IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024
(Main)Renewable energy off-grid systems – Part 9-5: Integrated systems – Laboratory evaluation of stand-alone renewable energy products for rural electrification
Renewable energy off-grid systems – Part 9-5: Integrated systems – Laboratory evaluation of stand-alone renewable energy products for rural electrification
IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024 provides support and strategies for institutions involved in rural electrification projects. It documents technical approaches for designing, building, testing, and maintaining off-grid renewable energy and hybrid systems with AC nominal voltage below 500 V, DC nominal voltage below 750 V and nominal power below 100 kVA.
The purpose of this document is to specify laboratory test methods for evaluating the quality assurance of stand-alone renewable energy products. This document is specifically related to renewable energy products that are packaged and made available to end-use consumers at the point of purchase as single, stand-alone products that do not require additional system components to function.
This document establishes the framework for creating a product specification, the basis for evaluating quality for a particular context. Product specifications include minimum requirements for quality standards and warranty requirements.
This document applies to stand-alone renewable energy products having the following characteristics: This document was written primarily for off-grid renewable energy products with batteries and PV modules with DC system voltages not exceeding 35 V and peak power ratings not exceeding 350 W. This document includes provisions related to safety; however, it is not intended to be a comprehensive safety standard. In particular, this document is not intended to be used as an alternative to safety standards such as IEC 62368-1 or IEC 60335 (all parts) for appliances such as radios and televisions that are included with stand-alone renewable energy products
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 10-Dec-2024
- Technical Committee
- TC 82 - Solar photovoltaic energy systems
- Drafting Committee
- JWG 1 - TC 82/JWG 1
- Current Stage
- PPUB - Publication issued
- Start Date
- 11-Dec-2024
- Completion Date
- 22-Nov-2024
Relations
- Effective Date
- 05-Sep-2023
Overview
IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024 is an IEC Technical Specification for renewable energy off-grid systems focused on the laboratory evaluation of stand‑alone renewable energy products for rural electrification. It provides a practical framework to design product specifications and laboratory test methods to assure quality of packaged, single-unit off‑grid products (batteries + PV modules and related components). The TS applies to off‑grid systems with AC nominal voltage < 500 V, DC nominal voltage < 750 V and nominal power < 100 kVA, and is written primarily for products with DC system voltages ≤ 35 V and peak PV power ≤ 350 W.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Product specification framework: Defines how to create minimum quality, durability and warranty requirements tailored to a rural electrification context.
- Laboratory test methods: Establishes sampling, laboratory capabilities and test procedures for quality assurance, including recommended test programmes (Batch A/B/C), report contents and failure handling.
- Performance and durability checks: Covers battery performance, PV module characteristics, electrical and lighting performance, and workmanship/durability observations.
- Special test annexes: Normative annexes include PV module wiring inspection, partial shading tests, bending/folding tests, visual screening, and product sampling procedures.
- Market and verification methods: Includes procedures for market checks, initial screening, accelerated verification and Pay‑As‑You‑Go (PAYG) specific testing.
- Safety considerations: Provides provisions related to safety but is not a substitute for comprehensive appliance safety standards (see Related Standards).
Practical applications and users
Who uses IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024:
- Test laboratories performing conformity and pre‑market testing of stand‑alone solar home systems and single‑unit devices.
- Manufacturers and OEMs developing PV+battery packaged products for rural markets to define specs and quality targets.
- Procurement agencies, NGOs and rural electrification programmes selecting verified products for field deployment and subsidy programs.
- Certification bodies and third‑party verifiers implementing market surveillance, renewal testing and accelerated verification.
- PAYG service providers integrating product testing into financing and lock‑in strategies.
Practical uses:
- Developing supplier contracts and warranty terms based on standardized test outcomes.
- Conducting market sampling and quality surveillance to reduce low‑quality product influx into rural markets.
- Verifying product resilience to shading, mechanical stress and real‑world battery cycling.
Related standards
- IEC TS 62257 series (general off‑grid guidance)
- IEC 62368‑1 and IEC 60335 series (appliance safety standards) - not replaced by this TS for appliance safety compliance.
Keywords: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024, renewable energy off-grid systems, stand-alone renewable energy products, laboratory evaluation, rural electrification, PV modules, batteries, quality assurance, product specification, market verification.
IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024 - Renewable energy off-grid systems – Part 9-5: Integrated systems – Laboratory evaluation of stand-alone renewable energy products for rural electrification Released:11. 12. 2024 Isbn:9782832299807
Frequently Asked Questions
IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024 is a technical specification published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is "Renewable energy off-grid systems – Part 9-5: Integrated systems – Laboratory evaluation of stand-alone renewable energy products for rural electrification". This standard covers: IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024 provides support and strategies for institutions involved in rural electrification projects. It documents technical approaches for designing, building, testing, and maintaining off-grid renewable energy and hybrid systems with AC nominal voltage below 500 V, DC nominal voltage below 750 V and nominal power below 100 kVA. The purpose of this document is to specify laboratory test methods for evaluating the quality assurance of stand-alone renewable energy products. This document is specifically related to renewable energy products that are packaged and made available to end-use consumers at the point of purchase as single, stand-alone products that do not require additional system components to function. This document establishes the framework for creating a product specification, the basis for evaluating quality for a particular context. Product specifications include minimum requirements for quality standards and warranty requirements. This document applies to stand-alone renewable energy products having the following characteristics: This document was written primarily for off-grid renewable energy products with batteries and PV modules with DC system voltages not exceeding 35 V and peak power ratings not exceeding 350 W. This document includes provisions related to safety; however, it is not intended to be a comprehensive safety standard. In particular, this document is not intended to be used as an alternative to safety standards such as IEC 62368-1 or IEC 60335 (all parts) for appliances such as radios and televisions that are included with stand-alone renewable energy products
IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024 provides support and strategies for institutions involved in rural electrification projects. It documents technical approaches for designing, building, testing, and maintaining off-grid renewable energy and hybrid systems with AC nominal voltage below 500 V, DC nominal voltage below 750 V and nominal power below 100 kVA. The purpose of this document is to specify laboratory test methods for evaluating the quality assurance of stand-alone renewable energy products. This document is specifically related to renewable energy products that are packaged and made available to end-use consumers at the point of purchase as single, stand-alone products that do not require additional system components to function. This document establishes the framework for creating a product specification, the basis for evaluating quality for a particular context. Product specifications include minimum requirements for quality standards and warranty requirements. This document applies to stand-alone renewable energy products having the following characteristics: This document was written primarily for off-grid renewable energy products with batteries and PV modules with DC system voltages not exceeding 35 V and peak power ratings not exceeding 350 W. This document includes provisions related to safety; however, it is not intended to be a comprehensive safety standard. In particular, this document is not intended to be used as an alternative to safety standards such as IEC 62368-1 or IEC 60335 (all parts) for appliances such as radios and televisions that are included with stand-alone renewable energy products
IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024 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.
IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024 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)
IEC TS 62257-9-5 ®
Edition 5.0 2024-12
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
Renewable energy off-grid systems –
Part 9-5: Integrated systems – Laboratory evaluation of stand-alone renewable
energy products for rural electrification
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.
IEC Secretariat Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé info@iec.ch
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.
IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform IEC Products & Services Portal - products.iec.ch
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a Discover our powerful search engine and read freely all the
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical publications previews, graphical symbols and the glossary.
committee, …). It also gives information on projects, replaced With a subscription you will always have access to up to date
and withdrawn publications. content tailored to your needs.
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published
The world's leading online dictionary on electrotechnology,
details all new publications released. Available online and once
containing more than 22 500 terminological entries in English
a month by email.
and French, with equivalent terms in 25 additional languages.
Also known as the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary
IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
(IEV) online.
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or need
further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: sales@iec.ch.
