IEC 61215-2:2021

IEC 61215-2 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –
Part 2: Test procedures
Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres – Qualification de la
conception et homologation –
Partie 2: Procédures d'essai
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IEC 61215-2 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –

Part 2: Test procedures
Modules photovoltaïques (PV) pour applications terrestres – Qualification de la

conception et homologation –
Partie 2: Procédures d'essai
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 27.160 ISBN 978-2-8322-9394-2

– 2 – IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6
INTRODUCTION . 8
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms and definitions . 11
4 Test procedures . 12
4.1 Visual inspection (MQT 01) . 12
4.1.1 Purpose . 12
4.1.2 Procedure . 12
4.1.3 Requirements . 12
4.2 Maximum power determination (MQT 02) . 12
4.2.1 Purpose . 12
4.2.2 Apparatus . 12
4.2.3 Procedure . 13
4.3 Insulation test (MQT 03) . 13
4.3.1 Purpose . 13
4.3.2 Apparatus . 14
4.3.3 Test conditions . 14
4.3.4 Procedure . 14
4.3.5 Test requirements . 15
4.4 Measurement of temperature coefficients (MQT 04) . 15
4.5 Placeholder section, formerly NMOT . 15
4.6 Performance at STC (MQT 06.1) . 15
4.6.1 Purpose . 15
4.6.2 Apparatus . 15
4.6.3 Procedure for measuring at STC (MQT 06.1) . 16
4.7 Performance at low irradiance (MQT 07) . 16
4.7.1 Purpose . 16
4.7.2 Apparatus . 16
4.7.3 Procedure . 17
4.8 Outdoor exposure test (MQT 08) . 17
4.8.1 Purpose . 17
4.8.2 Apparatus . 17
4.8.3 Procedure . 17
4.8.4 Final measurements . 18
4.8.5 Requirements . 18
4.9 Hot-spot endurance test (MQT 09) . 18
4.9.1 Purpose . 18
4.9.2 Hot-spot effect . 18
4.9.3 Classification of cell interconnection . 19
4.9.4 Apparatus . 20
4.9.5 Procedure . 21
4.9.6 Final measurements . 28
4.9.7 Requirements . 28
4.10 UV preconditioning test (MQT 10) . 28
4.10.1 Purpose . 28

4.10.2 Apparatus . 28
4.10.3 Procedure . 29
4.10.4 Final measurements . 29
4.10.5 Requirements . 29
4.11 Thermal cycling test (MQT 11) . 29
4.11.1 Purpose . 29
4.11.2 Apparatus . 29
4.11.3 Procedure . 30
4.11.4 Final measurements . 31
4.11.5 Requirements . 31
4.12 Humidity-freeze test (MQT 12) . 32
4.12.1 Purpose . 32
4.12.2 Apparatus . 32
4.12.3 Procedure . 32
4.12.4 Final measurements . 32
4.12.5 Requirements . 32
4.13 Damp heat test (MQT 13) . 33
4.13.1 Purpose . 33
4.13.2 Apparatus . 33
4.13.3 Procedure . 33
4.13.4 Final measurements . 34
4.13.5 Requirements . 34
4.14 Robustness of terminations (MQT 14) . 34
4.14.1 Purpose . 34
4.14.2 Retention of junction box on mounting surface (MQT 14.1) . 34
4.14.3 Test of cord anchorage (MQT 14.2) . 34
4.15 Wet leakage current test (MQT 15) . 35
4.15.1 Purpose . 35
4.15.2 Apparatus . 35
4.15.3 Procedure . 35
4.15.4 Requirements . 35
4.16 Static mechanical load test (MQT 16) . 36
4.16.1 Purpose . 36
4.16.2 Apparatus . 36
4.16.3 Procedure . 37
4.16.4 Final measurements . 37
4.16.5 Requirements . 37
4.17 Hail test (MQT 17) . 37
4.17.1 Purpose . 37
4.17.2 Apparatus . 37
4.17.3 Procedure . 38
4.17.4 Final measurements . 39
4.17.5 Requirements . 39
4.18 Bypass diode testing (MQT 18) . 40
4.18.1 Bypass diode thermal test (MQT 18.1) . 40
4.18.2 Bypass diode functionality test (MQT 18.2) . 43
4.19 Stabilization (MQT 19) . 44
4.19.1 General . 44
4.19.2 Criterion definition for stabilization . 44

