10.13 Mechanical load test.32 10.13.1 Purpose.32 10.13.2 Procedure.32 10.13.3 Requirements.33 10.14 Off-axis beam damage test.33 10.14.1 Purpose.33 10.14.2 Special case.33 10.14.3 Procedure.33 10.14.4 Requirements.34 10.15 Ultraviolet conditioning test.34 10.15.1 Purpose.34 10.15.2 Procedure.34 10.16 Outdoor exposure test.34 10.16.1 Purpose.34 10.16.2 Procedure.34 10.16.3 Requirements.35 10.17 Hot-spot endurance test.35
Annex A (informative)
Summary of test conditions and requirements.36
Bibliography.38
Figure 1 – Schematic of point-focus dish PV concentrator.11 Figure 2 – Schematic of linear-focus trough PV concentrator.12 Figure 3 – Schematic of point-focus Fresnel lens PV concentrator.13 Figure 4 – Schematic of linear-focus Fresnel lens PV concentrator.14

– 4 – 62108 © IEC:2007 Figure 5 – Schematic of a heliostat CPV.15 Figure 6 – Qualification test sequence for CPV modules.16 Figure 7 – Qualification test sequence for CPV assemblies.17 Figure 8 – Temperature and current profile of thermal cycle test (not to scale).26 Figure 9 – Profile of humidity-freeze test conditions.28
Table 1 – Terms used for CPVs.8 Table 2 – Allocation of test samples to typical test sequences.10 Table 3 – Thermal cycle test options for sequence A.25 Table 4 – Pre-thermal cycle test options for sequence B.27 Table 5 – Humidity freeze test options for sequence B.27

62108 © IEC:2007 – 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 provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication. 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. International Standard IEC 62108 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 82: Solar photovoltaic energy systems. The text of this standard is based on the following documents: FDIS Report on voting 82/494/FDIS 82/504/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on voting indicated in the above table. This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

– 6 – 62108 © IEC:2007 The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed, • withdrawn, • replaced by a revised edition, or • amended.

62108 © IEC:2007 – 7 – CONCENTRATOR PHOTOVOLTAIC (CPV) MODULES AND ASSEMBLIES – DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL
1 Scope and object 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 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. 2 Normative references The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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 60068-2-21:2006, Environmental testing – Part 2-21: Tests – Test U: Robustness of terminations and integral mounting devices IEC 61215:2005, Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval ISO/IEC 17025:2005, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories ANSI/UL 1703 ed.3 March 15, 2002: Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels 3 Terms and definitions For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. 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. 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.

– 8 – 62108 © IEC:2007 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. 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. All of the above components are usually prefabricated as one unit, and the focus point is not field adjustable. 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. All of the above components would usually be shipped separately and need some field installation, and the focus point is field adjustable. An assembly could be made of several sub-assemblies. The sub-assembly is a physically stand-alone, smaller portion of the full-size assembly. 3.7
representative samples for CPV see details in Clause 4 Figures from Figures 1 to 5 are schematics of cells, receivers, modules, and assemblies. Table 1 – Terms used for CPVs Primary optics Secondary optics CPV cells Electric energy transfer means Thermal energy transfer means CPV receiver Interconnection Mounting CPV Module – prefabricated and the focus point is not field adjustable, similar to most Fresnel lens systems.
CPV Assembly – needs some field installation and the focus point is field adjustable, similar to most reflective systems.
4 Sampling 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 may be used. However, even if representative samples are used for the other test, a full-size module or assembly should be installed and tested for outdoor exposure. This can be conducted either in the testing lab, or through on-site witness.

62108 © IEC:2007 – 9 – Representative samples should include all components, except some repeated parts. If possible, the representative samples should use sub-receivers, sub-modules, or sub-assemblies. During the design and manufacturing of the representative samples, much attention should 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 should 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 should be the same as on the actual full-size products. Other representative components, including lens/housing joints, receiver/housing joints, and end plate/lens should also be included and tested. 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 should 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 should be complete in every detail and should be accompanied by the manufacturer’s handling, mounting, connection, and operation manuals. Samples should 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 should 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 should be marked, or be traceable from the serial number. If representative samples are used, the same markings as on full-size products should be included for all tests, and the marking should be capable of surviving all test sequences. 6 Testing Before beginning the testing, all testing samples, including the control module and control receiver, should be exposed to the direct normal irradiation (DNI) of sunlight (either natural or simulated) for a total of 5 to 5,5 kWh/m2 while open-circuited. This procedure is designed to reduce the initial photon degradation effects. In this standard, short-circuit current Isc, open-circuit voltage Voc, maximum output power Pm, and other measures are all based on DNI 900 W/m2, cell temperature 25 °C, spectrum at Air Mass 1,5D (under consideration), and wind speed 3 m/s. A formal Concentrator Standard Test Condition (CSTC) definition will be given in a future IEC CPV standard, which is under consideration. The test samples should 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.

