CEN/TC 312 - Thermal solar systems and components

This document specifies two procedures to check the performance of solar thermal collector fields. This document is applicable to glazed flat plate collectors, evacuated tube collectors and/or tracking, concentrating collectors used as collectors in fields.
The check can be done on the thermal power output of the collector field and also be on the daily yield of the collector field.
The document specifies for the two procedures how to compare a measured output with a calculated one.
The document applies for all sizes of collector fields.

This document defines basic terms relating to the work of ISO/TC 180. The committee covers standardization in the field of the measurement of solar radiation and solar energy utilization in space and water heating, cooling, industrial process heating and air conditioning. Consequently, the vocabulary within this document is focussed on definitions relating to those measurement and utilisation technologies.
Since the 1999 version of this document there has been considerable development in solar photovoltaic technologies and high temperature solar thermal technologies that use heat to produce electricity or to provide high temperatures for processes that require elevated temperatures. This standard has some definitions that are useful also for those technologies; however, there are other documents that cover vocabulary for these technologies in more detail.

This document specifies requirements on durability, reliability and safety for factory made solar heating systems. The document also includes provisions for evaluation of conformity to these requirements (see Annex A). The concept of system families is included as well, in Annex C.
The requirements in this document apply to factory made solar systems as products. The installation of these systems including their integration with roofs or facades is not considered, but requirements are given for the documentation for the installer and the user to be delivered with the system (see also 4.6).
External auxiliary water heating devices that are placed in series with the factory made system are not considered to be part of the system. Cold water piping from the cold water grid to the system as well as piping from the system to an external auxiliary heater or to draw-off points is not considered to be part of the system. Piping between components of the factory made system is considered to be part of the system. Any integrated heat exchanger or piping for space heating option (see Introduction, last paragraph) is not considered to be part of the system.

This document is applicable to all types of fluid heating solar collectors. This document specifies performance requirements for fluid heating solar collectors with respect to durability, reliability, safety and thermal performance.
This document deals with the solar collector and not with assemblies. This document is not applicable to those devices in which a thermal storage unit is an integral part to such an extent that the collection process cannot be separated from the storage process for making the collector thermal performance measurements.

This document specifies test methods for validating the requirements for Factory Made Thermal Solar Heating Systems as specified in EN 12976-1. The document also includes two test methods for thermal performance characterization by means of whole system testing.

This European Standard specifies test methods for the performance characterization of stores which are intended for use in small custom built systems as specified in EN 12977-1.
Stores tested according to this document are commonly used in solar combisystems. However, the thermal performance of all other thermal stores with water as a storage medium (e.g. for heat pump systems) can be also assessed according to the test methods specified in this document.
This document applies to combistores with a nominal volume up to 3 000 l and without integrated burner.
NOTE   This document is extensively based on references to EN 12977-3:2012.

This European Standard specifies requirements on durability, reliability and safety of small and large custom built solar heating and cooling systems with liquid heat transfer medium in the collector loop for residential buildings and similar applications.
This document also contains requirements on the design process of large custom built systems.

This European Standard applies to small and large custom built solar heating systems with liquid heat transfer medium for residential buildings and similar applications, and gives test methods for verification of the requirements specified in EN 12977-1.
This document also includes a method for thermal performance characterization and system performance prediction of small custom built systems by means of component testing and system simulation.
Furthermore, this document contains methods for thermal performance characterization and system performance prediction of large custom built systems.
This document applies to the following types of small custom built solar heating systems:
- systems for domestic hot water preparation only;
- systems for space heating only;
- systems for domestic hot water preparation and space heating;
- others (e.g. including cooling).
This document applies to large custom built solar heating systems, primarily to solar preheat systems, with one or more storage vessels, heat exchangers, piping and automatic controls and with collector array(s) with forced circulation of fluid in the collector loop.
This document does not apply to
- systems with a store medium other than water (e.g. phase- change materials),
- thermosiphon systems,
- integral collector-storage (ICS) systems.