– 4 – IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021
4.19.3 Light induced stabilization procedures . 45
4.19.4 Other stabilization procedures . 46
4.19.5 Initial stabilization (MQT 19.1) . 46
4.19.6 Final stabilization (MQT 19.2) . 46
4.19.7 Stress-specific stabilization – BO LID (MQT 19.3). 47
4.20 Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) . 47
4.20.1 Purpose . 47
4.20.2 Procedure . 47
4.20.3 Final measurements . 47
4.20.4 Requirements . 48
4.21 Potential induced degradation test (MQT 21) . 48
4.21.1 Purpose . 48
4.21.2 Samples . 48
4.21.3 Apparatus . 48
4.21.4 Procedure . 48
4.21.5 Final measurements . 48
4.21.6 Requirements . 49
4.22 Bending test (MQT 22) . 49
4.22.1 Purpose . 49
4.22.2 Apparatus . 49
4.22.3 Procedure . 49
4.22.4 Final measurements . 49
4.22.5 Requirements . 49
Annex A (informative) Recommended setup for managing weights during mechanical
loading (MQT 16) . 50
Bibliography . 54

Figure 1 – Case S, series connection with optional bypass diode . 19
Figure 2 – Case PS, parallel-series connection with optional bypass diode . 19
Figure 3 – Case SP, series-parallel connection with optional bypass diode . 20
Figure 4 – Module I-V characteristics with different cells totally shadowed . 21
Figure 5 – Module I-V characteristics with the test cell shadowed at different levels . 23
Figure 6 – Hot-spot effect in a MLI thin-film module with serially connected cells . 24
Figure 7 – Thermal cycling test – Temperature and applied current profile . 30
Figure 8 – Proper attachment of 5 N weight to junction box for module utilizing a)
electrical termination leads, b) or wire for attachment, and c) only one junction box . 31
Figure 9 – Humidity-freeze cycle – Temperature and humidity profile . 33
Figure 10 – Hail-test equipment . 38
Figure 11 – Hail test impact locations: top for wafer/cell based technologies, bottom for

monolithic processed thin film technologies . 40
Figure 12 – Bypass diode thermal test . 42
Figure A.1 – 3D view (at left of figure), end view (at top right), and side view (at bottom
right) of gantry crane over mounting jig and loading jig . 50
Figure A.2 – 3D close up views of mounting jig (right) and loading jig (left) . 51
Figure A.3 – 2D view of mounting jig and loading jig . 52
Figure A.4 – 3D view of loading jig . 52
Figure A.5 – Close-up view of loading jig . 53

Table 1 – Voltage stress levels . 14
Table 2 – Ice-ball masses and test velocities . 38
Table 3 – Impact locations . 39

– 6 – IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –
DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL –

Part 2: Test procedures
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
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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 61215-2 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 82: Solar
photovoltaic energy systems.
This second edition of IEC 61215-2 cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-2 issued
in 2016; it constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Addition of cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load testing (MQT 20).
b) Addition of a test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21).
c) Addition of test methods required for bifacial PV modules.
d) Addition of test methods required for flexible modules. This includes the addition of the
bending test (MQT 22).
e) Revision of simulator requirements to ensure uncertainty is both well-defined and minimized.

