Solar Module

IEC 62994:2019 specifies definitions of terms and introduces evaluation methods for EH&S risk assessment for the PV module over the product life cycle. Environmental health and safety (EH&S) risk assessment is a method to characterize and evaluate potential adverse impacts to human health or environment and make it possible to take measures to reduce them. EH&S risk assessment of PV modules is very important for the safe and sustainable manufacture, use, and end of life treatment of PV modules. The definition of terms can be applied to the EH&S risk assessment through the life cycle of PV modules. Generally, evaluation methods for the EH&S risk assessment can be divided in two cases: - ordinary foreseen routine operation, in which life cycle assessment method is applied; - abnormal non-routine operation, in which risk assessment method is applied

IEC TS 62916:2017(E) describes a discrete component bypass diode electrostatic discharge (ESD) immunity test and data analysis method. The test method described subjects a bypass diode to a progressive ESD stress test and the analysis method provides a means for analyzing and extrapolating the resulting failures using the two-parameter Weibull distribution function. It is the object of this document to establish a common and reproducible test method for determining diode surge voltage tolerance consistent with an ESD event during the manufacturing, packaging, transportation or installation processes of PV modules.

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.

IEC TS 62804-1:2015(E) defines procedures to test and evaluate the durability of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules to the effects of short-term high-voltage stress including potential-induced degradation (PID). Two test methods are defined that do not inherently produce equivalent results. They are given as screening tests; neither test includes all the factors existing in the natural environment that can affect the PID rate. The methods describe how to achieve a constant stress level. The testing in this Technical Specification is designed for crystalline silicon PV modules with one or two glass surfaces, silicon cells having passivating dielectric layers, for degradation mechanisms involving mobile ions influencing the electric field over the silicon semiconductor, or electronically interacting with the silicon semiconductor itself.

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.

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).

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.

IEC TS 62788-2:2017(E) defines test methods and datasheet reporting requirements for safety and performance related properties (mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical and chemical) of non-rigid polymeric materials intended for use in terrestrial photovoltaic modules as polymeric frontsheets and backsheets. The test methods define how to characterize backsheet and frontsheet materials and their components in a manner representative of how they will be used in the module, which eventually includes combination with other matched components such as encapsulant or adhesives. The methods described in this document support the safety and performance related tests defined on PV module level as defined in the series IEC 61730 and IEC 61215. This document also defines test methods for assessment of inherent material characteristics of polymeric backsheets and frontsheets or their components.

IEC TS 62782:2016(E) provides a test method for performing a cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test in which the module is supported at the design support points and a uniform load normal to the module surface is cycled in alternating negative and positive directions. This test may be utilized to evaluate if components within the module including solar cells, interconnect ribbons and/or electrical bonds within the module are susceptible to breakage or if edge seals are likely to fail due to the mechanical stresses encountered during installation and operation. This test can be performed at any module temperature within the normal operating temperature range. This test has been written as a standalone technical specification, but it is likely to be used in conjunction with other test standards.

IEC TR 63279:2020 reviews research into sequential and combined accelerated stress tests that have been devised to determine the potential for degradation modes in PV modules that occur in the field that single-factor and steady-state tests do not show. This document is intended to provide data and theory-based motivation and help visualize the next steps for improved accelerated stress tests that will derisk PV module materials and designs. Any incremental savings as a result of increased reliability and reduced risk translates into lower levelized cost of electricity for PV. Lower costs will result in faster adoption of PV and the associated benefits of renewable energy.