This European Standard specifies test methods for the performance characterization of stores which are intended for use in small custom built systems as specified in EN 12977-1.
Stores tested according to this document are commonly used in solar hot water systems. However, the thermal performance of all other thermal stores with water as a storage medium can also be assessed according to the test methods specified in this document.
The document applies to stores with a nominal volume between 50 l and 3 000 l.
This document does not apply to combistores. Performance test methods for solar combistores are specified in EN 12977-4.

This European Standard specifies performance test methods for control equipment. Furthermore, this document contains requirements on accuracy, durability and reliability of control equipment.
The tests described in this document are limited to electrically activated components delivered with or for the system by the final supplier. For the purposes of this document controller and control equipment for solar heating systems and auxiliary heaters, if part of the system, are restricted to the following:
a)   Controllers as:
1)   system clocks, timers and counters;
2)   differential thermostats;
3)   multi-function controllers.
b)   Sensors as:
1)   temperature sensors;
2)   irradiance sensors (for short wave radiation);
3)   pressure sensors;
4)   level sensors;
5)   flow meters;
6)   heat meters.
c)   Actuators as:
1)   pumps;
2)   solenoid and motor valves;
3)   relays.
d)   Combinations of controllers, sensors and actuators listed above.
An additional objective of the procedures described in this document is to verify control algorithms and, together with the accuracy of sensors, to determine control parameters. In addition to verifying the functioning of a controller, its equipment and actuators, the determined parameters may be used for numerical system simulations.
Typically, electrical anodes are not part of the control equipment and are not controlled by the control equipment. However, because they are electrical appliances, electrical anodes are included in this document.
This document is valid for control equipment of solar heating systems for the purpose of hot water preparation and/or space heating. If the solar system is connected to or part of a conventional heating system, the validity is extended to the entire system. In combination with the standards EN 12976-1, EN 12976-2 as well as EN 12977-1, EN 12977-2, EN 12977-3 and EN 12977-4, this document is valid for
e) factory made solar heating systems,
f) small custom built solar heating systems,
g) large custom built solar heating systems,
h)   auxiliary heater equipment used in connection with e), f) and g).

ISO 9806:2017 specifies test methods for assessing the durability, reliability, safety and thermal performance of fluid heating solar collectors. The test methods are applicable for laboratory testing and for in situ testing.
ISO 9806:2017 is applicable to all types of fluid heating solar collectors, air heating solar collectors, hybrid solar collectors co-generating heat and electric power, as well as to solar collectors using external power sources for normal operation and/or safety purposes. It does not cover electrical safety aspects or other specific properties directly related to electric power generation.
ISO 9806:2017 is not applicable to those devices in which a thermal storage unit is an integral part to such an extent that the collection process cannot be separated from the storage process for making the collector thermal performance measurements.

ISO 22975-2:2016 specifies definitions and test methods for durability and performance of heat-pipes for solar thermal application.
ISO 22975-2:2016 is applicable to heat-pipes for use with evacuated tubes, including glass-metal sealed evacuated tubes and double-glass evacuated tubes, as well as with flat plate collectors.
ISO 22975-2:2016 provides test methods for determining durability of the heat-pipe, including high temperature resistance and freeze resistance.
ISO 22975-2:2016 also provides test methods for measuring performance of the heat-pipe, including starting temperature, temperature uniformity and heat transfer power of the heat-pipe.
ISO 22975-2:2016 is only applicable to gravity heat-pipes.

ISO 22975-1:2016 specifies definitions and test methods for materials, durability and performance of evacuated tubes.
ISO 22975-1:2016 is applicable to all types of evacuated tubes.

ISO 22975-3:2014 is applicable to the determination of the long term behaviour and service life of selective solar absorbers for use in vented flat plate solar collectors working under conditions corresponding to that in a typical solar domestic hot water system or combisystem.
ISO 22975-3:2014 specifies a failure criterion of a solar absorber based on changes in optical performance of the absorber. The optical properties of interest are solar absorptance and thermal emittance.
ISO 22975-3:2014 specifies durability testing procedures focused on resistance to high temperatures and condensation of water on the absorber surface as well as high humidity in the presence of sulfur dioxide.

