BS EN IEC 61701:2020 - Photovoltaic (PV) Modules Salt Mist Corrosion Testing

In the ever-evolving world of renewable energy, ensuring the durability and longevity of photovoltaic (PV) modules is paramount. The BS EN IEC 61701:2020 standard is a critical document that provides comprehensive guidelines for salt mist corrosion testing of PV modules. Released on August 12, 2020, this standard is an essential resource for manufacturers, engineers, and quality assurance professionals in the solar energy sector.

Why Salt Mist Corrosion Testing is Essential

Photovoltaic modules are often deployed in environments where they are exposed to harsh weather conditions, including coastal areas with high salt concentrations in the air. Salt mist can significantly impact the performance and lifespan of PV modules, leading to corrosion that can compromise their efficiency and safety. The BS EN IEC 61701:2020 standard addresses these challenges by providing a rigorous testing framework to assess the resistance of PV modules to salt mist corrosion.

Key Features of BS EN IEC 61701:2020

• Standard Number: BS EN IEC 61701:2020
• Pages: 20
• Release Date: August 12, 2020
• ISBN: 978 0 580 99110 3
• Status: Standard

Comprehensive Testing Procedures

The standard outlines detailed procedures for conducting salt mist corrosion tests, ensuring that PV modules can withstand the corrosive effects of salt-laden environments. These procedures are designed to simulate real-world conditions, providing manufacturers with the data needed to improve product design and material selection. By adhering to these guidelines, companies can enhance the reliability and performance of their solar products.

Benefits of Compliance

Compliance with the BS EN IEC 61701:2020 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Product Durability: By testing PV modules against salt mist corrosion, manufacturers can ensure their products are built to last, even in challenging environments.
• Increased Market Competitiveness: Products that meet this standard are more likely to be trusted by consumers and industry professionals, giving companies a competitive edge.
• Improved Safety: Ensuring that PV modules are resistant to corrosion helps prevent potential safety hazards, protecting both users and infrastructure.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to international standards is often a requirement for entering certain markets, making this standard a valuable asset for global business expansion.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN IEC 61701:2020 standard is indispensable for a wide range of professionals in the solar energy industry, including:

• Manufacturers: To ensure their products meet international quality and durability standards.
• Quality Assurance Teams: To implement rigorous testing protocols that guarantee product reliability.
• Engineers and Designers: To incorporate corrosion-resistant materials and designs into PV modules.
• Regulatory Bodies: To establish benchmarks for product safety and performance in salt-laden environments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the BS EN IEC 61701:2020 standard is a vital tool for ensuring the durability and performance of photovoltaic modules in salt-rich environments. By providing a structured approach to salt mist corrosion testing, this standard helps manufacturers produce reliable, high-quality solar products that meet the demands of today's energy market. Whether you are a manufacturer, engineer, or quality assurance professional, this standard is an invaluable resource for enhancing the resilience and marketability of your solar solutions.

BS EN IEC 61701:2020

This standard BS EN IEC 61701:2020 Photovoltaic (PV) modules. Salt mist corrosion testing is classified in these ICS categories:

• 27.160 Solar energy engineering

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.