IEC 61215-1-4:2016

IEC 61215-1-4 ®
Edition 1.0 2016-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –
Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) based
photovoltaic (PV) modules
Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres – Qualification de la
conception et homologation –
Partie 1-4: Exigences particulières d'essai des modules photovoltaïques (PV) au
Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) à couches minces
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IEC 61215-1-4 ®
Edition 1.0 2016-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –

Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) based
photovoltaic (PV) modules
Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres – Qualification de la

conception et homologation –
Partie 1-4: Exigences particulières d'essai des modules photovoltaïques (PV) au

Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) à couches minces
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 27.160 ISBN 978-2-8322-3786-1

– 2 – IEC 61215-1-4:2016 © IEC 2016
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope and object . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Test samples . 5
5 Marking and documentation . 5
6 Testing . 5
7 Pass criteria . 6
8 Major visual defects . 6
9 Report . 6
10 Modifications . 6
11 Test flow and procedures . 6
11.1 Visual inspection (MQT 01) . 6
11.2 Maximum power determination (MQT 02) . 6
11.3 Insulation test (MQT 03) . 6
11.4 Measurement of temperature coefficients (MQT 04) . 6
11.5 Measurement of nominal module operating temperature (NMOT) (MQT 05) . 6
11.6 Performance at STC (MQT 06.1) and NMOT (MQT 06.2) . 6
11.7 Performance at low irradiance (MQT 07) . 6
11.8 Outdoor exposure test (MQT 08) . 7
11.9 Hot-spot endurance test (MQT 09) . 7
11.9.1 Purpose . 7
11.9.2 Hot-spot effect . 7
11.9.3 Classification of cell interconnection . 7
11.9.4 Apparatus . 7
11.9.5 Procedure . 7
11.9.6 Final measurements . 7
11.9.7 Requirements . 7
11.10 UV preconditioning test (MQT 10) . 7
11.11 Thermal cycling test (MQT 11) . 7
11.12 Humidity-freeze test (MQT 12) . 7
11.13 Damp heat test (MQT 13) . 8
11.13.1 Procedure . 8
11.14 Robustness of terminations test (MQT 14) . 8
11.15 Wet leakage current test (MQT 15) . 8
11.16 Static mechanical load test (MQT 16) . 8
11.17 Hail test (MQT 17) . 8
11.18 Bypass diode testing (MQT 18) . 8
11.19 Stabilization (MQT 19) . 8
11.19.1 Criterion definition for stabilization . 8
11.19.2 Light induced stabilization procedure . 9
11.19.3 Other stabilization procedures . 9
11.19.4 Initial stabilization (MQT 19.1) . 9
11.19.5 Final stabilization (MQT 19.2) . 9

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –
DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL –

Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film
Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) based photovoltaic (PV) modules
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-
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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
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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
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5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
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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
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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 61215-1-4 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 82:
Solar photovoltaic energy systems.
This edition cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 61646, issued in 2008, and
constitutes a technical revision.
It constitutes a technical revision for thin-film Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) based terrestrial photovoltaic
modules.
This standard is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61215-1:2016 and IEC 61215-2:2016.

– 4 – IEC 61215-1-4:2016 © IEC 2016
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
82/1184/FDIS 82/1208/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61215 series, published under the general title Terrestrial
photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval, can be found on the IEC
website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://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.
TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –
DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL –

Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film
Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) based photovoltaic (PV) modules
1 Scope and object
This part of IEC 61215 lays down IEC requirements for the design qualification and type
approval of terrestrial photovoltaic modules suitable for long-term operation in general open-
air climates, as defined in IEC 60721-2-1. This document is intended to apply to all thin-film
Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) based terrestrial flat plate modules. As such it addresses special
requirements for testing of this technology supplementing IEC 61215-1:2016 and IEC 61215-
2:2016 requirements for testing.
This document does not apply to modules used with concentrated sunlight although it may be
utilized for low concentrator modules (1 to 3 suns). For low concentration modules, all tests
are performed using the current, voltage and power levels expected at the design
concentration.
The object of this test sequence is to determine the electrical and thermal characteristics of
the module and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time,
that the module is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure in climates described in the
scope. The actual lifetime expectancy of modules so qualified will depend on their design,
their environment and the conditions under which they are operated.
This document defines PV technology dependent modifications to the testing procedures and
requirements per IEC 61215-1:2016 and IEC 61215-2:2016.
2 Normative references
The normative references of IEC 61215-1:2016 and IEC 61215-2:2016 are applicable without
modifications.
3 Terms and definitions
This clause of IEC 61215-1:2016 is applicable without modifications.
4 Test samples
This clause of IEC 61215-1:2016 is applicable without modifications.
5 Marking and documentation
This clause of IEC 61215-1:2016 is applicable without modifications.
6 Testing
This clause of IEC 61215-1:2016 is applicable with the following modifications:

