Which standards do PV Environmental Chambers comply with?

PV environmental chambers play a crucial role in the photovoltaic industry, ensuring the reliability and durability of solar panels and related components. These specialized chambers simulate various environmental conditions to test the performance and longevity of PV modules. As manufacturers and researchers strive for excellence in solar technology, adhering to industry standards is paramount. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the key standards that PV environmental chambers must comply with to meet global quality and safety requirements.

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standards

IEC 61215: Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules - Design Qualification and Type Approval

This standard is a fundamental component of PV module testing, establishing rigorous procedures to evaluate the long-term reliability of photovoltaic modules under various environmental conditions. It encompasses a wide range of tests, including thermal cycling, damp heat exposure, and humidity freeze conditions. PV environmental chambers used in this testing must simulate extreme temperature fluctuations and other harsh conditions to ensure that the modules can withstand real-world environmental stresses over their expected lifespan.

IEC 61730: Photovoltaic Module Safety Qualification

Safety is a top priority in the development and deployment of PV technology, and IEC 61730 addresses this crucial aspect. This standard ensures that PV modules meet strict safety requirements to protect users and systems from potential hazards. The testing procedures include temperature cycling, humidity-freeze cycling, and hot-spot endurance tests. PV environmental chambers must maintain precise environmental controls to conduct these tests accurately, ensuring the safety of PV modules in various operating conditions.

IEC 62108: Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) Modules and Assemblies - Design Qualification and Type Approval

For concentrated photovoltaic systems, IEC 62108 sets the benchmark for design qualification and type approval. This standard is specifically tailored to the unique requirements of CPV modules, which operate under concentrated solar radiation. The standard includes intense thermal cycling, damp heat exposure, and humidity freeze tests. PV environmental chambers used in CPV testing must be capable of handling the high-temperature operations and rapid temperature changes typical of concentrated solar applications. These chambers must provide a controlled environment that accurately simulates the challenging conditions CPV modules will face in the field.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards

ASTM E1171: Standard Test Methods for Photovoltaic Modules in Cyclic Temperature and Humidity Environments

This ASTM standard focuses on evaluating the effects of cyclic temperature and humidity on PV modules. PV environmental chambers must be equipped to provide precise control over temperature and humidity levels, often cycling between extremes to simulate real-world conditions. The chambers should be able to maintain consistent environmental parameters throughout extended test periods.

ASTM E1830: Standard Test Methods for Determining Mechanical Integrity of Photovoltaic Modules

Mechanical integrity is crucial for PV module longevity. PV environmental chambers used for these tests must be able to accommodate various mechanical stress simulations, including static loading and dynamic mechanical loading. The chambers should be designed to allow for the integration of specialized testing equipment while maintaining environmental control.

ASTM E2527: Standard Test Method for Electrical Performance of Concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Systems Under Natural Sunlight

While primarily focused on outdoor testing, this standard also involves controlled environment testing. PV environmental chambers used in conjunction with this standard must be able to simulate specific temperature and irradiance conditions to complement outdoor measurements. The chambers should have the capability to replicate standardized test conditions for accurate performance comparisons.

Additional International and Regional Standards

UL 1703: Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) sets stringent safety standards for PV modules. PV environmental chambers used for UL 1703 testing must be capable of conducting temperature cycling, humidity freeze, and damp heat tests. These chambers need to maintain precise environmental control to ensure compliance with UL's rigorous safety requirements.

JIS C 8990: Crystalline Solar Photovoltaic Modules - Design Qualification and Type Approval (Japanese Industrial Standard)

In the Japanese market, the JIS C 8990 standard is crucial. PV environmental chambers must be able to perform specific environmental stress tests outlined in this standard, including temperature cycling, damp heat, and humidity freeze tests. The chambers should be calibrated to meet the precise specifications required by Japanese regulatory bodies.

EN 61215: Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules - Design Qualification and Type Approval (European Standard)

The European version of IEC 61215, this standard is essential for PV modules in the European market. PV Environmental Chambers must be capable of conducting all tests specified in EN 61215, including UV preconditioning, thermal cycling, and humidity-freeze testing. The chambers should be designed to meet the specific requirements of European certification bodies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PV environmental chambers are indispensable tools in ensuring the quality, reliability, and safety of photovoltaic modules. By complying with these international and regional standards, manufacturers can guarantee that their PV products meet the highest industry benchmarks. As solar technology continues to evolve, these standards will likely adapt, requiring ongoing advancements in PV environmental chamber capabilities.

LIB Industry is committed to providing cutting-edge PV Environmental Chambers that meet and exceed these global standards. Our turn-key solutions encompass research, design, production, commissioning, delivery, installation, and training, ensuring that our customers receive comprehensive support throughout their testing processes. For more information about our PV Environmental Chambers and how they comply with industry standards, please contact us at info@libtestchamber.com.

References

1. International Electrotechnical Commission. (2021). IEC 61215: Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval.

2. American Society for Testing and Materials. (2019). ASTM E1171: Standard Test Methods for Photovoltaic Modules in Cyclic Temperature and Humidity Environments.

3. Underwriters Laboratories. (2020). UL 1703: Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels.

4. Japanese Industrial Standards Committee. (2018). JIS C 8990: Crystalline solar photovoltaic modules - Design qualification and type approval.

5. European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization. (2021). EN 61215: Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval.

6. International Electrotechnical Commission. (2020). IEC 62108: Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies - Design qualification and type approval.