Solar Power

IEC 62788-1-6:2017+A1:2020 defines the terminology, test equipment, test environment, specimen preparation, test procedures, and test report for measuring the degree of cure of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) encapsulation sheet used in photovoltaic (PV) modules. The differential scanning calorimetry (both residual enthalpy and melt/freeze protocols) and gel content methods are included herein. This procedure can be used by material- or module-manufacturers to verify that the cross-linking additive is present and is active. The procedure can also be used to verify the module manufacturing (lamination) process for the purposes of quality- and process-control. The procedure can also be used to assess the uniformity of the EVA formulation within a roll as well as to compare variation of the EVA formulation from roll to roll. This consolidated version consists of the first edition (2017) and its amendment 1 (2020). Therefore, no need to order amendment in addition to this publication.

IEC 62788-1-5:2016 provides a method for measuring the maximum representative change in linear dimensions of encapsulation sheet material in an unrestricted thermal exposure as might or might not be seen during photovoltaic (PV) module fabrication. Data obtained using this method may be used by encapsulation material manufacturers for the purpose of quality control of their encapsulation material as well as for reporting in product datasheets. Data obtained using this method may be used by PV module manufacturers for the purpose of material acceptance, process development, design analysis, or failure analysis. The contents of the corrigendum of July 2017 have been included in this copy.

IEC 62788-1-4:2016+A1:2020 provides a method for measurement of the optical transmittance of encapsulation materials used in photovoltaic (PV) modules. The standardized measurements in this procedure quantify the expected transmittance of the encapsulation to the PV cell. Subsequent calculation of solar-weighted transmittance allows for comparison between different materials. The results for unweathered material may be used in an encapsulation manufacturer's datasheets, in manufacturer's material or process development, in manufacturing quality control (material acceptance), or applied in the analysis of module performance. This measurement method can also be used to monitor the performance of encapsulation materials after weathering, to help assess their durability. This consolidated version consists of the first edition (2016) and its amendment 1 (2020). Therefore, no need to order amendment in addition to this publication.

IEC 62788-1 2:2016 provides a method and guidelines for measuring the volume resistivity of materials used as encapsulation, edge seals, front-sheets, backsheets, or any other insulating material in a photovoltaic (PV) module. The test is performed on dry, humid or wet preconditioned samples. In the case of frontsheets and backsheets comprised of multiple layers, the measured resistivity is an effective value. This test is designed for room temperature measurement, but can also be utilized at higher temperatures.

IEC 62787:2021 specifies the minimum requirements for the qualification of concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) cells and Cell on Carrier (CoC) assemblies for incorporation into CPV receivers, modules and systems. The object of this qualification standard is to determine the optoelectronic, mechanical, thermal, and processing characteristics of CPV cells and CoCs to show that they are capable of withstanding assembly processes and CPV application environments. The qualification tests of this document are designed to demonstrate that cells or CoCs are suitable for typical assembly processes, and when properly assembled, are capable of passing IEC 62108. This document defines qualification testing for two levels of concentrator photovoltaic device assembly: a) cell, or bare cell; and b) cell on carrier (CoC).

IEC 62759-1:2015 describes methods for the simulation of transportation of complete package units of modules and combined subsequent environmental impacts. This standard is designed so that its test sequence can co-ordinate with those of IEC 61215 or IEC 61646, so that a single set of samples may be used to perform both the transportation simulation and performance evaluation of a photovoltaic module design.

IEC 62716:2013 describes test sequences useful to determine the resistance of PV modules to ammonia (NH3). All tests included in the sequences, except the bypass diode functionality test, are fully described in IEC 61215, IEC 61646 and IEC 61730-2. They are combined in this standard to provide means to evaluate possible faults caused in PV modules when operating under wet atmospheres having high concentration of dissolved ammonia (NH3). The contents of the corrigendum of May 2014 have been included in this copy.

IEC 62688:2017 describes the fundamental construction and testing requirements for Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies in order to provide safe electrical and mechanical operation during their expected lifetime. Specific topics are provided to assess the prevention of electrical shock, fire hazards, and personal injury due to mechanical and environmental stresses. This document attempts to define the basic requirements for various application classes of concentrator photovoltaic modules and assemblies, but does not encompass all national and regional codes. This document is designed so that its test sequence can coordinate with those of IEC 62108, so that a single set of samples may be used to perform both the safety and performance evaluation of a CPV module and assembly.

IEC 62670-3:2017 defines measurement procedures and instrumentation for determining concentrator photovoltaic performance at concentrator standard operating conditions (CSOC) and concentrator standard test conditions (CSTC), defined in IEC 62670-1, including power ratings.

IEC 62670-2:2015 specifies the minimum requirements for determining the energy output and performance ratio for CPV modules, arrays, assemblies and power plants using an on-sun, measurement based method. This International Standard is intended to define testing methods, to establish a standard energy measurement for CPV modules, arrays, assemblies and power plants, and to specify the minimum reporting information.