BS EN IEC 61215-1-1:2021 - Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules

Design Qualification and Type Approval: Special Requirements for Testing of Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic (PV) Modules

In the rapidly evolving world of renewable energy, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) modules is paramount. The BS EN IEC 61215-1-1:2021 standard is a critical document that provides comprehensive guidelines for the design qualification and type approval of terrestrial photovoltaic modules, with a special focus on crystalline silicon PV modules.

Key Features of the Standard

• Standard Number: BS EN IEC 61215-1-1:2021
• Pages: 16
• Release Date: April 7, 2021
• ISBN: 978 0 580 51397 8
• Status: Standard

This standard is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and quality assurance professionals involved in the production and testing of PV modules. It outlines the specific requirements and testing procedures necessary to ensure that crystalline silicon PV modules meet the highest standards of performance and durability.

Why This Standard Matters

As the demand for clean energy solutions continues to grow, the need for reliable and efficient PV modules becomes increasingly important. The BS EN IEC 61215-1-1:2021 standard plays a crucial role in this context by providing a framework for evaluating the quality and performance of PV modules. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can ensure that their products are capable of withstanding various environmental conditions and delivering optimal performance over their lifespan.

Comprehensive Testing Procedures

The standard includes detailed testing procedures that cover a wide range of factors affecting the performance of crystalline silicon PV modules. These tests are designed to simulate real-world conditions and assess the modules' ability to perform under different environmental stresses. Some of the key tests include:

• Thermal Cycling: Evaluates the module's ability to withstand temperature fluctuations.
• Humidity Freeze: Tests the module's resistance to moisture and freezing conditions.
• Mechanical Load: Assesses the module's structural integrity under various load conditions.
• UV Exposure: Measures the module's durability against prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Benefits of Compliance

Compliance with the BS EN IEC 61215-1-1:2021 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Product Reliability: Ensures that PV modules are built to last and perform efficiently over time.
• Market Acceptance: Products that meet this standard are more likely to be accepted in global markets, enhancing their competitiveness.
• Consumer Confidence: Provides assurance to consumers that the PV modules they purchase are of high quality and reliability.

Conclusion

The BS EN IEC 61215-1-1:2021 standard is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in the design, manufacturing, and testing of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules. By following the guidelines and testing procedures outlined in this standard, manufacturers can ensure that their products meet the highest standards of quality and performance, ultimately contributing to the advancement of renewable energy technologies.

For those looking to stay ahead in the competitive field of photovoltaic technology, understanding and implementing the requirements of this standard is not just beneficial but essential. Embrace the future of clean energy with confidence, knowing that your PV modules are designed and tested to meet the rigorous demands of the modern world.

BS EN IEC 61215-1-1:2021

This standard BS EN IEC 61215-1-1:2021 Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules. Design qualification and type approval is classified in these ICS categories:

• 27.160 Solar energy engineering

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. 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. 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 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 crystalline silicon terrestrial flat plate 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 object 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. This document defines PV technology dependent modifications to the testing procedures and requirements per IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021.