WG 2 - TC 82/WG 2
TC 82/WG 2
General Information
IEC 62788-2-1:2023 specifies the safety requirements for flexible polymeric front- and backsheet constructions, which are intended for use as relied-upon insulation in photovoltaic (PV) modules. The specifications in this document define the specific requirements of polymeric front- or backsheet constructions on the component level and cover mechanical, electrical, visual and thermal characterization in an unexposed state and/or after ageing.
This document covers class II and class 0 modules, as defined in IEC 61730-1. Class III modules are out of scope. This document provides the requirements for qualification of front- and backsheets to be used in module safety qualification according to IEC 61730-1. Test method descriptions are provided in IEC TS 62788-2, along with additional characterization methods useful for performance or quality assurance.
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IEC 60904-2:2023 gives requirements for the classification, selection, packaging, marking, calibration and care of photovoltaic reference devices. This document applies to photovoltaic (PV) reference devices that are used to measure the irradiance of natural or simulated sunlight for the purpose of quantifying the electrical performance of photovoltaic devices (cells, modules and arrays). It does not cover photovoltaic reference devices for use under concentrated sunlight. This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2015. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) added calibration procedures for calibrating PV devices at maximum power by extending the respective Clauses 12 and 13;
b) revised requirements for mandatory measurement of spectral responsivity, temperature coefficients and linearity, depending on usage and allowing some measurements on equivalent devices;
c) revised requirements for built-in shunt resistor;
d) added requirements for traceability of calibration explicitly.
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IEC TS 63397:2022 defines additional testing requirements for modules deployed under applications or in environments where PV modules are likely to be exposed to the impact of hailstones leading to higher stress beyond the scope of the IEC 61215 series. This document aims to assist in the selection of modules for deployment in specific regions that have a higher risk of hail damage and to provide tools for improving module design.
The contents of the corrigendum of July 2023 have been included in this copy.
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IEC TS 62788-6-3:2022 describes the single cantilevered beam (SCB) test, useful for characterizing adhesion in photovoltaic (PV) modules. This document offers a generalized method for performing the test, with the expectation that best practices for utilizing this test method will be developed for specific applications.
This document provides a method for measuring the adhesion energy of most interfaces within the photovoltaic (PV) module laminate. This method provides a measure of adhesive energy, via the critical energy release rate, and so is more useful for comparing adhesion of different specimen types; e.g. different materials, module or coupon samples, or materials before and after stress exposure.
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IEC TS 63209-2:2022 includes a menu of tests to use for evaluation of the long-term reliability of materials used as backsheets and encapsulants in PV modules. It is intended to provide information to supplement the baseline testing defined in IEC 61215 and IEC 61730, which are qualification tests with pass-fail criteria. used for reliability analysis and is not intended to be used as a pass-fail test procedure. This document addresses polymeric materials in the crystalline silicon module laminates, specifically backsheets and encapsulants in Glass/Glass or Glass/Backsheet modules. The included environmental stress tests are intended to cause degradation that is most relevant to field experience, but these may not capture all failure modes which may be observed in various locations.
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IEC TS 63342:2022 is designed to assess the effect of light induced degradation at elevated temperatures (LETID) by application of electrical current at higher temperatures. In this document, only the current injection approach for the detection of LETID is addressed.
This document does not address the B-O and Iron Boron (Fe-B) related degradation phenomena, which already occur at room temperatures under the presence of light and on much faster time scales. The proposed test procedure can reveal sample sensitivity to LETID degradation mechanisms, but it does not provide an exact measure of field observable degradation.
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IEC 62759-1:2022 describes methods for the simulation of transportation of complete package units of modules and combined subsequent environmental impacts.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2015. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a. Cancellation of tests and references to relevant standards for CPV.
b. Deletion of different classes for PV modules.
c. Deletion of requirement for minimum 10 modules per shipping unit.
d. Implementation of stabilization as intermediate measurement.
e. Addition of pass/fail criteria.
f. Change of requirements for retesting.
g. Change of number of cycles in dynamic mechanical load test.
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IEC TS 62804-2:2022 defines apparatus and procedures to test and evaluate the durability of photovoltaic (PV) modules to power loss by the effects of high voltage stress in a damp heat environment, referred to as potential-induced degradation (PID). This document defines a test method that compares the coulomb transfer between the active cell circuit and ground through the module packaging under voltage stress during accelerated stress testing with the coulomb transfer during outdoor testing to determine an acceleration factor for the PID.
