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You can reach us directly by calling our toll-free number 1-800-TUV-0123 from anywhere in North America. TÜV SÜD America's photovoltaic testing and certification capabilities include the following scopes: IEC 61215-1 | IEC 61646 | IEC 61730-1 | IEC 61730-2 |IEC 61215/61646 test sequence
A standard for thin-film modules has been published as IEC 61646. The object of this test sequence is to determine the electrical and thermal characteristics of the module and to show, as far as is possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the module is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure in climates described in the scope. The actual lifetime expectancy of modules so qualified will depend. IEC 61646 This International Standard lays down requirements for the design qualification and type approval of terrestrial thin-film photovoltaic modules suitable for long-term operation in moderate open-air climates as defined in IEC 721-2-1. It is written with amorphous silicon technology in mind, but may also be applicable to other thin-film PV modules. Modifications to this test sequence may be necessary due to the specific characteristics of these other new technologies. The test sequence is based largely on that specified in IEC 61215 for the design qualification and type approval of terrestrial crystalline silicon PV modules. However, some changes have been made to account for the special features of amorphous silicon thin-film modules. Light soaking is used to separate light-induced degradation from other degradation mechanisms, and to provide the maximum power at the end of the test sequence as an estimate of the long-term performance of thin-film modules. Modules are annealed before thermal cycling and damp heat tests in order to separate the annealing effects from any degradation resulting from these tests. For thin-film technologies other than amorphous silicon, pretreatments such as light-soaking and annealing may differ or may prove unnecessary. A wet leakage current test has been added because all types of thin-film modules are susceptible to moisture-induced corrosion. The object of this test sequence is to determine the electrical and thermal 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 in climates described in the scope. The actual life expectancy of modules so qualified will depend on their design, their environment and the conditions under which they are operated. IEC 61730-1 This part of IEC 61730 describes the fundamental construction requirements for photovoltaic (PV) modules 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 part of IEC 61730 pertains to the particular requirements of construction. IEC 61730-2 outlines the requirements of testing. This standard attempts to define the basic requirements for various application classes of PV modules, but it cannot be considered to encompass all national or regional building codes. The specific requirements for marine and vehicle applications are not covered. This standard is not applicable to modules with integrated AC inverters (AC modules). This standard is designed so that its test sequence can coordinate with those of IEC 61215 or IEC 61646, so that a single set of samples may be used to perform both the safety and performance evaluation of a photovoltaic module design. The object of this document is to provide basic guidance in certifying the fundamental construction of photovoltaic modules presented for safety approval by testing under IEC 61730-2. These requirements are intended to minimize the misapplication and misuse of modules or the breakdown of internal components which would result in fire, electric shock and personal injury. The standard defines the basic safety construction requirements and additional tests that are a function of the module end-use applications. Component requirements are intended to provide evidence of performance of that component appropriate to its application in the module construction and environment. NOTE The additional construction requirements outlined in relevant ISO standards, or the national or local codes which govern the installation and use of these modules in their intended locations, should be considered in addition to the requirements contained within this document. IEC 61730-2 This part of IEC 61730 describes the testing requirements for photovoltaic (PV) modules 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. IEC 61730-1 pertains to the particular requirements of construction. This part of IEC 61730 outlines the requirements of testing. This standard attempts to define the basic requirements for various application classes of photovoltaic modules, but it cannot be considered to encompass all national or regional building codes. The specific requirements for marine and vehicle applications are not covered. This standard is not applicable to modules with integrated AC inverters (AC modules). 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 safety and performance evaluation of a photovoltaic module design. The test-sequences of this standard are arranged in an optimal way so that tests of IEC 61215 or IEC 61646 can be used as basic preconditioning tests. NOTE 1: The sequence of tests required in this standard may not test for all possible safety aspects associated with the use of PV modules in all possible applications. This standard utilizes the best sequence of tests available at the time of its writing. There are some issues, such as the potential danger of electric shock posed by a broken module in a high voltage system, that should be addressed by the systems design, location, restrictions on access and maintenance procedures. The object of this document is to provide the testing sequence intended to verify the safety of PV modules whose construction has been assessed by IEC 61730-1. The test sequence and pass criteria are designed to detect the potential breakdown of internal and external components of PV modules that would result in fire, electric shock and personal injury. The standard defines the basic safety test requirements and additional tests that are a function of the module end-use applications. Test categories include general inspection, electrical shock hazard, fire hazard, mechanical stress, and environmental stress. NOTE 2: The additional testing requirements outlined in relevant ISO standards, or the national or local codes which govern the installation and use of these modules in their intended locations, should be considered in addition to the requirements contained within this document.
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