f) Correction to the hot spot endurance test, where the procedure for monolithically integrated
(MLI) thin film technologies (MQT 09.2) previously included two sections describing a
procedure only appropriate for silicon modules.
g) Selection of three diodes, rather than all, for testing in the bypass diode thermal test
(MQT 18).
h) Removal of the nominal module operating test (NMOT), and associated test of performance
at NMOT, from the IEC 61215 series.
Informative Annex A of IEC 61215-1:2021 explains the background and reasoning behind some
of the more substantial changes that were made in the IEC 61215 series in progressing from
edition 1 to edition 2.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
82/1829/FDIS 82/1853/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.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates that it
ding of its
contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understan
contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

– 8 – IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021
INTRODUCTION
Whereas Part 1 of this standards series describes requirements (both in general and specific
with respect to device technology), the sub-parts of Part 1 define technology variations and
Part 2 defines a set of test procedures necessary for design qualification and type approval.
The test procedures described in Part 2 are valid for all device technologies.

TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –
DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL –

Part 2: Test procedures
1 Scope
This document lays down requirements for the design qualification of terrestrial photovoltaic
modules suitable for long-term operation in open-air climates. The useful service life of modules
so qualified will depend on their design, their environment and the conditions under which they
are operated. Test results are not construed as a quantitative prediction of module lifetime.
th
In climates where 98 percentile operating temperatures exceed 70 °C, users are
recommended to consider testing to higher temperature test conditions as described in
IEC TS 63126 . Users desiring qualification of PV products with lesser lifetime expectations are
recommended to consider testing designed for PV in consumer electronics, as described in
IEC TS 63163 (under development). Users wishing to gain confidence that the characteristics
tested in IEC 61215 appear consistently in a manufactured product may wish to utilize
IEC 62941 regarding quality systems in PV manufacturing.
This document is intended to apply to all terrestrial flat plate module materials such as
crystalline silicon module types as well as thin-film modules.
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 irradiance, current, voltage and power levels expected at the design
concentration.
The objective of this test sequence is to determine the electrical 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 outdoors. Accelerated test conditions are
empirically based on those necessary to reproduce selected observed field failures and are
applied equally across module types. Acceleration factors may vary with product design and
thus not all degradation mechanisms may manifest. Further general information on accelerated
test methods including definitions of terms may be found in IEC 62506.
Some long-term degradation mechanisms can only reasonably be detected via component
testing, due to long times required to produce the failure and necessity of stress conditions that
are expensive to produce over large areas. Component tests that have reached a sufficient
level of maturity to set pass/fail criteria with high confidence are incorporated into the IEC 61215
series via addition to Table 1 in IEC 61215-1:2021. In contrast, the tests procedures described
in this series, in IEC 61215-2, are performed on modules.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements 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.
_________________
1 th
Information on 98 percentile operating temperature as a function of system location and mounting configuration
is included in IEC TS 63126.
– 10 – IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021
IEC 60068-1, Environmental testing – Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-21, Environmental testing – Part 2-21: Tests – Test U: Robustness of terminations
and integral mounting devices
IEC 60068-2-78:2012, Environmental testing – Part 2-78: Tests – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady
state
IEC 60891, Photovoltaic devices – Procedures for temperature and irradiance corrections to
measured I-V characteristics
IEC 60904-1, Photovoltaic devices – Part 1: Measurements of photovoltaic current-voltage
characteristics
IEC 60904-1-1, Photovoltaic devices – Part 1-1: Measurement of current-voltage characteristics
of multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) devices
IEC TS 60904-1-2, Photovoltaic devices – Part 1-2: Measurement of current-voltage
characteristics of bifacial photovoltaic (PV) devices
IEC 60904-2, Photovoltaic devices – Part 2: Requirements for photovoltaic reference devices
IEC 60904-3, Photovoltaic devices – Part 3: Measurement principles for terrestrial photovoltaic
(PV) solar devices with reference spectral irradiance data
IEC 60904-7, Photovoltaic devices – Part 7: Computation of the spectral mismatch correction
for measurements of photovoltaic devices
IEC 60904-8, Photovoltaic devices – Part 8: Measurement of spectral responsivity of a
photovoltaic (PV) device
IEC 60904-9:2020, Photovoltaic devices – Part 9: Classification of solar simulator
characteristics
IEC 60904-10, Photovoltaic devices – Part 10: Methods of linearity measurement
IEC TR 60904-14: Photovoltaic devices – Part 14: Guidelines for production line measurements
of single-junction PV module maximum power output and reporting at standard test conditions
IEC 61140, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and equipment
IEC 61215-1:2021, Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type
approval – Part 1: Test requirements
IEC 61215-1-1, Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval
– Part 1-1: Special requirements for testing of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules
IEC 61730-1:2016, Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification – Part 1: Requirements for
construction
IEC 61730-2, Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification – Part 2: Requirements for testing
IEC TS 61836, Solar photovoltaic energy systems – Terms, definitions and symbols
IEC TS 62782, Photovoltaic (PV) modules – Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load testing