This document tests for the degradation mechanisms involving mobile ions influencing the electric field over the semiconductor absorber layer or electronically interacting with the films such that module power is affected.
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IEC TS 63109:2022 specifies a method to measure the diode ideality factor of photovoltaic cells and modules by quantitative analysis of electroluminescence (EL) images. This document provides a definition of the term diode ideality factor n, as the inverse of increment ratio of natural logarithm of current as a function of applied voltage, which is related to the fill factor FF, and is useful as an effective indicator to represent the output efficiency of photovoltaic cells and modules with the other key parameters open circuit voltage Voc and short circuit current Isc.
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IEC 62788-7-3:2022 defines the test methods that can be used for evaluating the abrasion of materials and coatings in photovoltaic modules or other solar devices. This document may be applied to components on the incident surface (including coatings, frontsheet, and glass) as well as the back surface (including backsheets or back glass). This document is intended to address abrasion of PV module surfaces and any coatings present using representative specimens (e.g. which can be centimetres in size); the methods and apparatus used here can also be used on PV module specimens (e.g. meters in size).
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IEC 60891:2021 defines procedures to be followed for temperature and irradiance corrections to the measured I-V (current-voltage) characteristics (also known as I-V curves) of photovoltaic (PV) devices. It also defines the procedures used to determine factors relevant to these corrections. Requirements for I-V measurement of PV devices are laid down in IEC 60904-1 and its relevant subparts.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2009. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- adds guidance on which correction procedure shall be used depending on application;
- introduces translation procedure 4 applicable to c-Si technologies with unknown temperature coefficients;
- introduces various clarifications in existing procedures to improve measurement accuracy and reduce measurement uncertainty;
- adds an informative annex for supplementary methods that can be used for series resistance determination.
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IEC TS 63163:2021 is intended to apply to terrestrial modules for consumer applications for outdoor operation shorter than those qualified to IEC 61215. The useful service life of modules so qualified depends on their design, their environment and the conditions under which they are operated. This document classes those PV modules into Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3 with respectively low, medium and high expected outdoor exposure. This specification is intended to qualify the PV portion of these devices. It may, however, be used as a basis for testing such PV modules, but does not qualify the electronic portion. The purpose of the test sequence is to determine the electrical, thermal, and mechanical durability characteristics of the module, and to show that the module is capable of withstanding outdoor exposure for different outdoor durations designated as “low”, “medium”, and “high”. Mobile and attached applications are considered to require lower mechanical durability than portable applications, which are more prone to mechanical damage.
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IEC TS 63140:2021 provides test methods for quantifying the permanent change in a monolithically integrated PV module’s power output that may result from some potential partial shade conditions. Three tests are available, representing conditions of use, misuse, and most severe misuse. This document is applicable to monolithically integrated PV modules with one series-connected cell group or with multiple series-connected cell groups that are in turn connected in parallel. This document is not applicable to PV modules formed by the interconnection of separate cells.
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IEC TS 63209-1:2021 is intended to provide information to supplement the baseline testing defined in IEC 61215, which is a qualification test with pass-fail criteria. This document provides a standardized method for evaluating longer term reliability of photovoltaic (PV) modules and for different bills of materials (BOMs) that may be used when manufacturing those modules. The included test sequences in this specification are intended to provide information for comparative qualitative analysis using stresses relevant to application exposures to target known failure modes.
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IEC 61215-2:2021 is available as IEC 61215-2:2021 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 61215-2:2021 lays down requirements for the design qualification of terrestrial photovoltaic modules suitable for long-term operation in open-air climates. 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. 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. This second edition of IEC 61215-2 cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-2 issued in 2016. 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.
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IEC 61215-1-4:2021 is available as IEC 61215-1-4:2021 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 61215-1-4:2021 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. This document is intended to apply to all thin-film Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 based terrestrial flat plate modules. As such it addresses special requirements for testing of this technology supplementing IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021 requirements for testing. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-1-4, issued in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a. A cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) added.
b. A test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21) added.
c. A bending test (MQT 22) for flexible modules added.
This standard is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021.