This European Standard specifies performance requirements for fluid heating collectors with respect to mechanical resistance to climatic loads, fire safety, weather tightness, release of dangerous substances, electrical safety, operating pressure, sound level, thermal output and collector efficiency. Fluids included are anti-freeze fluids, thermo oil, air and water which are not intended for human consumption. The intended use of the solar collector is to heat up the working fluid. This European Standard also includes provisions for evaluation of conformity to these requirements.
This European Standard covers only the solar collector consisting of its components: i.e. absorber, frame, insulation and glazing; It does not cover the fluid.
It is applicable to glazed and unglazed solar collectors, flat plate solar collectors, evacuated tubular solar collectors, concentrating solar collectors, tracking solar collectors and thermal-electrical hybrid solar collectors (so called PVT solar collectors).
It is not applicable to those solar collectors, in which the thermal storage unit is an integral part of the solar collector to such an extent, that the heat production process cannot be separated from the storage process for the purpose of making measurements of these two processes.

This European Standard specifies test methods for validating the requirements for Factory Made Thermal Solar Heating Systems as specified in prEN 12976-1. The standard also includes two test methods for thermal performance characterization by means of whole system testing.

This European Standard specifies requirements on durability, reliability and safety for Factory Made thermal solar heating systems. The standard also includes provisions for evaluation of conformity to these requirements.
The requirements in this standard apply to Factory Made solar systems as products. The installation of these systems itself is not considered, but requirements are given for the documentation for the installer and the user which is delivered with the system (see also 4.6).

This standard specifies test methods for the performance characterization of stores which are intended for use in small custom built systems as specified in ENV 12977-1.
Stores tested according to this Prestandard are commonly used in solar hot water systems. However, also the thermal performance of all other thermal stores with water as storage medium (e.g. for heat pump systems) can be assessed according to this Prestandard.
The Prestandard applies to stores with a nominal volume between 50 and 3000 litres and without integrated oil or gas burner.

An error within the scope related to concentrating and tracking collectors was discovered in EN 12975-1:2006, that contradicts EN 12975-2:2006. In order to remove the error CEN/TC 312 resolves to create an erratum to EN 12975-1:2006 as follows: The last sentence of paragraph two of the scope reading "It is not applicable to tracking concentrating collectors" shall be deleted. A new paragraph shall be added after the second paragraph of the scope, reading "It is basically applicable to concentrating collectors; thermal performance testing as given in EN 12975-2, clause 6.3. (quasi dynamic testing) is also applicable to most concentrating collector designs, from stationary non-imaging concentrators as CPCs to high concentrating tracking designs.

This International Standard defines basic terms relating to solar energy.

This European Standard specifies requirements on durability (including mechanical strength), reliability and safety for liquid heating solar collectors. It also includes provisions for evaluation of conformity to these requirements.
It is not applicable to those collectors in which the thermal storage unit is an integral part of the collector to such an extent, that the collection process cannot be separated from the storage process for the purpose of making measurements of these two processes. It is basically applicable to concentrating collectors; thermal performance testing as given in EN 12975-2:2006, subclause 6.3. (quasi dynamic testing) is also applicable to most concentrating collector designs, from stationary non-imaging concentrators as CPCs to high concentrating tracking designs.
Collectors that are custom-built (built in, roof integrated collectors that do not comprise factory made modules and are assembled directly on the place of installation) cannot be tested in their actual form for durability, reliability and thermal performance according to this standard. Instead, a module with the same structure as the ready collector is tested. The module gross area in the case of custom built collectors should be at least 2 m2. The test is valid only for larger collectors, than the tested module.
For collectors the national and European Guidelines for Structural Planning and overhead glazing are not valid. Therefore this standard should be applied for the design of the static of the collector.