– 10 – 62108 © IEC:2007 After initial tests and inspections, one module or one receiver/mirror section should 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 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 may be conducted only on applicable test sequences, and a partial certification can be issued independently. If some test procedures in this standard 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 standard. Any changes and deviations shall be recorded and reported in details, as required in Clause 8, item j). Table 2 – Allocation of test samples to typical test sequences Module Assembly Test sequence receiver module receiver mirror Control
1 1 1 A 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
Total 3 7 10 7 7 Pass criteria A concentrator photovoltaic module or assembly design should 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 sequences A to D does not exceed 13 % if the I-V measurement is under outdoor natural sunlight, or 8 % if the I-V measurement is under solar simulator; b) the relative power degradation in sequence E does not exceed 7 % for natural sunlight I-V measurement, or 5 % for solar simulator I-V measurement, because the 1 000 kWh/m2 DNI outdoor exposure and 50 kWh/m2 ultraviolet (UV) tests are not an accelerated stress test; c) no sample has exhibited any open circuit during the tests; d) there is no visual evidence of a major defect, as defined in
10.1.2; e) the insulation test requirements are met at the beginning and the end of each sequence; f) the wet leakage current test requirements are met at the beginning and the end of each sequence; g) specific requirements of the individual tests are met. If there are some failures observed during the test, the following judgment and re-test procedure should apply: h) if two or more test samples do not meet pass criteria, the design shall be deemed not to have met the qualification requirements;

62108 © IEC:2007 – 11 – i) should one sample fail any test, another two samples meeting the requirements of Clause 4 could be subjected to the whole of the relevant test sequence from the beginning; j) in case i), if both samples pass the test sequence, the design should be judged to have met the qualification requirements; k) in case i), if one or both of these samples also fail, the design shall be deemed not to have met the qualification requirements; l) in case h) or k), the entire test program illustrated in Figure 6 or Figure 7 should be re-performed, usually after some design or processing improvement.
Assembly Primary optics Cooling tubes Secondary optics mirrors Solar cell Sub-receiver Receiver IEC
2263/07
Figure 1 – Schematic of point-focus dish PV concentrator

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Assembly Solar cell Receiver Heat sink IEC
2264/07
Figure 2 – Schematic of linear-focus trough PV concentrator

62108 © IEC:2007 – 13 –
Array Solar cell Receiver Insulated electrode Heat spreader Module back Solar cell Reflective secondary Primary (300X) Fresnel lens Fresnel lens parquets Module Modules Tracker mechanism Rear view IEC
2265/07
Figure 3 – Schematic of point-focus Fresnel lens PV concentrator

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Module Solar cell receiver Receiver Solar cell Cross-section Heat spreader Fresnel lens IEC
2266/07
Figure 4 – Schematic of linear-focus Fresnel lens PV concentrator

62108 © IEC:2007
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AssemblySolar cells Receiver Primary optics Cooling fins and fans IEC
2267/07
Figure 5 – Schematic of a heliostat CPV