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IEC 61215-1:2021 is available as IEC 61215-1:2021 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 61215-1:2021 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. 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. It does not apply to systems that are not long-term applications, such as flexible modules installed in awnings or tenting. This second edition of IEC 61215-1 cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-1, published in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a. Addition of a test taken from IEC TS 62782.
b. Addition of a test taken from IEC TS 62804-1.
c. Addition of test methods required for flexible modules. This includes the addition of the bending test (MQT 22).
d. Addition of definitions, references and instructions on how to perform the IEC 61215 design qualification and type approval on bifacial PV modules.
e. Clarification of the requirements related to power output measurements.
f. Addition of weights to junction box during 200 thermal cycles.
g. Requirement that retesting be performed according to IEC TS 62915.
h. Removal of the nominal module operating test (NMOT), and associated test of performance at NMOT, from the IEC 61215 series.
The contents of the corrigendum of May 2021 have been included in this copy.
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IEC 61215-1-1:2021 is available as IEC 61215-1-1:2021 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 61215-1-1:2021 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. In climates where 98th percentile operating temperatures exceed 70 °C, users are recommended to consider testing to higher temperature test conditions as described in IEC TS 63126. This document is intended to apply to all crystalline silicon terrestrial flat plate modules. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-1-1, issued in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a. A cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) added.
b. A test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21) added.
c. A bending test (MQT 22) for flexible modules added.
d. A procedure for stress specific stabilization – BO LID (MQT 19.3) added.
e. A final stabilization procedure for modules undergoing PID testing added
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IEC 61215-1-3:2021 is available as IEC 61215-1-3:2021 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 61215-1-3:2021 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. This document is intended to apply to all thin-film amorphous silicon (a-Si; a-Si/µc-Si) based terrestrial flat plate modules. As such, it addresses special requirements for testing of this technology supplementing IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021 requirements for testing. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-1-3, issued in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a. A cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) added.
b. A test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21) added.
c. A bending test (MQT 22) for flexible modules.
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IEC 61215-1-2:2021 is available as IEC 61215-1-2:2021 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 61215-1-2:2021 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. This document is intended to apply to all thin-film CdTe based terrestrial flat plate modules. As such, it addresses special requirements for testing of this technology supplementing IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021 requirements for testing. This document defines PV technology dependent modifications to the testing procedures and requirements per IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-1-2, issued in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a. A cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) added.
b. A test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21) added.
c. A bending test (MQT 22) for flexible modules added.
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IEC 60904-1:2020 describes procedures for the measurement of current-voltage characteristics (I-V curves) of photovoltaic (PV) devices in natural or simulated sunlight. These procedures are applicable to a single PV solar cell, a sub-assembly of PV solar cells, or a PV module. This document is applicable to non-concentrating PV devices for use in terrestrial environments, with reference to (usually but not exclusively) the global reference spectral irradiance AM1.5 defined in IEC 60904-3.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2006. The main changes with respect to the previous edition are as follows:
- Updated scope to include all conditions.
- Added terms and definitions.
- Reorganised document to avoid unnecessary duplication.
- Added data analysis clause.
- Added informative annexes (area measurement, PV devices with capacitance, dark I-V curves and effect of spatial non-uniformity of irradiance).
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IEC 60904-10:2020 describes the procedures used to measure the dependence of any electrical parameter (Y) of a photovoltaic (PV) device with respect to a test parameter (X) and to determine the degree at which this dependence is close to an ideal linear (straight-line) function. It also gives guidance on how to consider deviations from the ideal linear dependence and in general on how to deal with non-linearities of PV device electrical parameters.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2009. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a. Modification of title.
b. Inclusion of an Introduction explanatory of the changes and the reasoning behind them.
c. Inclusion of a new Clause Terms and Definitions (Clause 3), with distinction between generic linear dependence and linear dependence of short-circuit current versus irradiance (linearity).
d. Explicit definition of equivalent sample (Clause 4).
e. Technical revision of the apparatus (Clause 5), of the measurement procedures (Clause 6 to Clause 8) and of the data analysis (Clause 9), with separation of the data analysis for a generic linear dependence from the data analysis specific to linearity (i.e. short-circuit current dependence on irradiance) assessment. Additionally, inclusion of impact of spectral effects on both linearity and linear dependence assessment.
f. Introduction of specific data analysis for two-lamp method, making it fully quantitative. Addition of extended version called N-lamp method.
g. Modification of the linearity assessment criterion with inclusion of a formula that can be used to correct the irradiance reading of a PV reference device for non-linearity of its short-circuit current versus irradiance. A linearity factor is specifically newly defined for this purpose.
h. Revision of the requirements for the report (Clause 10) in order to improve clearness about what information is always necessary and what is dependent on the procedure actually followed to measure the linear dependence, including the type of dependence measured (generic or linearity).