This European Standard specifies requirements on durability, reliability and safety for Factory Made solar heating systems. The standard also includes provisions for evaluation of conformity to these requirements. Concept of system families is included, as well.
The requirements in this standard apply to Factory Made solar systems as products. The installation of these systems including their integration with roofs or facades is not considered, but requirements are given for the documentation for the installer and the user to be delivered with the system (see also 4.6).
External auxiliary water heating devices that are placed in series with the Factory Made system are not considered to be part of the system. Cold water piping from the cold water grid to the system as well as piping from the system to an external auxiliary heater or to draw-off points is not considered to be part of the system. Piping between components of the Factory Made system is considered to be part of the system. Any integrated heat exchanger or piping for space heating option (see Introduction, last paragraph) is not considered to be part of the system.

This European Standard specifies test methods for validating the requirements for Factory Made Thermal Solar Heating Systems as specified in EN 12976-1. The standard also includes two test methods for thermal performance characterization by means of whole system testing.

This European Standard specifies test methods for the performance characterization of stores which are intended for use in small custom built systems as specified in EN 12977 1.
Stores tested according to this document are commonly used in solar combisystems. However, the thermal performance of all other thermal stores with water as a storage medium (e.g. for heat pump systems) can be also assessed according to the test methods specified in this document.
This document applies to combistores with a nominal volume up to 3 000 l and without integrated burner.
NOTE   This document is extensively based on references to EN 12977 3:2012.

This European Standard applies to small and large custom built solar heating systems with liquid heat transfer medium for residential buildings and similar applications, and gives test methods for verification of the requirements specified in EN 12977 1.
This document also includes a method for thermal performance characterization and system performance prediction of small custom built systems by means of component testing and system simulation.
Furthermore, this document contains methods for thermal performance characterization and system performance prediction of large custom built systems.
This document applies to the following types of small custom built solar heating systems:
- systems for domestic hot water preparation only;
- systems for space heating only;
- systems for domestic hot water preparation and space heating;
- others (e.g. including cooling).
This document applies to large custom built solar heating systems, primarily to solar preheat systems, with one or more storage vessels, heat exchangers, piping and automatic controls and with collector array(s) with forced circulation of fluid in the collector loop.
This document does not apply to
- systems with a store medium other than water (e.g. phase- change materials),
- thermosiphon systems,
- integral collector-storage (ICS) systems.

This European Standard specifies requirements on durability, reliability and safety of small and large custom built solar heating and cooling systems with liquid heat transfer medium in the collector loop for residential buildings and similar applications.
This document also contains requirements on the design process of large custom built systems.

This European Standard specifies performance test methods for control equipment. Furthermore, this document contains requirements on accuracy, durability and reliability of control equipment.
The tests described in this document are limited to electrically activated components delivered with or for the system by the final supplier. For the purposes of this document controller and control equipment for solar heating systems and auxiliary heaters, if part of the system, are restricted to the following:
a)   Controllers as:
1)   system clocks, timers and counters;
2)   differential thermostats;
3)   multi-function controllers.
b)   Sensors as:
1)   temperature sensors;
2)   irradiance sensors (for short wave radiation);
3)   pressure sensors;
4)   level sensors;
5)   flow meters;
6)   heat meters.
c)   Actuators as:
1)   pumps;
2)   solenoid and motor valves;
3)   relays.
d)   Combinations of controllers, sensors and actuators listed above.
An additional objective of the procedures described in this document is to verify control algorithms and, together with the accuracy of sensors, to determine control parameters. In addition to verifying the functioning of a controller, its equipment and actuators, the determined parameters may be used for numerical system simulations.
Typically, electrical anodes are not part of the control equipment and are not controlled by the control equipment. However, because they are electrical appliances, electrical anodes are included in this document.
This document is valid for control equipment of solar heating systems for the purpose of hot water preparation and/or space heating. If the solar system is connected to or part of a conventional heating system, the validity is extended to the entire system. In combination with the standards EN 12976 1, EN 12976 2 as well as EN 12977 1, EN 12977 2, EN 12977 3 and EN 12977 4, this document is valid for
e)   factory made solar heating systems,
f)   small custom built solar heating systems,
g)   large custom built solar heating systems,
h)   auxiliary heater equipment used in connection with e), f) and g).

