Photovoltaic (PV) modules - Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load testing

IEC TS 62782:2016(E) provides a test method for performing a cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test in which the module is supported at the design support points and a uniform load normal to the module surface is cycled in alternating negative and positive directions. This test may be utilized to evaluate if components within the module including solar cells, interconnect ribbons and/or electrical bonds within the module are susceptible to breakage or if edge seals are likely to fail due to the mechanical stresses encountered during installation and operation. This test can be performed at any module temperature within the normal operating temperature range. This test has been written as a standalone technical specification, but it is likely to be used in conjunction with other test standards.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
08-Mar-2016
Drafting Committee
WG 2 - TC 82/WG 2
Current Stage
PPUB - Publication issued
Start Date
09-Mar-2016
Completion Date
30-Jun-2016

Relations

Effective Date
10-Feb-2026
Effective Date
10-Feb-2026
Effective Date
10-Feb-2026
Effective Date
10-Feb-2026
Effective Date
10-Feb-2026

Overview

IEC TS 62782:2016 specifies a test method for cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load testing of photovoltaic (PV) modules. The procedure applies a uniform load normal to the module surface that alternates in positive and negative directions to simulate pressure and tensile stresses experienced during installation, transport and field operation. The test evaluates susceptibility of internal components (solar cells, interconnect ribbons, electrical bonds) and edge seals to mechanical fatigue and potential failure.

Key topics and requirements

  • Test objective: Detect mechanical damage that can lead to cell cracks, broken interconnects, seal failure or latent defects that later accelerate degradation.
  • Loading parameters: Uniform load of ±1 000 Pa ±100 Pa, cycled 1 000 times at a rate of 3–7 cycles per minute (one cycle = one positive + one negative application).
  • Module mounting: Support at the module’s design support points; mounting method (clips, rails, fasteners) must be tested in worst‑case fixing spacing.
  • Apparatus constraints: Prefer uniform pressure (air or vacuum). If using piston applicators, force per piston F = P·A/n and maximum center-to-center spacing between loaded points (and between frame and loaded point) must be ≤ 20 cm.
  • Temperature control: Maintain module temperature within ±2 °C during testing; sensor repeatability ±0.5 °C. Test may be performed at any normal operating temperature within material limits.
  • Monitoring: Continuous electrical continuity monitoring during cycling (small current, e.g., ~1% of Isc, or higher if specified). Pre- and post-tests include visual inspection, IV (maximum power) measurement, insulation and wet leakage tests.
  • Diagnostic imaging: Electroluminescence (EL) and infrared (IR) thermography scans before and after cycling to locate cracked cells or hot spots. EL: 0.1–1× Isc; IR: 1–2× module STC maximum power current.
  • Scope limits: Designed for rigid modules; flexible modules may be tested only when mounted in a rigid support.

Practical applications

  • Qualification testing during product development to reveal mechanical-vibration or mounting-related failure modes.
  • Type approval and reliability assessment for rooftop, façade or tracker-mounted modules where cyclical loads occur.
  • Failure analysis and root-cause investigations following field complaints or transport damage.
  • Complementary test in combined sequences (e.g., followed by thermal cycling/humidity-freeze) to reveal compounded degradation.

Who should use this standard

  • PV module manufacturers (design validation)
  • Test laboratories and certification bodies
  • R&D teams and reliability engineers
  • EPC contractors and installers assessing mounting-system compatibility

Related standards

  • IEC 61215 (PV module design qualification and type approval)
  • IEC TS 60904-12 (IR thermography of PV modules)
  • IEC TS 60904-13 (EL of PV modules)
  • IEC TS 61836 (terms and definitions)
  • IEC 62759 (transportation testing)

Keywords: IEC TS 62782:2016, cyclic dynamic mechanical load testing, PV modules, photovoltaic modules, mechanical load test, electroluminescence, infrared thermography, module temperature, testing procedure.

