BS EN IEC 62788-5-1:2020 - Measurement Procedures for Photovoltaic Module Edge Seals

Introducing the BS EN IEC 62788-5-1:2020, a comprehensive standard that provides detailed measurement procedures for materials used in photovoltaic modules, specifically focusing on edge seals. This standard is an essential resource for professionals in the photovoltaic industry, offering suggested test methods to ensure the reliability and efficiency of edge seal materials.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN IEC 62788-5-1:2020
• Pages: 24
• Release Date: 13th May 2020
• ISBN: 978 0 580 96637 8
• Status: Standard

Overview

The BS EN IEC 62788-5-1:2020 standard is meticulously designed to address the critical aspects of edge seal materials used in photovoltaic modules. Edge seals play a vital role in protecting photovoltaic modules from environmental factors, ensuring longevity and optimal performance. This standard provides a structured approach to testing these materials, ensuring they meet the necessary quality and durability standards.

Why Edge Seals Matter

Edge seals are crucial components in photovoltaic modules, acting as barriers against moisture, dust, and other environmental contaminants. They help maintain the integrity of the module, preventing degradation and ensuring consistent energy output. The BS EN IEC 62788-5-1:2020 standard offers a framework for evaluating the performance of these seals, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of real-world conditions.

Comprehensive Testing Procedures

This standard outlines a series of suggested test methods tailored for edge seal materials. These procedures are designed to assess various properties, including:

• Adhesion Strength: Evaluating the bond strength between the edge seal and the module surface.
• Environmental Resistance: Testing the seal's ability to withstand exposure to moisture, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations.
• Durability: Assessing the long-term performance and stability of the edge seal under simulated operational conditions.

Benefits of Using This Standard

Adopting the BS EN IEC 62788-5-1:2020 standard offers numerous advantages for manufacturers, researchers, and quality assurance professionals in the photovoltaic industry:

• Enhanced Product Reliability: By following the standard's guidelines, manufacturers can ensure their edge seals meet high-quality benchmarks, leading to more reliable photovoltaic modules.
• Improved Performance: Properly tested edge seals contribute to the overall efficiency and performance of photovoltaic systems, maximizing energy output.
• Compliance and Certification: Adhering to this standard facilitates compliance with industry regulations and can aid in achieving relevant certifications.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN IEC 62788-5-1:2020 standard is an invaluable resource for a wide range of professionals involved in the photovoltaic industry, including:

• Manufacturers: Companies producing photovoltaic modules can use this standard to ensure their products meet industry standards for edge seal performance.
• Quality Assurance Teams: QA professionals can implement the test methods outlined in the standard to verify the quality and durability of edge seal materials.
• Researchers and Developers: Those involved in the development of new photovoltaic technologies can use the standard as a benchmark for testing innovative edge seal solutions.

Conclusion

The BS EN IEC 62788-5-1:2020 standard is a critical tool for ensuring the quality and performance of edge seals in photovoltaic modules. By providing detailed measurement procedures and suggested test methods, it helps industry professionals maintain high standards of reliability and efficiency. Whether you are a manufacturer, quality assurance specialist, or researcher, this standard is an essential addition to your toolkit, guiding you towards producing and maintaining superior photovoltaic products.

BS EN IEC 62788-5-1:2020

This standard BS EN IEC 62788-5-1:2020 Measurement procedures for materials used in photovoltaic modules is classified in these ICS categories:

• 27.160 Solar energy engineering

This part of IEC 62788 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. This moisture ingress pathway can be restricted by using a low-diffusivity material around the perimeter of a module between the impermeable front- and backsheets. Alternatively, it can be desirable to use a low-diffusivity encapsulant, which may significantly reduce moisture ingress over the lifetime of the module, and to evaluate it in a similar way to an edge seal material.

In addition to restricting moisture ingress, edge seal materials also provide electrical insulation. To perform these functions, edge seal materials are relied upon to adhere well.

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. It is not required that all of these tests be performed, but that if these measurements are made that they be performed as outlined here.