This European Standard specifies test methods for the performance characterization of stores which are intended for use in small custom built systems as specified in EN 12977 1.
Stores tested according to this document are commonly used in solar hot water systems. However, the thermal performance of all other thermal stores with water as a storage medium can also be assessed according to the test methods specified in this document.
The document applies to stores with a nominal volume between 50 l and 3 000 l.
This document does not apply to combistores. Performance test methods for solar combistores are specified in EN 12977 4.

ISO 9806:2013 specifies test methods for assessing the durability, reliability and safety for fluid heating collectors.
It also includes test methods for the thermal performance characterization of fluid heating collectors, namely steady-state and quasi-dynamic thermal performance of glazed and unglazed liquid heating solar collectors and steady-state thermal performance of glazed and unglazed air heating solar collectors (open to ambient as well as closed loop).
It is also applicable to hybrid collectors generating heat and electric power. However it does not cover electrical safety or other specific properties related to electric power generation.
ISO 9806:2013 is also applicable to collectors using external power sources for normal operation and/or safety purposes.
ISO 9806:2013 is not applicable to those collectors in which the thermal storage unit is an integral part of the collector to such an extent that the collection process cannot be separated from the storage process for the purpose of making measurements of these two processes.

This European Standard specifies requirements on durability, reliability and safety for Factory Made thermal solar heating systems. The standard also includes provisions for evaluation of conformity to these requirements.
The requirements in this standard apply to Factory Made solar systems as products. The installation of these systems itself is not considered, but requirements are given for the documentation for the installer and the user which is delivered with the system (see also 4.6).

This European Standard specifies test methods for validating the requirements for Factory Made Thermal Solar Heating Systems as specified in EN 12976-1. The standard also includes two test methods for thermal performance characterization by means of whole system testing.

This European Standard specifies test methods for validating the durability, reliability and safety requirements for liquid heating collectors as specified in EN 12975-1. This standard also includes three test methods for the thermal performance characterisation for liquid heating collectors.
It is not applicable to those collectors in which the thermal storage unit is an integral part of the collector to such an extent that the collection process cannot be separated from the storage process for the purpose of making measurements of these two processes.
It is basically applicable to tracking concentrating collectors, thermal performance testing as given in 6.3 (quasi dynamic testing) is also applicable to most concentrating collector designs, from stationary non-imaging concentrators as CPCs to high concentrating tracking designs. Parts of the solar radiation measurement should be adjusted in case of a tracking collector and in case a pyrheliometer is used to measure beam radiation.
Collectors that are custom built (built in; e.g. roof integrated collectors that do not compose of factory made modules and are assembled directly on the place of installation) cannot be tested in their actual form for durability, reliability and thermal performance according to this standard. Instead, a module with the same structure as the ready collector may be tested. The module gross area should be at least 2 m2. The test is valid only for larger collectors than the tested module.

This Technical Specification specifies requirements on durability, reliability and safety of small and large custom built solar heating and cooling systems with liquid heat transfer medium in the collector loop for residential buildings and similar applications.
This document contains also requirements on the design process of large custom built systems.

This Technical Specification specifies test methods for the performance characterization of stores which are intended for use in small custom built systems as specified in CEN/TS 12977 1.
Stores tested according to this document are commonly used in solar combisystems. However, also the thermal performance of all other thermal stores with water as storage medium (e.g. for heat pump systems) can be assessed according to the test methods specified in this document.
This document applies to combisstores with a nominal volume up to 3 000 l and without integrated burner.
NOTE   This document is extensively based on references to EN 12977-3:2008.