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IEC 60904-9:2020 is applicable for solar simulators used in PV test and calibration laboratories and in manufacturing lines of solar cells and PV modules. This document define classifications of solar simulators for use in indoor measurements of terrestrial photovoltaic devices. Solar simulators are classified as A+, A, B or C based on criteria of spectral distribution match, irradiance non-uniformity in the test plane and temporal instability of irradiance. This document provides the required methodologies for determining the classification of solar simulators in each of the categories. A solar simulator which does not meet the minimum requirements of class C cannot be classified according to this document. This document is used in combination with IEC TR 60904-14, which deals with best practice recommendations for production line measurements of single-junction PV module maximum power output and reporting at standard test conditions.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition issued in 2007. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- Changed title;
- Added spectral match classification in an extended wavelength range;
- Introduction of new A+ class;
- Definition of additional parameters for spectral irradiance evaluation;
- Added apparatus sections for spectral irradiance measurement and spatial uniformity measurement;
- Revised procedure for spectral match classification (minimum 4 measurement locations);
- Revised measurement procedure for spatial uniformity of irradiance;
- Added informative Annex for sensitivity analysis of spectral mismatch error related to solar simulator spectral irradiance.
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IEC 62790:2020 is available as IEC 62790:2020 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 62790:2020 describes safety requirements, constructional requirements and tests for junction boxes up to 1 500 V DC for use on photovoltaic modules in accordance with class II of IEC 61140:2016.
This document applies also to enclosures mounted on PV-modules containing electronic circuits for converting, controlling, monitoring or similar operations. Additional requirements concerning the relevant operations are applied under consideration of the environmental conditions of the PV-modules. This document does not apply to the electronic circuits of these devices, for which other IEC standards apply. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2014. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- Modifications in normative references and terms and definitions;
- Improvement of declaration of categories for junction boxes in 4.1;
- Clarification for ambient temperature in 4.1;
- Addition of requirement to provide information concerning RTE/RTI or TI in 4.2;
- Reference to IEC 62930 instead of EN 50618 in 4.6;
- Addition of "Functional insulation" in Table 1;
- Addition of "Distance through cemented joints" in Table 3;
- Correction of procedure of process to categorize material groups (deletion of PTI) in 4.15.2.3;
- Requirement for approval of RTE/RTI or TI for insulation parts in 4.16.1 and 4.16.2;
- Change of requirements concerning electrochemical potential in 4.17.2;
- Clarification for IP-test in 5.3.4.2;
- Addition of test voltage for cemented joints in 5.3.6 and 5.3.16;
- Addition of detailled description on how to prepare the test sample for the thermal cycle test in 5.3.9.1;
- New test procedure for bypass diode thermal test (5.3.18) in accordance with MQT 18.1 of IEC 61215-2:2016;
- New test procedure for reverse overload current test in 5.3.23;
- New Figure 1 for thermal cycle test.
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IEC TS 63126:2020 defines additional testing requirements for modules deployed under conditions leading to higher module temperature which are beyond the scope of IEC 61215-1 and IEC 61730-1 and the relevant component standards, IEC 62790 and IEC 62852. The testing conditions specified in IEC 61215-2 and IEC 61730-2 (and the relevant component standards IEC 62790 and IEC 62852) assumed that these standards are applicable for module deployment where the 98th percentile temperature (T98th), that is the temperature that a module would be expected to equal or exceed for 175,2 h per year, is less than 70 °C. This document defines two temperature regimes, temperature level 1 and temperature level 2, which were designed considering deployment in environments with mounting configurations such that the T98th is less than or equal to 80 °C for temperature level 1, and less than or equal to 90 °C for temperature level 2.
The contents of the corrigendum 1 (2022-09) have been included in this copy.
