IEC 62108:2007

IEC 62108
Edition 1.0 2007-12
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
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IEC 62108
Edition 1.0 2007-12
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
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
W
CODE PRIX
ICS 27.160 ISBN 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,
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Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
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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
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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
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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 Module – prefabricated and
the focus point is not field
CPV cells
adjustable, similar to most
CPV
Fresnel lens systems.
Electric energy
receiver
transfer means
CPV Assembly – needs some
Thermal energy
field installation and the focus
transfer means
point is field adjustable, similar to
most reflective systems.
Interconnection
Mounting
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/m while open-circuited. This procedure is designed to
reduce the initial photon degradation effects.
In this standard, short-circuit current I , open-circuit voltage V , maximum output power P ,
sc oc m
and other measures are all based on DNI 900 W/m , 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 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 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/m DNI
outdoor exposure and 50 kWh/m 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
Receiver
Secondary
optics mirrors
Solar
Sub-receiver
cell
IEC  2263/07
Figure 1 – Schematic of point-focus dish PV concentrator

– 12 – 62108 © IEC:2007
Assembly
Heat sink
Receiver
Solar cell
IEC  2264/07
Figure 2 – Schematic of linear-focus trough PV concentrator

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

– 14 – 62108 © IEC:2007
Module
Fresnel
lens
Cross-section
Solar cell
Heat
spreader
Receiver
Solar cell
receiver
IEC  2266/07
Figure 4 – Schematic of linear-focus Fresnel lens PV concentrator

62108 © IEC:2007                 – 15 –

Cooling fins
and fans
Receiver
Solar cells
Assembly
Primary
optics
IEC  2267/07
Figure 5 – Schematic of a heliostat CPV

– 16 –                   62108 IEC:2007
©
START
Visual 10.1 7 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. SBS 10.2
On-site testing  In-lab testing Sequence F
7m +2r 1r
Elec. Perf. Dark 10.2 If long distance shipping is involved, Elec. Perf. Dark 10.2
5m + 2r use dark IV to evaluate any changes 5m + 2r Bypass/blocking
Ground continuity 10.3 Diode  1r 10.11
2m Ground continuity 10.3
5m + 2r
Dry/Wet Insul 10.4
2m 10.5 Dry/Wet Insul 10.4
Control 5m + 2r 10.5
1m Sequence D
Sequence E 1m
1m (full size)
Mechanical Load 10.13
Outdoor/UV 10.16 1m
1m 10.15
Sequence A Sequence B Sequence C Terminations 10.12
Water Spray 10.10 2r 2m 2m 1m
1m
Thermal Cycle 10.6 Pre-thermal cycle 10.6 Damp Heat 10.7 Hail Impact 10.9
Off-Axis Beam 10.14 2r 2m 2m 1m
1m
Bypass Diode 10.11 Humidity Freeze 10.8 Hot-Spot 10.17
Ground continuity 10.3 non-intrusive, 1r 2m 1m
1m
Elec. Perf. Dark 10.2 If long distance shipping is involved, Ground continuity 10.3
5m + 2r use dark IV to evaluate any changes 5m + 2r
Elec. Perf. SBS
7m +2r 10.2 Elec. Perf. Dark 10.2
5m + 2r
Visual On-site testing  In-lab testing
7m +2r 10.1
IEC  2268/07
END
Figure 6 – Qualification test sequence for CPV modules

62108 IEC:2007                   – 17
©
START
Visual 10.1 9 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 10.2 On-site testing  In-lab testing Sequence F
9r + 7mir 1r
Elec. Perf. Dark 10.2 If long distance shipping is involved, Elec. Perf. Dark 10.2
7r + 5mir use dark IV to evaluate any changes 7r + 5mir Bypass/blocking
Ground continuity 10.3 Diode  1r 10.11
2r + 2mir Ground continuity 10.3
7r + 5mir
Dry/Wet Insul 10.4
2r + 2mir 10.5 Dry/Wet Insul 10.4
Control 7r + 5mir 10.5
1r + 1mir Sequence D
Sequence E 1r + 1mir
1r + 1mir (full size)
Mechanical Load 10.13
Outdoor/UV 10.16 1r + 1mir
1r + 1mir 10.15
Sequence A Sequence B Sequence C Terminations 10.12
Water Spray 10.10 2r 2r + 2mir 2r + 2mir 1r + 1mir
1r + 1mir
Thermal Cycle 10.6 Pre-thermal cycle 10.6 Damp Heat 10.7 Hail Impact 10.9
Off-Axis Beam 10.14 2r 2r + 2mir 2r + 2mir 1r + 1mir
1r + 1mir
Bypass Diode 10.11 Humidity Freeze 10.8 Hot-Spot 10.17
Ground continuity 10.3 non-intrusive, 1r 2r + 2mir 1r + 1mir
1r + 1mir
Elec. Perf. Dark 10.2 If long distance shipping is involved, Ground continuity 10.3
7r + 5mir use dark IV to evaluate any changes 7r + 5mir
Elec. Perf. SBS
9r + 7mir 10.2 Elec. Perf. Dark 10.2
7r + 5mir
Visual On-site testing  In-lab testing
9r + 7mir 10.1
IEC  2269/07
END
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 purpos
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