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62108 © IEC:2007
START Visual 10.17 modules (labelled as "m") and 2 receivers "r", at least one in full size, are required;7m +2r 1 receiver specially constructed for intrusive bypass/blocking diode thermal test, when required.Elec. Perf. SBS10.2On-site testing
In-lab testingSequence F7m +2r 1rElec. Perf. Dark 10.2If long distance shipping is involved, Elec. Perf. Dark10.2 5m + 2r use dark IV to evaluate any changes5m + 2rBypass/blockingGround continuity10.3Diode
1r10.112m Ground continuity10.35m + 2rDry/Wet Insul10.42m 10.5Dry/Wet Insul10.4Control 5m + 2r10.51m Sequence DSequence E1m1m (full size)Mechanical Load10.13Outdoor/UV 10.161m1m 10.15Sequence ASequence B Sequence CTerminations10.12Water Spray10.102r2m2m1m1m Thermal Cycle10.6Pre-thermal cycle 10.6Damp Heat10.7Hail Impact10.9Off-Axis Beam10.142r2m2m1m1m Bypass Diode10.11Humidity Freeze 10.8Hot-Spot10.17Ground continuity10.3non-intrusive, 1r2m1m1m Elec. Perf. Dark 10.2If long distance shipping is involved, Ground continuity10.35m + 2r use dark IV to evaluate any changes5m + 2rElec. Perf. SBS7m +2r 10.2Elec. Perf. Dark10.2 5m + 2rVisual On-site testing
In-lab testing7m +2r 10.1END IEC
2268/07
Figure 6 – Qualification test sequence for CPV modules

62108 © IEC:2007
– 17
START Visual 10.19 receivers (labelled as "r") and 7 mirrors (labelled as "mir"), at least 1 pair in full size, are required;9r + 7mir 1 receiver specially constructed for intrusive bypass diode thermal test, when required.Elec. Perf. SBS 10.2On-site testing
In-lab testingSequence F9r + 7mir 1rElec. Perf. Dark 10.2If long distance shipping is involved, Elec. Perf. Dark10.2 7r + 5mir use dark IV to evaluate any changes7r + 5mirBypass/blockingGround continuity 10.3Diode
1r10.11 2r + 2mir Ground continuity10.37r + 5mirDry/Wet Insul 10.42r + 2mir 10.5Dry/Wet Insul10.4Control 7r + 5mir10.51r + 1mir Sequence DSequence E 1r + 1mir1r + 1mir (full size) Mechanical Load10.13 Outdoor/UV 10.161r + 1mir1r + 1mir 10.15Sequence ASequence B Sequence CTerminations10.12 Water Spray 10.102r2r + 2mir 2r + 2mir1r + 1mir1r + 1mir Thermal Cycle10.6Pre-thermal cycle 10.6Damp Heat10.7Hail Impact10.9 Off-Axis Beam 10.142r2r + 2mir 2r + 2mir1r + 1mir1r + 1mir Bypass Diode10.11Humidity Freeze 10.8Hot-Spot10.17 Ground continuity 10.3non-intrusive, 1r2r + 2mir 1r + 1mir1r + 1mir Elec. Perf. Dark 10.2If long distance shipping is involved, Ground continuity10.37r + 5mir use dark IV to evaluate any changes7r + 5mirElec. Perf. SBS 9r + 7mir 10.2Elec. Perf. Dark10.2 7r + 5mirVisual On-site testing
In-lab testing9r + 7mir 10.1END IEC
2269/07
Figure 7 – Qualification test sequence for CPV assemblies

– 18 – 62108 © IEC:2007 8 Report Following type approval, a certified report of the qualification tests, with measured performance characteristics and details of any failures and re-tests, should be prepared by the test agency in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025. Each test report should include at least the following information: a) a title; b) the name and address of the laboratory, and the location where the tests were carried out, if different from the address of the laboratory (such as on-site location); c) unique identification of the test report (such as the serial number), and on each page an identification to ensure that the page is recognized as a part of the test report, and a clear identification of the end of the test report; d) name and address of client, where appropriate; e) description and identification of the item tested; f) characterization and condition of the test item; g) date of receipt of test item and date(s) of test, where appropriate; h) identification of test method used; i) reference to sampling procedure, where relevant; j) any deviations from, additions to, or exclusions from the test method, and any other information relevant to a specific tests, such as environmental conditions; k) measurements, examinations, and derived results supported by tables, graphs, sketches, and photographs as appropriate, including short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, maximum output power, maximum power loss observed after all of the tests, and any failures observed; l) a statement of the estimated uncertainty of the test results, where relevant; m) a signature and title, or equivalent identification, of the person(s) accepting responsibility for the content of the report, and the date of issue; n) where relevant, a statement to the effect that the results relate only to the items tested; o) a statement that to maintain the qualification and type approval, the manufacturer shall report to and discuss with the certifying body and testing agency every change they made; p) a statement that the report shall not be reproduced except in full, without the written approval of the laboratory. A copy of this report should be kept by the manufacturer for reference purposes. 9 Modifications Any changes in design, materials, components, or processing of the modules and assemblies may require a repetition of some or all of the qualification tests to maintain type approval. Manufacturers shall report to and discuss with the certifying body and testing agency every change they made. 10 Test procedures 10.1 Visual inspection This procedure provides the requirements for obtaining baseline, intermediate, and final visual inspections to identify and determine any physical changes or defects in module or assembly construction at the beginning and after the completion of each required test. Any hardware showing initial damage not due to the manufacturing process should be rejected if it may worsen and lead to failure during the subsequent environmental tests. A new module or assembly may then be substituted before beginning the test sequence.