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IEC TS 62788-5-2:2020 provides guidelines to assess the ability of an edge seal to prevent moisture ingress from the edges of PV modules. This document does not cover frame adhesives (sometimes colloquially referred to as edge seals) which by design do not serve to prevent moisture ingress to a meaningful degree. Edge seals should keep moisture out, remain adhered, and maintain electrically insulation from the environment. Much of the testing can be done on the material level, but given the fact that there are multiple surfaces, materials interactions, and mechanical stresses, testing on mini modules or modules is necessary. To accomplish this, this document contains three types of test sample types, materials, mini-modules, and full-size modules. It is intended that a quick evaluation and comparison can be made using materials only. This would be followed up by more rigorous tests using mini-modules where all the interfaces are correctly represented. And finally, full-size module tests are used to evaluate the actual construction process to allow unanticipated concerns to be addressed.
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IEC 61701:2020 describes test sequences useful to determine the resistance of different PV modules to corrosion from salt mist containing Cl (NaCl, MgCl2, etc.). All tests included in the sequences are fully described in IEC 61215‑2, IEC 62108, IEC 61730‑2 and IEC 60068‑2‑52. The bypass diode functionality test in this document is modified from its description in IEC 61215‑2. They are combined in this document to provide means to evaluate possible faults caused in PV modules when operating under wet atmospheres having high concentration of dissolved salt (NaCl). Depending on the specific nature of the surrounding atmosphere to which the module is exposed in real operation several testing methods can be applied, as defined in IEC 60068‑2‑52. Guidance for determining the applicability of this document and selecting an appropriate method is provided in Annex A.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition issued in 2011. The main technical changes with respect to the previous edition are as follows:
- The scope has been updated to better reflect the applicability of the Standard
- Test methods and requirements have been condensed and aligned with the new editions of IEC 61215-1, IEC 61215-2, and IEC 61730-2. References to crystalline silicon versus thin film technologies have been eliminated. The old Figure 2 on the thin film test sequence has been eliminated.
- The salt mist test references have been updated to harmonize with changes to IEC 60068‑2‑52.
- A normative annex has been added to provide guidance on which of the test methods in IEC 60068-2-52 are applicable to different applications. This includes references to new test methods in the latest edition of IEC 60068-2-52.
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IEC 62938:2020 provides a method for determining how well a framed PV module performs mechanically under the influence of inclined non-uniform snow loads. This document is applicable for framed modules with frames protruding beyond the front glass surface on the lower edge after intended installation and as such creates an additional barrier to snow sliding down from modules. For modules with other frame constructions, such as backrails formed in frames, on the side edges, on the top edge and on the lower edge not creating an additional snow slide barrier, this document is not applicable. The test method determines the mechanical non-uniform-load limit of a framed PV module.
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IEC 62788-1-7:2020 is designed as a more rigorous qualification test, using accelerated UV exposure at elevated temperature to determine whether polymeric encapsulants can suffer loss of optical transmittance. IEC 61215-2 already includes a UV preconditioning test (MQT 10), however, the parameters for that test only represent a limited level of exposure (~weeks of UV dose). This test procedure is intended for representative coupon specimens, applying stress at a greater intensity (designed relative to Phoenix, AZ), using a radiation spectrum that is more similar to the terrestrial solar spectrum, and using a duration of exposure that is more relevant to the PV application (i.e., equivalent to several years of outdoor exposure). This test quantifies the degradation rate of encapsulants so that the risk of the materials losing optical transmittance during operation in the terrestrial environments can be managed. The quantitative correlation between climate (or location of use), a specific application (utility installation, residential-installation, roof-mount, rack-mount, use of a tracker, the system electrical configuration and its operation), and the test can be established for each specific encapsulant material, but is beyond the scope of this document.
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IEC 62788-5-1:2020 provides procedures for standardized test methods for evaluating the properties of materials designed to be used as edge seals. When modules are constructed with impermeable (or extremely low permeability) front- and backsheets designed to protect moisture-sensitive photovoltaic (PV) materials, there is still the possibility for moisture to get in from the sides. The test methods described in this document are intended to be used to standardize the way edge seals are evaluated. Only some of these tests are applied for IEC 61215 and IEC 61730, and that status depends on the specific design.