This Technical Specification specifies performance test methods for control equipment. Furthermore this document contains requirements on accuracy, durability and reliability of control equipment.
The tests described in this document are limited to components delivered with or for the system by the final supplier. For the purposes of this document controller and control equipment for solar heating systems and auxiliary heaters, if part of the system, are restricted to:
a)   controllers as:
1)   system clocks, timers and counters;
2)   differential thermostats;
3)   multi-function controllers;
b)   sensors as:
1)   temperature sensors;
2)   irradiance sensors (for short wave radiation);
3)   pressure sensors;
4)   level sensors;
5)   flow meters; or
6)   heat meters;
c)   actuators as:
1)   pumps;
2)   solenoid and motor valves; or
3)   relays.
Furthermore combinations of controllers, sensors and actuators listed above.
An additional objective of the procedures described in this document is to verify control algorithms and, together with the accuracy of sensors, to determine control parameters. In addition to verifying the functioning of a controller, its equipment and actuators, the determined parameters may be used for numerical system simulations.
Typically electrical anodes are not part of the control equipment and are not controlled by the control equipment. However, because they are electrical appliances, electrical anodes are included in this document.
This document  is valid for control equipment of solar heating systems for the purpose of hot water preparation and/or space heating. If the solar system is connected to or part of a conventional heating system, the validity is extended to the entire system. In combination with the standards EN 12976-1, EN 12976-2 as well as CEN/TS 12977-1, CEN/TS 12977-2, EN 12977-3 and CEN/TS 12977-4 this document is valid for:
d)   factory made solar heating systems;
a)   small custom built solar heating systems;
b)   (...)

This Technical Specification applies to small and large custom built solar heating systems with liquid heat transfer medium for residential buildings and similar applications, and gives test methods for verification of the requirements specified in CEN/TS 12977 1.
This document also includes a method for thermal performance characterization and system performance prediction of small custom built systems by means of component testing and system simulation.
Furthermore, this document contains methods for thermal performance characterization and system performance prediction of large custom built systems.
This document applies to the following types of small custom built solar heating systems:
-   systems for domestic hot water preparation only;
-   systems for space heating only;
-   systems for domestic hot water preparation and space heating;
-   others (e.g. including cooling).
This document applies to large custom built solar heating systems, primarily to solar preheat systems, with one or more storage vessels, heat exchangers, piping and automatic controls and with collector array(s) with forced circulation of fluid in the collector loop.
This document does not apply to:
-   systems with a store medium other than water (e.g. phase change materials);
-   thermosiphon systems;
-   integral collector storage (ICS) systems.

This European Standard specifies test methods for the performance characterization of stores which are intended for use in small custom built systems as specified in prCEN/TS 12977-1.
Stores tested according to this document are commonly used in solar hot water systems. However, also the thermal performance of all other thermal stores with water as storage medium can be assessed according to the test methods specified in this document.
The document applies to stores with a nominal volume between 50 l and 3 000 l.
This document does not apply to combistores. Performance test methods for solar combistores are specified in prCEN/TS 12977-4.

This European Standard specifies requirements on durability (including mechanical strength), reliability and safety for liquid heating solar collectors. It also includes provisions for evaluation of conformity to these requirements.
It is not applicable to those collectors in which the thermal storage unit is an integral part of the collector to such an extent, that the collection process cannot be separated from the storage process for the purpose of making measurements of these two processes. It is not applicable to tracking concentrating solar collectors.
Collectors that are custom-built (built in, roof integrated collectors that do not comprise factory made modules and are assembled directly on the place of installation) cannot be tested in their actual form for durability, reliability and thermal performance according to this standard. Instead, a module with the same structure as the ready collector is tested. The module gross area in the case of custom built collectors should be at least 2 m2. The test is valid only for larger collectors, than the tested module.
For collectors the national and European Guidelines for Structural Planning and overhead glazing are not valid. Therefore this standard should be applied for the design of the static of the collector.