IEC TS 62257-9-5 ®
Edition 5.0 2024-12
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
Renewable energy off-grid systems –
Part 9-5: Integrated systems – Laboratory evaluation of stand-alone renewable
energy products for rural electrification
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 27.160 ISBN 978-2-8322-9980-7
– 2 – IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024 IEC 2024
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 15
INTRODUCTION . 17
1 Scope . 18
2 Normative references . 19
3 Terms and definitions . 20
4 Product components and characteristics . 26
4.1 Components . 26
4.1.1 Overview . 26
4.1.2 Component categories . 26
4.1.3 Lighting parts definitions . 29
4.1.4 Appliance definitions . 30
4.1.5 Additional system elements . 30
4.2 System measurements and observations . 31
4.2.1 General . 31
4.2.2 Product design, manufacture, and marketing aspects . 31
4.2.3 Product durability and workmanship aspects . 34
4.2.4 Lighting durability aspects . 37
4.2.5 Battery performance aspects . 38
4.2.6 PV module aspects . 39
4.2.7 Electrical characteristics . 40
4.2.8 Performance aspects . 42
4.2.9 Light output aspects . 44
4.2.10 Self-certification aspects . 45
4.3 Constructions not specifically covered . 45
5 Product specification . 46
5.1 General . 46
5.2 Applications . 46
5.3 Quality assurance principles . 47
6 Quality test method. 47
6.1 General . 47
6.2 Applications . 47
6.3 Sampling requirements . 48
6.3.1 General . 48
6.3.2 Consumer-facing product documentation . 48
6.3.3 Exceptions . 49
6.4 Laboratory requirements . 49
6.5 Testing requirements . 50
6.6 Recommended tests programme . 58
6.6.1 General . 58
6.6.2 Test preparation . 61
6.6.3 Batch A tests . 61
6.6.4 Batch B tests . 61
6.6.5 Batch C – potentially destructive tests . 62
6.6.6 Report preparation . 62
6.6.7 Failures during testing . 62
6.7 Reporting . 63
7 Renewal test method . 63
8 Market check method . 64
8.1 General . 64
8.2 Applications . 64
8.3 Sampling requirements . 64
8.4 Laboratory requirements . 65
8.5 Testing requirements . 65
8.6 Recommended tests programme . 65
8.7 Report requirements . 65
9 Initial screening method . 65
9.1 General . 65
9.2 Applications . 66
9.3 Sampling requirements . 66
9.4 Laboratory requirements . 67
9.5 Testing requirements . 67
9.6 Recommended tests programme . 67
9.7 Reporting . 67
10 Accelerated verification method . 68
10.1 General . 68
10.2 Applications . 68
10.3 Sampling requirements . 69
10.3.1 General . 69
10.3.2 Verification entry testing . 69
10.3.3 Follow-up testing . 69
10.4 Laboratory requirements . 69
10.5 Testing requirements . 69
10.5.1 General . 69
10.5.2 Verification entry testing . 70
10.5.3 Follow-up testing . 70
10.6 Recommended tests programme . 70
10.7 Report requirements . 70
11 Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) method . 71
11.1 General . 71
11.2 Applications . 71
11.3 Sampling requirements . 71
11.4 Laboratory requirements . 72
11.5 Testing requirements . 72
11.6 Recommended tests programme . 73
11.7 Reporting . 73
Annex A (normative) Photovoltaic module wiring inspection . 74
A.1 General . 74
A.2 Equipment requirements . 74
A.3 Procedure . 74
A.3.1 General . 74
A.3.2 Direct dimensional measurement . 75
A.3.3 Resistance measurement . 75
A.3.4 Determination of current-carrying capacity . 77
A.4 Pass criteria . 78
– 4 – IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024 IEC 2024
A.5 Reporting . 78
Annex B (normative) Partial shading test for photovoltaic modules . 80
B.1 General . 80
B.2 Equipment requirements . 80
B.3 Test prerequisites . 80
B.4 Procedure . 81
B.5 Calculations . 83
B.6 Pass criteria . 83
B.7 Reporting . 83
Annex C (normative) Bending or folding test for photovoltaic modules . 85
C.1 General . 85
C.2 Equipment requirements . 85
C.3 Test prerequisites . 85
C.4 Required test conditions . 85