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IEC 62788-6-2:2020 provides methods for measuring the steady-state water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), water vapour permeability (P), diffusivity (D), solubility (S), and moisture breakthrough time (Ƭ10) (defined as the time to reach 10 % of the steady state WVTR) for polymeric materials such as encapsulants, edge seals, frontsheets and backsheets. These measurements can be made at selected temperatures and humidity levels as deemed appropriate for evaluation of their performance in PV modules. Measurement is accomplished by inspection of the transient WVTR curve and by fitting it to a theoretical Fickian model. This document is best applied to monolithic films. If multilayer films are used, the D and S values are only apparent values, but the steady-state values can still be measured.
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IEC 62804-1-1:2020 defines procedures to test and evaluate for potential-induced degradation-delamination (PID-d) mode in the laminate of crystalline silicon PV modules-principally those with one or two glass faces. This document evaluates delamination attributable to current transfer between ground and the module cell circuit. Elements driving the delamination that this test is designed to actuate include reduced adhesion associated with damp heat exposure, sodium accumulation at interfaces, and cathodic gas evolution in the cell circuit, metallization, and other components within the PV module activated by the voltage potential. The change in power of crystalline silicon PV modules associated with the stress factors applied (the purview of IEC TS 62804-1) is not considered in the scope.
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IEC 62941:2019 is applicable to organizations manufacturing photovoltaic (PV) modules certified to IEC 61215 series and IEC 62108 for design qualification and type approval and IEC 61730 for safety qualification and type approval. The design qualification and type approval of PV modules depend on appropriate methods for product and process design, as well as appropriate control of materials and processes used to manufacture the product. This document lays out best practices for product design, manufacturing processes, and selection and control of materials used in the manufacture of PV modules that have met the requirements of IEC 61215 series, IEC 61730, or IEC 62108. These standards also form the basis for factory audit criteria of such sites by various certifying and auditory bodies.
The object of this document is to provide a framework for the improved confidence in the ongoing consistency of performance and reliability of certified PV modules. The requirements of this document are defined with the assumption that the quality management system of the organization has already fulfilled the requirements of ISO 9001 or equivalent quality management system. This document is not intended to replace or remove any requirements of ISO9001 or equivalent quality management system. By maintaining a manufacturing system in accordance with this document, PV modules are expected to maintain their performance as determined from the test sequences in IEC 61215 series, IEC 62108, or IEC 61730.
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IEC 60904-4:2019 is available as IEC 60904-4:2019 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 60904-4:2019 sets the requirements for calibration procedures intended to establish the traceability of photovoltaic (PV) reference devices to SI units as required by IEC 60904-2. This document applies to PV reference devices that are used to measure the irradiance of natural or simulated sunlight for the purpose of quantifying the performance of PV devices. The use of a PV reference device is required in many standards concerning PV (e.g. IEC 60904-1 and IEC 60904-3). This document has been written with single-junction PV reference devices in mind, in particular crystalline silicon, but it is sufficiently general to include other single-junction technologies. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2009. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
modification of standard title;
- inclusion of working reference in traceability chain;
- update of WRR with respect to SI;
- revision of all methods and their uncertainties in annex
- harmonization of symbols and formulae with other IEC standards.
The contents of the corrigendum of September 2020 have been included in this copy.
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IEC 60904-7:2019 is available as IEC 60904-7:2019 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 60904-7:2019 describes the procedure for correcting the spectral mismatch error introduced in the testing of a photovoltaic device, caused by the mismatch between the test spectrum and the reference spectrum (e.g. AM1.5 spectrum) and by the mismatch between the spectral responsivities (SR) of the reference device and of the device under test and therewith reduce the systematic uncertainty. This procedure is valid for single-junction devices but the principle may be extended to cover multi-junction devices. The purpose of this document is to give guidelines for the correction of the spectral mismatch error, should there be a spectral mismatch between the test spectrum and the reference spectrum as well as between the reference device SR and the device under test SR. The calculated spectral mismatch correction is only valid for the specific combination of test and reference devices measured with a particular test spectrum. This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2008. The main technical changes with respect to the previous edition are as follows:
- For better compatibility and less redundancy, the clause “Determination of test spectrum” refers to IEC 60904-9.
- The spectral mismatch factor is called SMM instead of MM to enable differentiation to the angular mismatch factor AMM and spectral angular mismatch factor SAMM.
- Formulae for the derivation and application of the spectral mismatch factor SMM are added.
