Test

This guide is specifically prepared for a PV/engine generator hybrid power system, but may also be applicable to all hybrid power systems where there is at least one renewable power source, such as PV, and a dispatchable power source, such as an engine generator. Taper-charge parameters for PV hybrid systems are suggested to help in preparing the battery for a capacity test. A test procedure is provided to ensure appropriate data acquisition, battery characterization, and capacity measurements. Finally, a process to review test results and make appropriate decisions regarding the battery is provided. No cycle-life predictions are made.

This guide is applicable to all stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems where PV is the only charging source. Stand-alone PV system parameters and operating conditions are discussed in relation to battery characteristics and expected system performance. Charging parameters for PV systems are suggested to help in the selection of a battery for a specific application. Finally, a performance test to verify the battery selection and system parameters is provided, including discussions on how to interpret test results. Test results only provide information on initial battery performance. No cycle-life predictions are made.

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.

IEC 61215-2:2021 RLV contains both the official IEC International Standard and its Redline version. The Redline version is available in English only and provides you with a quick and easy way to compare all the changes between the official IEC Standard and its previous edition. IEC 61215-2:2021 lays down requirements for the design qualification of terrestrial photovoltaic modules suitable for long-term operation in open-air climates. This document is intended to apply to all terrestrial flat plate module materials such as crystalline silicon module types as well as thin-film modules. The objective 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. This second edition of IEC 61215-2 cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-2 issued in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a. Addition of cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load testing (MQT 20). b. Addition of a test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21). c. Addition of test methods required for bifacial PV modules. d. Addition of test methods required for flexible modules. This includes the addition of the bending test (MQT 22). e. Revision of simulator requirements to ensure uncertainty is both well-defined and minimized. f. Correction to the hot spot endurance test, where the procedure for monolithically integrated (MLI) thin film technologies (MQT 09.2) previously included two sections describing a procedure only appropriate for silicon modules. g. Selection of three diodes, rather than all, for testing in the bypass diode thermal test (MQT 18). h. Removal of the nominal module operating test (NMOT), and associated test of performance at NMOT, from the IEC 61215 series.

IEC 61215-1:2021 RLV contains both the official IEC International Standard and its Redline version. The Redline version is available in English only and provides you with a quick and easy way to compare all the changes between the official IEC Standard and its previous edition. IEC 61215-1:2021 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. This document is intended to apply to all terrestrial flat plate module materials such as crystalline silicon module types as well as thin-film modules. It does not apply to systems that are not long-term applications, such as flexible modules installed in awnings or tenting. This second edition of IEC 61215-1 cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-1, published in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a. Addition of a test taken from IEC TS 62782. b. Addition of a test taken from IEC TS 62804-1. c. Addition of test methods required for flexible modules. This includes the addition of the bending test (MQT 22). d. Addition of definitions, references and instructions on how to perform the IEC 61215 design qualification and type approval on bifacial PV modules. e. Clarification of the requirements related to power output measurements. f. Addition of weights to junction box during 200 thermal cycles. g. Requirement that retesting be performed according to IEC TS 62915. h. Removal of the nominal module operating test (NMOT), and associated test of performance at NMOT, from the IEC 61215 series.

IEC 61215-1-4:2021 RLV contains both the official IEC International Standard and its Redline version. The Redline version is available in English only and provides you with a quick and easy way to compare all the changes between the official IEC Standard and its previous edition. IEC 61215-1-4:2021 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. This document is intended to apply to all thin-film Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 based terrestrial flat plate modules. As such it addresses special requirements for testing of this technology supplementing IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021 requirements for testing. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-1-4, issued in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a. A cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) added. b. A test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21) added. c. A bending test (MQT 22) for flexible modules added. This standard is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021

IEC 61215-1-3:2021 RLV contains both the official IEC International Standard and its Redline version. The Redline version is available in English only and provides you with a quick and easy way to compare all the changes between the official IEC Standard and its previous edition. IEC 61215-1-3:2021 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. This document is intended to apply to all thin-film amorphous silicon (a-Si; a-Si/µc-Si) based terrestrial flat plate modules. As such, it addresses special requirements for testing of this technology supplementing IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021 requirements for testing. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-1-3, issued in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a. A cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) added. b. A test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21) added. c. A bending test (MQT 22) for flexible modules.

IEC 61215-1-2:2021 RLV contains both the official IEC International Standard and its Redline version. The Redline version is available in English only and provides you with a quick and easy way to compare all the changes between the official IEC Standard and its previous edition. IEC 61215-1-2:2021 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. This document is intended to apply to all thin-film CdTe based terrestrial flat plate modules. As such, it addresses special requirements for testing of this technology supplementing IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021 requirements for testing. This document defines PV technology dependent modifications to the testing procedures and requirements per IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-1-2, issued in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a. A cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) added. b. A test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21) added. c. A bending test (MQT 22) for flexible modules added.

IEC 61215-1-1:2021 RLV contains both the official IEC International Standard and its Redline version. The Redline version is available in English only and provides you with a quick and easy way to compare all the changes between the official IEC Standard and its previous edition. IEC 61215-1-1:2021 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. This document is intended to apply to all crystalline silicon terrestrial flat plate modules. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-1-1, issued in 2016. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a. A cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) added. b. A test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21) added. c. A bending test (MQT 22) for flexible modules added. d. A procedure for stress specific stabilization – BO LID (MQT 19.3) added. e. A final stabilization procedure for modules undergoing PID testing added