IEC 62790, Junction boxes for photovoltaic modules – Safety requirements and tests
IEC TS 62804-1:2015, Photovoltaic (PV) modules – Test methods for the detection of potential-
induced degradation – Part 1: Crystalline silicon
IEC TS 63163: – Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules for consumer products – Design
qualification and type approval
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC TS 61836 and
IEC 61215-1:2021 apply, as well as the following.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
accuracy
quality which characterizes the ability of a measuring instrument to provide an indicated value
close to a true value of the measurand [consistent with the International Vocabulary of
Metrology (VIM), 5.18]
Note 1 to entry: This term is used in the "true value" approach.
Note 2 to entry: Accuracy is all the better when the indicated value is closer to the corresponding true value.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-311:2001, 311-06-08]
3.2
control device
irradiance sensor (such as a reference cell or module) that is used to detect drifts and other
problems of the solar simulator
3.3
electrically stable power output level
state of the PV module where it will operate under long-term natural sunlight
3.4
repeatability
closeness of agreement between the results of successive measurements of the same
measurand, carried out under the same conditions of measurement, i.e.:
– by the same measurement procedure,
– by the same observer,
– with the same measuring instruments,
– used under the same conditions,
– in the same laboratory,
at relatively short intervals of time [≈ VIM, 3.6].
_________________
Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ADTS.

– 12 – IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021
Note 1 to entry: The concept of "measurement procedure" is defined in VIM, 2.5.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-311:2001, 311-06-06]
3.5
Gate No. 1
a pass / fail comparison between the performance of a module and its nameplate specifications,
as described in IEC 61215-1:2021
3.6
Gate No. 2
a pass / fail comparison between the performance of a module before versus after stress, as
described in IEC 61215-1:2021
4 Test procedures
The subclauses below provide detailed instructions for performing each module quality test
(MQT). Reporting and test sequence requirements for qualification are described in
IEC 61215-1.
4.1 Visual inspection (MQT 01)
4.1.1 Purpose
To detect any visual defects in the module.
4.1.2 Procedure
Carefully inspect each module under an illumination of not less than 1 000 lux for conditions
and observations as defined in IEC 61215-1:2021.
Make note of and/or photograph any defects that may be major visual defects as defined in
IEC 61215-1. Also make note of and/or photograph the nature and position of any cracks,
bubbles or delaminations, etc., which may worsen and adversely affect the module performance
in subsequent tests. Record any other relevant information regarding origin of failure and
associated test or lab conditions.
4.1.3 Requirements
No evidence of major visual defects permitted, as defined in IEC 61215-1:2021.
4.2 Maximum power determination (MQT 02)
4.2.1 Purpose
To determine the maximum power of the module after stabilization as well as before and after
the various environmental stress tests.
4.2.2 Apparatus
a) Apparatus for measuring I-V characteristics in accordance with IEC 60904-1.
b) A PV reference device in accordance with IEC 60904-2.