- Links to new standards are given, e.g. concerning multi-junction devices.
- Corrected wording (responsivity instead of response and irradiance instead of intensity).
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IEC 62892:2019 defines a test sequence that extends the thermal cycling test of IEC 61215-2. It is intended to differentiate PV modules with improved durability to thermal cycling and evaluate modules for deployment in locations most susceptible to thermal cycling type stress. This document is based on the ability for 95 % of the modules represented by the samples submitted for this test to pass an equivalency of 500 thermal cycles, as defined in IEC 61215‑2:2016, 4.11.3, with a maximum power degradation of less than 5 %. Provisions are also provided to reduce overall test time by increasing the maximum cycle temperature and/or the number of modules submitted for test.
The test procedure in this document was developed based on analysis of the stress on tin-lead solder bonds on crystalline silicon solar cells in a glass superstrate type package. Changes to lead-free solder have an effect on the acceleration factors but not enough to change the overall results of this test. Monolithic type modules with integral cell interconnection do not suffer from this specific type of stress but there are still electrical connections within the module, for example between the integrated cell circuit and the module bus bars, that may be subject to wear out from thermal cycling. Flexible modules (without glass) are not stressed in the same way as those with glass superstrates or substrates, therefore use of the equivalency factor employed in this document may not be applicable to these modules.
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IEC TS 60904-1-2:2019 describes procedures for the measurement of the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of bifacial photovoltaic devices in natural or simulated sunlight. It is applicable to single PV cells, sub-assemblies of such cells or entire PV modules.
This document may be applicable to PV devices designed for use under concentrated irradiation if they are measured without the optics for concentration, and irradiated using direct normal irradiance and a mismatch correction with respect to a direct normal reference spectrum is performed. This document describes the additional requirements for the measurement of I-V characteristics of bifacial PV devices.
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IEC 61853-3:2018 describes the calculation of PV module energy rating values. The purpose of this document is to define a methodology to determine the PV module energy output (watt-hours), and the climatic specific energy rating (dimensionless) for a complete year at maximum power operation for the reference climatic profile(s) given in IEC 61853-4. It is applied to determine a specific module output in a standard reference climatic profile for the purposes of comparison of rated modules.
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IEC TS 60904-13:2018(E) specifies methods to:
capture electroluminescence images of photovoltaic modules,
process images to obtain metrics about the images taken in quantitative terms, and
provide guidance to qualitatively interpret the images for features in the image that are observed. This document is applicable to PV modules measured with a power supply that places the cells in the modules in forward bias.
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IEC TS 62915:2018(E) sets forth a uniform approach to maintain type approval, design and safety qualification of terrestrial PV modules that have undergone, or will undergo modification from their originally assessed design. Changes in material selection, components and manufacturing process can impact electrical performance, reliability and safety of the modified product. This document lists typical modifications and the resulting requirements for retesting based on the different test standards. This document is closely related to the IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 series of standards.
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IEC TS 62788-7-2:2017(E) defines test procedures to characterize the weatherability of polymeric component materials used in photovoltaic (PV) modules or systems. The methods in this document have been focused on polymeric backsheets and encapsulants, but may be applied to other materials; however, these were not verified as part of the preparation. Exposures in this document are intended for reference by other standards and as a tool to support research and product development for PV components and modules. Different exposures may be used to target specific climate/mounting configurations, with the specifics of how to apply the exposures left to those standards (e.g. component characterization standards, module qualification standards).
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IEC 62805-1:2017 specifies a method for measurement and calculation of the total haze and the spectral distribution of haze of glass used in photovoltaic (PV) modules. This document is applicable to glass used in PV modules, including transparent conductive oxide coated (TCO) glass and other kinds of glass used in PV modules.
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IEC 62805-2:2017 specifies methods for measuring the transmittance and reflectance of glass used in photovoltaic (PV) modules and provides instructions on how to calculate the effective hemispherical transmittance and reflectance of this glass. This document is applicable to PV glasses used in PV modules, including ultra-clear patterned glass, anti-reflective coated (AR) glass, transparent conductive oxide coated (TCO) glass and other kinds of PV glass used in PV modules. These test methods are designed to provide reproducible data appropriate for comparison of results among laboratories or at different times by the same laboratory and for comparison of data obtained on different PV glasses.
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