C.5 Procedure . 85
C.6 Pass criteria . 86
C.7 Reporting . 86
Annex D (normative) Company self-reported information . 87
D.1 Background. 87
D.2 Outcomes . 87
D.3 Solicited information . 87
D.3.1 General . 87
D.3.2 Confidential information (not released publicly) . 87
D.3.3 Public information (may be released publicly) . 89
D.4 Reporting . 90
Annex E (normative) Product sampling . 91
E.1 Background. 91
E.2 Test outcomes . 91
E.3 Related tests. 91
E.4 Procedure . 91
E.4.1 Retail sampling . 91
E.4.2 Warehouse sampling . 92
E.5 Reporting . 93
Annex F (normative) Visual screening . 95
F.1 Background. 95
F.2 Test outcomes . 95
F.3 Related tests. 95
F.4 Procedure . 96
F.4.1 Properties, features, and information . 96
F.4.2 Specifications . 99
F.4.3 Functionality and quality inspection . 101
F.5 Reporting . 106
Annex G (normative) Sample preparation . 107
G.1 Background. 107
G.2 Test outcomes . 107
G.3 Related tests. 107
G.4 Procedure . 107
G.4.1 General . 107
G.4.2 Equipment requirements . 107
G.4.3 Test prerequisites . 108
G.4.4 Procedure . 108
G.4.5 Calculations . 111
G.5 Reporting . 111
Annex H (normative) Power supply setup procedure . 112
H.1 Background. 112
H.2 Test outcomes . 112
H.3 Related tests. 112
H.4 Equipment requirements . 112
H.5 Setup procedure for photometric measurements and lumen maintenance
tests . 113
H.5.1 Test setup . 113
H.5.2 DC voltage levels. 114
H.5.3 Stabilization period . 115
H.5.4 4-wire power supply measurements . 116
H.5.5 Filtering electronic noise . 116
H.5.6 Troubleshooting . 117
H.6 Reporting . 119
Annex I (normative) Light output test . 120
I.1 Background. 120
I.2 Test outcomes . 120
I.3 Related tests. 120
I.4 Luminous flux measurement techniques . 121
I.4.1 General . 121
I.4.2 Calculation for lighting appliances tested in accordance with
IEC TS 62257-12-1 . 122
I.4.3 Luminous flux measurements with an integrating sphere or
goniophotometer . 122
I.4.4 Luminous flux measurements using the multi-plane method . 122
I.5 Correlated colour temperature (CCT) measurement . 126
I.6 Colour rendering index (CRI) measurement . 126
I.7 Calculation of luminous efficacy . 126
I.8 Reporting . 127
Annex J (normative) Lumen maintenance test . 128
J.1 Background. 128
J.2 Test outcomes . 128
J.3 Related tests. 129
J.4 Procedure . 129
J.4.1 General . 129
J.4.2 Equipment requirements . 131
J.4.3 Test prerequisites . 131
J.4.4 Test methods . 131
J.5 Calculations . 132
J.6 Alternate method for testing lumen maintenance using ANSI/IES LM-80 . 132
J.6.1 Background . 132
J.6.2 Equipment requirements . 133
J.6.3 Test prerequisites . 133
J.6.4 Procedure . 134
– 6 – IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024 IEC 2024
J.6.5 DUT preparation and LED thermocouple attachment guidelines . 134
J.6.6 Calculations . 134
J.7 Reporting . 135
Annex K (normative) Battery test . 137
K.1 Background. 137
K.2 Test outcomes . 137
K.3 Related tests. 137
K.4 Procedure . 137
K.4.1 General . 137
K.4.2 Lead-acid battery test . 138
K.4.3 Nickel-metal hydride battery test . 141
K.4.4 Lithium-ion battery test . 142
K.4.5 Lithium iron phosphate battery test . 143
K.5 Reporting . 144
Annex L (informative) Battery testing recommended practices . 145
L.1 Background. 145
L.2 Deep discharge protection specifications by battery type . 145
L.3 Overcharge protection specifications by battery type . 146
Annex M (normative) Full-battery run time test . 147
M.1 Background. 147
M.2 Test outcomes . 148
M.3 Related tests. 148
M.4 Equipment requirements . 149
M.5 Test prerequisites . 149
M.6 Apparatus . 150
M.7 Definition of full-battery run time endpoint . 150
M.8 Procedure . 151
M.9 Calculations . 154
M.10 Reporting . 158
Annex N (normative) Full discharge procedure . 160
N.1 Background. 160
N.2 Test outcomes . 160
N.3 Related tests. 160
N.4 Procedure . 160
N.4.1 General . 160