This European Prestandard applies to small and large custom built solar heating systems with liquid heat transfer medium for residential buildings and similar applications, and gives test methods for verification of the requirements specified in ENV 12977-1.
This Prestandard includes also a method for thermal performance characterization and system performance prediction of small custom built systems by means of component testing and system simulation.
Furthermore, the Prestandard contains methods for thermal performance characterization and system performance prediction of large custom built systems.
This European Prestandard applies to the following types of small custom built solar heating systems:
- systems for domestic hot water preparation only;
- systems for space heating only;
- systems for domestic hot water preparation and space heating.
This European Prestandard applies to large custom built solar heating systems, primarily to solar preheat systems, with one or more storage vessels, heat exchangers, piping and automatic controls and with collector array(s) with forced circulation of fluid in the collector loop.
This Prestandard does not apply to:
- systems with a store medium other than water (e.g. phase-change materials);
- systems for space heating with a distribution fluid other than water for the space heating subsystem (e.g. air systems);
- small custom built systems with a circulation line entering any store having a feedback on the solar heated store.
Principally, systems with circulation line may be tested in accordance to the methods described in this Prestandard, if the connecting port for the circulation line is kept closed during the tests. This should, however, stated in the test report.

This European Prestandard specifies requirements on durability, reliability and safety of small and large custom built solar heating systems with liquid heat transfer medium for residential buildings and similar applications. The Prestandard contains also requirements on the design process of large custom built systems.

This Prestandard specifies test methods for the performance characterization of stores which are intended for use in small custom built systems as specified in ENV 12977-1.
Stores tested according to this Prestandard are commonly used in solar hot water systems. However, also the thermal performance of all other thermal stores with water as storage medium (e.g. for heat pump systems) can be assessed according to this Prestandard.
The Prestandard applies to stores with a nominal volume between 50 and 3000 litres and without integrated oil or gas burner.

TC - Overall editorial discrepancies

This European Standard specifies test methods for validating the durability, reliability and safety requirements for liquid heating collectors as specified in EN 12975-1. This standard also includes three test methods for the thermal performance characterisation for liquid heating collectors.
It is not applicable to those collectors in which the thermal storage unit is an integral part of the collector to such an extent that the collection process cannot be separated from the storage process for the purpose of making measurements of these two processes.
It is not basically not applicable to tracking concentrating collectors, however thermal performance testing as given in clause 6.3 (quasi dynamic testing) is also applicable to most concentrating collector designs, from stationary non-imaging concentrators as CPCs to high concentrating tracking designs. Parts of the solar radiation measurement have to be adjusted in case of a tracking collector and in case a pyrheliometer is used to measure beam radiation.
Collectors that are custom built (built in; e.g. roof integrated collectors that do not compose of factory made modules and are assembled directly on the place of installation) cannot be tested in their actual form for durability, reliability and thermal performance according to this standard. Instead, a module with the same structure as the ready collector may be tested. The module gross area shall be at least 2m2.

This European standard specifies requirements on durability (including mechanical strength), reliability and safety for liquid heating solar collectors. It also includes provisions for evaluation of conformity to these requirements. It is not applicable to those collectors in which the thermal storage unit is an integral part of the collector to such an extent, that the collection process cannot be separated from the storage process for the purpose of making measurements of these two processes. It is not applicable to tracking concentrating solar collectors.

This European Standard specifies test methods for validating the requirements for Factory Made Thermal Solar Heating Systems as specified in prEN 12976-1:2000. The standard also includes two test methods for thermal performance characterization by means of whole system testing.

This European Standard specifies requirements on durability, reliability and safety for Factory Made thermal solar heating systems. The standard also includes provisions for evaluation of conformity to these require-ments.The requirements in this standard apply to Factory Made solar systems as products. The installation of these systems itself is not considered, but requirements are given for the documentation for the installer and the user which is delivered with the system (see also the clause 3).