– 6 – IEC 61215-1-4:2016 © IEC 2016
Special care has to be taken for stabilizing the power output of the module using MQT 19
procedure with specific requirements stated in 11.19 below.
7 Pass criteria
This clause of IEC 61215-1:2016 is applicable with the following modifications.
The maximum allowable value of reproducibility is set to r = 2,0 %.
8 Major visual defects
This clause of IEC 61215-1:2016 is applicable without modifications.
9 Report
This clause of IEC 61215-1:2016 is applicable without modifications.
10 Modifications
This clause of IEC 61215-1:2016 is applicable without modifications.
11 Test flow and procedures
The test flow from IEC 61215-1:2016 is applicable.
11.1 Visual inspection (MQT 01)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable without modifications.
11.2 Maximum power determination (MQT 02)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable without modifications.
11.3 Insulation test (MQT 03)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable without modifications.
11.4 Measurement of temperature coefficients (MQT 04)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable without modifications.
11.5 Measurement of nominal module operating temperature (NMOT) (MQT 05)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable without modifications.
11.6 Performance at STC (MQT 06.1) and NMOT (MQT 06.2)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable without modifications.
11.7 Performance at low irradiance (MQT 07)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable without modifications.

11.8 Outdoor exposure test (MQT 08)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable without modifications.
11.9 Hot-spot endurance test (MQT 09)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable with the following modifications:
Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) thin-film modules may exhibit performance changes with extended time in
storage without light exposure (the “dark soak” effect). In order to minimize the influence of
this dark soak effect, limit the time delay between the outdoor exposure or stabilization and
the hot spot procedure to within 2 to 3 days; the modules are to be stored in the dark at
≤ 25 °C.
11.9.1 Purpose
This subclause of IEC 61215-2:2016, test MQT 09, is applicable without modifications.
11.9.2 Hot-spot effect
This subclause of IEC 61215-2:2016, test MQT 09, is applicable without modifications.
11.9.3 Classification of cell interconnection
This subclause of IEC 61215-2:2016, test MQT 09, is applicable without modifications.
11.9.4 Apparatus
This subclause of IEC 61215-2:2016, test MQT 09, is applicable without modifications.
11.9.5 Procedure
MQT 09.2 of IEC 61215-2:2016 shall be performed for any MLI module design.
If module is constructed by interconnection of cell-like substructures, MQT 09.1 of
IEC 61215-2:2016 may be applicable.
11.9.6 Final measurements
This subclause of IEC 61215-2:2016, test MQT 09, is applicable without modifications.
11.9.7 Requirements
This subclause of IEC 61215-2:2016, test MQT 09, is applicable without modifications.
11.10 UV preconditioning test (MQT 10)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable without modifications.
11.11 Thermal cycling test (MQT 11)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable with the following modifications:
The technology specific current which needs to be applied according to MQT 11 of
IEC 61215-2:2016 shall be equal to 0,1 × STC peak power current.
11.12 Humidity-freeze test (MQT 12)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable without modifications.

– 8 – IEC 61215-1-4:2016 © IEC 2016
11.13 Damp heat test (MQT 13)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable with the following modifications:
MQT 13 of IEC 61215-2:2016 can be conducted according to the following methods:
Method A) Perform MQT 13 as defined in IEC 61215-2:2016.
Method B) Perform MQT 13 as defined in IEC 61215-2:2016 with applied forward bias:
11.13.1 Procedure
a) Attach a suitable temperature sensor (see apparatus requirements of MQT 11) to the front
or back surface of the module(s) near the middle. If more than one module of the same
type is tested simultaneously, it will suffice to monitor the temperature of one
representative sample.
b) Connect the temperature-monitoring equipment to the temperature sensor(s). Connect
each module individually to the appropriate voltage supply by connecting the positive
terminal of the module to the positive terminal of the power supply and the second
terminal accordingly. During the damp-heat set the applied voltage to V ± 5 % at STC
mpp
taken from the data-sheet and limit the current of the power supply to less than 25 % of I
sc
at STC.
c) Throughout the test monitor the module’s applied voltage and current. Report I/V-trend. If
current limit is reached, applied voltage can drop below V ± 5 % at STC.
mpp
d) Set chamber temperature to achieve a module temperature of 85 °C ± 2 °C.
e) During cooling phase to ambient temperature (25 °C or less), the specified applied voltage
shall be maintained and shall be switched off when the module temperature reaches
25 °C ± 5 °C.
11.14 Robustness of terminations test (MQT 14)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable without modifications.
11.15 Wet leakage current test (MQT 15)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable without modifications.
11.16 Static mechanical load test (MQT 16)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable without modifications.
11.17 Hail test (MQT 17)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable without modifications.
11.18 Bypass diode testing (MQT 18)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable without modifications.
11.19 Stabilization (MQT 19)
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable with the following modifications:
11.19.1 Criterion definition for stabilization
For the definition of stabilization as per MQT 19 of IEC 61215-2:2016, x = 0,02 shall be used.

Any kind of storage shall be done at temperature below 25 °C to avoid thermal activated
processes affecting MQT 06.1 of IEC 61215-2:2016 measurement.
11.19.2 Light induced stabilization procedure
This test of IEC 61215-2:2016 is applicable without modifications.
11.19.3 O
...