N.4.2 Equipment requirements . 160
N.4.3 Test prerequisites . 161
N.4.4 Procedure . 161
N.4.5 Calculations . 162
N.5 Reporting . 162
Annex O (normative) Grid charge test . 163
O.1 Background. 163
O.2 Test outcomes . 163
O.3 Related tests. 163
O.4 Procedure . 163
O.4.1 General . 163
O.4.2 Equipment requirements . 163
O.4.3 Test prerequisites . 164
O.4.4 Apparatus . 164
O.4.5 Procedure . 164
O.4.6 Calculations . 164
O.5 Reporting . 165
Annex P (normative) Electromechanical charge test. 166
P.1 Background. 166
P.2 Test outcomes . 166
P.3 Related tests. 166
P.4 Procedure . 166
P.4.1 General . 166
P.4.2 Equipment requirements . 166
P.4.3 Test prerequisites . 167
P.4.4 Apparatus . 167
P.4.5 Procedure . 167
P.4.6 Calculations . 167
P.4.7 Modifications for atypical products . 167
P.5 Reporting . 168
Annex Q (normative) Photovoltaic module I-V characteristics test . 169
Q.1 Background. 169
Q.2 Test outcomes . 169
Q.3 Related tests. 170
Q.4 Procedure . 170
Q.4.1 Test programme using a solar simulator . 170
Q.4.2 Outdoor photovoltaic module I-V characteristics test . 174
Q.4.3 Arrays of PV modules . 178
Q.5 Reporting . 179
Annex R (normative) Solar charge test . 181
R.1 Background. 181
R.2 Test outcomes . 181
R.3 Related tests. 181
R.4 Procedure . 182
R.4.1 General . 182
R.4.2 Test method using a resistor network . 182
R.4.3 Test method using a solar array simulator (SAS) . 190
R.4.4 Calculations . 192
R.4.5 Alternative method to measure battery-charging circuit efficiency . 200
R.4.6 Maximum solar operation efficiency measurement . 201
R.5 Reporting . 204
Annex S (normative) Charge controller behaviour test . 207
S.1 Background. 207
S.2 Test outcomes . 207
S.3 Related tests. 208
S.4 Procedure . 208
S.4.1 Active deep discharge protection test . 208
S.4.2 Active overcharge protection test . 211
S.4.3 Passive deep discharge protection test . 216
S.4.4 Passive overcharge protection test . 218
S.4.5 Standby loss measurement . 220
– 8 – IEC TS 62257-9-5:2024 IEC 2024
S.5 Reporting . 221
Annex T (normative) Light distribution test (optional) . 222
T.1 Background. 222
T.2 Test outcomes . 222
T.3 Related tests. 223
T.4 Substitution of results from IEC TS 62257-12-1 . 223
T.5 Approved test methods . 223
T.5.1 General . 223
T.5.2 Goniophotometer . 226
T.5.3 Multi-plane method . 226
T.5.4 Illuminance on a plane method . 231
T.5.5 Turntable method . 234
T.5.6 Illuminance on a desktop method . 236
T.6 Reporting . 238
Annex U (normative) Physical and water ingress protection test . 242
U.1 Background. 242
U.2 Test outcomes . 242
U.3 Related tests. 243
U.4 Procedure . 243
U.4.1 General . 243
U.4.2 IP testing at a laboratory that has been accredited to test in accordance
with IEC 60529 or IEC 60598-1 . 243
U.4.3 Simplified IP inspection for ingress of solid foreign objects . 244
U.4.4 Simplified IP preliminary inspection for ingress of water with harmful
effects . 246
U.5 Reporting . 249
Annex V (normative) Level of water protection . 250
V.1 Background. 250
V.2 Test outcomes . 250
V.3 Related tests. 251
V.4 Laboratory requirements . 251
V.5 Procedure . 251
V.5.1 General . 251
V.5.2 Level of water protection for enclosure only . 252
V.5.3 Level of water protection from technical aspects . 252
V.5.4 Overall level of water protection. 257
V.6 Reporting . 258
Annex W (normative) Mechanical durability test . 260
W.1 Background. 260
W.2 Test outcomes . 260
W.3 Related tests. 261
W.4 Defect categories . 261
W.4.1 General . 261
W.4.2 Major defects . 261
W.4.3 Minor defects . 261
W.5 Procedures . 261
W.5.1 Drop test . 261
W.5.2 Switch and connector test . 263
W.5.3 Gooseneck and moving part test . 265
W.5.4 Strain relief test . 266
W.6 Reporting . 267
Annex X (normative) Screw connections test . 269
X.1 General . 269
X.2 Equipment requirement
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...