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IEC TS 62782:2016 - Photovoltaic (PV) modules - Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load testing

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Frequently Asked Questions

IEC TS 62782:2016 is a technical specification published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is "Photovoltaic (PV) modules - Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load testing". This standard covers: IEC TS 62782:2016(E) provides a test method for performing a cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test in which the module is supported at the design support points and a uniform load normal to the module surface is cycled in alternating negative and positive directions. This test may be utilized to evaluate if components within the module including solar cells, interconnect ribbons and/or electrical bonds within the module are susceptible to breakage or if edge seals are likely to fail due to the mechanical stresses encountered during installation and operation. This test can be performed at any module temperature within the normal operating temperature range. This test has been written as a standalone technical specification, but it is likely to be used in conjunction with other test standards.

IEC TS 62782:2016(E) provides a test method for performing a cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test in which the module is supported at the design support points and a uniform load normal to the module surface is cycled in alternating negative and positive directions. This test may be utilized to evaluate if components within the module including solar cells, interconnect ribbons and/or electrical bonds within the module are susceptible to breakage or if edge seals are likely to fail due to the mechanical stresses encountered during installation and operation. This test can be performed at any module temperature within the normal operating temperature range. This test has been written as a standalone technical specification, but it is likely to be used in conjunction with other test standards.

IEC TS 62782:2016 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 62782:2016 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN IEC 62759-1:2022, EN IEC 61215-2:2021, EN IEC 61850-7-420:2021, EN IEC 61215-1:2021, EN 62759-1:2015. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

IEC TS 62782:2016 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 62782 ®
Edition 1.0 2016-03
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
Photovoltaic (PV) modules – Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load testing

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IEC TS 62782 ®
Edition 1.0 2016-03
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
Photovoltaic (PV) modules – Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load testing

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 27.160 ISBN 978-2-8322-3223-1

– 2 – IEC TS 62782:2016 © IEC 2016
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references. 5
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Apparatus . 6
5 Initial measurements . 6
6 Procedure . 7
7 Final measurements . 7
8 Test report. 8
Annex A (informative) Subsequent testing . 9

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –
CYCLIC (DYNAMIC) MECHANICAL LOAD TESTING

FOREWORD
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Technical specifications are subject to review within three years of publication to decide
whether they can be transformed into International Standards.
IEC TS 62782, which is a technical specification, has been prepared by IEC technical
committee 82: Solar photovoltaic energy systems.

– 4 – IEC TS 62782:2016 © IEC 2016
The text of this technical specification is based on the following documents:
Enquiry draft Report on voting
82/971/DTS 82/1014A/RVC
Full information on the voting for the approval of this technical specification 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.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
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related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• transformed into an International standard,
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –
CYCLIC (DYNAMIC) MECHANICAL LOAD TESTING

1 Scope
This technical specification provides a test method for performing a cyclic (dynamic)
mechanical load test in which the module is supported at the design support points and a
uniform load normal to the module surface is cycled in alternating negative and positive
directions. This test may be utilized to evaluate if components within the module including
solar cells, interconnect ribbons and/or electrical bonds within the module are susceptible to
breakage or if edge seals are likely to fail due to the mechanical stresses encountered during
installation and operation. This test can be performed at any module temperature within the
normal operating temperature range. Since the results have been determined to depend on
the module temperature during the application of the load it is critical to maintain the module
at a constant temperature during the performance of this test.
This technical specification has historically been applied to rigid modules. It cannot be applied
to flexible modules unless they are designed to be mounted in a rigid manner. In which case,
the cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test can be applied to the flexible module in its rigid
mounting system.
This test has been written as a standalone technical specification, but it is likely to be used in
conjunction with other test standards. Typically, this test itself will not result in power loss, but
when followed by additional stress tests like thermal cycling and humidity freeze, the damage
done by the mechanical cycling results in power loss that would not have occurred due only to
the thermal cycling and humidity freeze tests. For example, the transportation testing
procedure (IEC 62759) includes the requirements for such a cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load
test followed by 50 thermal cycles and 10 humidity freeze cycles.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively refere
...

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