c) At least one of the following two options to reduce the spectral mismatch component of
uncertainty shall be utilized:
• Perform a spectral mismatch correction. The spectral responsivity of the module shall
be measured according to IEC 60904-8. The spectral response data may originate from
the same lab that is performing IEC 61215-2:2021, or from a different lab. The sample
used to obtain the spectral response data may be the test module or may be a reference
cell made with the same bill of materials as the test module. The spectral distribution of
the solar simulator shall then be utilized to correct for spectral mismatch according to
IEC 60904-7.
• Use a matched reference cell or module. The reference device shall be of the same
cell technology as the test module, to match spectral responsivity. There is no
requirement on the cell or module size.
d) A radiant source: natural sunlight or a solar simulator of class CAA or better in accordance
with IEC 60904-9. For very large modules, as defined in IEC 61215-1:2021, a class CBA
simulator may be used.
NOTE 1 Class CBA is defined according to IEC 60904-9: The AM1.5 spectral match is categorized as C, non-
uniformity of irradiance for the module size categorized as B, and temporal stability of irradiance categorized
as A.
To achieve a high accuracy of power measurement, the spectral irradiance distribution of
the solar simulator should cover the whole wavelength range that is spanned by the spectral
responsivity of the PV device under test. See IEC TR 60904-14 and IEC 60904-9:2020.
e) A suitable mount for supporting the test specimen and the reference device in a plane
normal to the radiant beam.
NOTE 2 MQT 02 measurement procedures are intended for minimal uncertainty, for example as performed by an
accredited testing laboratory. Lesser requirements, such as use of CAB class simulators, may be appropriate for
other applications, such as quality control in the factory. Applications that only require repeatability, such as
comparing module performance before and after an extended stress, may wish to relax spectral mismatch correction
requirements.
4.2.3 Procedure
Determine the current-voltage characteristic of the module in accordance with IEC 60904-1 at
a specific set of irradiance and temperature conditions (a recommended range is a cell
2 2
temperature between 20 °C and 50 °C and an irradiance between 700 W/m and 1 100 W/m )
using the apparatus described in 4.2.2. In special circumstances when modules are designed
for operation under a different range of conditions, the current-voltage characteristics can be
measured using temperature and irradiance levels similar to the expected operating conditions.
For linear modules (as defined in IEC 60904-10) temperature and irradiance corrections can be
made in accordance with IEC 60891 in order to compare sets of measurements made on the
same module before and after environmental tests. For nonlinear modules (as defined in
IEC 60904-10) the measurement shall be performed within ±5 % of the specified irradiance and
within ±2 °C of the specified temperature. However, every effort should be made to ensure that
peak power measurements are made under similar operating conditions, that is minimize the
magnitude of the correction by making all peak power measurements on a particular module at
approximately the same temperature and irradiance.
For flexible modules, the maximum power determination shall be measured with the flexible
module in the flat position.
4.3 Insulation test (MQT 03)
4.3.1 Purpose
To determine whether or not the module is sufficiently well insulated between live parts and
accessible parts.
– 14 – IEC 61215-2:2021 © IEC 2021
4.3.2 Apparatus
a) DC voltage source, with current limitation, capable of applying the voltage as specified in
the third column of Table 1 for the various module classes.
b) An instrument to measure the insulation resistance.
4.3.3 Test conditions
The test shall be made on modules at ambient temperature of the surrounding atmosphere (see
IEC 60068-1) and in a relative humidity not exceeding 75 %.
The voltage stress levels applied to the module are determined by the module’s maximum
system voltage (V ), the module class, and whether or not cemented joints are present. The
sys
definitions of module classes are taken from IEC 61140, and are discussed as related to PV
modules in IEC 61730-1:2016, Clause 4. The definition of cemented joints is given in
IEC 61730-1:2016, 3.4.2, and is further discussed in IEC 61730-1:2016, Clauses B.5 and B.9.
The voltage stress levels applied in this test are the same as those applied for IEC 61730-2
MST 16.
4.3.4 Procedure
a) Connect the shorted output terminals of the
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