62108 © IEC:2007 – 19 – 10.1.1 Procedure All test samples should be thoroughly inspected and photographed when necessary. All defects or abnormalities (including initial defects related to the quality of solder joints such as inadequate or excessive solder, solder balls, bent interconnects, or misalignment of parts) should be documented with appropriate sketches or photographs to show the locations of the defects. Components, such as the lens, mirror, secondary optical elements, heat spreaders, and encapsulants, should also be inspected for defects. Specifically, inspect for: a) bubbles, delamination, or any kind of similar defect on the cell and around its edges; b) damage incurred during shipping and handling, such as cracked lenses, cracked or bent housings, and bent terminals or mounting brackets; c) integrity of the seal around the lens and housing joints. Any crack or gap in sealant materials should be noted; d) any ventilation hole or breather must not be clogged; e) provision for grounding all accessible conductive parts; f) broken, cracked, bent, misaligned, or torn external surfaces; g) faulty interconnections or joints; h) visible corrosion of output connections, interconnections, and bus bars; i) failure of adhesive bonds; j) tacky surfaces of plastic materials; k) faulty terminations, or exposed live electrical parts; l) any other conditions that may affect reliability or performance. 10.1.2 Major visual defects For the purpose of design qualification and type approval, the following are considered to be major visual defects: a) broken, cracked, bent, misaligned, or torn external surfaces, including lens, mirror, receiver body, frame, and junction box; b) broken or cracked cells; c) bubbles or delamination forming a continuous path between any part of the electrical circuit and the edge of the receiver; d) visible corrosion of any of the active circuitry of the sample; e) adhesive or sealant failures; f) loss of mechanical integrity, to the extent that the installation and/or operation of the modules or assemblies would be impaired. 10.1.3 Requirements No major visual defects. 10.2 Electrical performance measurement 10.2.1 Purpose The purpose of the electrical performance test is to identify electrical performance degradation of test samples caused by required tests. The focus of this test is on the power degradation, not on the absolute power output, which will be covered by a separate power and energy-rating standard. Repeatability of the measurement is the most important factor for this test. 10.2.2 Outdoor side-by-side I-V measurement The side-by-side (SBS) I-V measurement identifies power degradation of a test sample by comparing its post-stress test relative power to its pre-stress test relative power. The relative power is defined as the maximum power output of the sample under test divided by the maximum power output of the control sample, measured under similar test conditions. This

– 20 – 62108 © IEC:2007 method is based on the assumption that the changes of the control sample’s electrical performance are negligible during the whole qualification test period. By using this method, test condition variables are self-correcting, and the complex translation procedures are eliminated. The side-by-side I-V measurement is required for each test sample upon the starting and final I-V measurements. It is optional for all intermediate I-V measurements. When applying this method to receivers, the control receiver and the receiver under test should be installed with a proper optical and mechanical system so that during the test, the concentrated light and thermal conditions of these two receivers are similar to the real operating conditions. 10.2.2.1 Procedure Measure the relative power of a test sample according to the following procedures: a) Conduct the test on a favorable day and during a period of time that meets the following conditions: − sky is clear, DNI is greater than 700 W/m2, and its variation is less than 2 % in any 5 min interval; − for systems with acceptance half-angle larger than 2,5°, no visible clouds or hazy conditions in 45° view angle around the sun; − wind speed is less than 6 m/s, and no gust of greater than 10 m/s in 10 min before any measurement. NOTE Pay attention to the tracking system’s rigidity and make sure it is stable under the windy condition. b) Mount the test sample and the control sample side-by-side on a two-axis tr
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