IEC 61215 is a series of standards developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) specifically for the design qualification and type approval of terrestrial crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules. These standards aim to ensure the performance, reliability, and durability of PV modules during long-term outdoor use. The IEC 61215 standards consist of multiple parts, covering aspects such as test requirements, test procedures, and special requirements.

The purpose of the IEC 61215 standards is to provide a unified evaluation framework, enabling PV module manufacturers, suppliers, installers, and users to ensure that PV modules meet specific performance and safety requirements. These standards help reduce risks in PV systems, improve their long-term stability, and facilitate international trade and technical exchange of PV modules.

The main content of the IEC 61215 standards includes:

Test Requirements:

Includes requirements for testing the electrical, mechanical, and thermal performance of PV modules.

Test Procedures:

Describes in detail how to conduct various tests to evaluate the performance of PV modules.

Special Requirements:

Proposes specific test requirements for different types of PV modules (e.g., crystalline silicon PV modules, thin-film PV modules).

With the rapid development of PV technology, the IEC 61215 standards are continuously updated to accommodate new materials, designs, and manufacturing technologies. For example, the IEC 61215:2021 version, released in 2021, includes test requirements for new types of PV modules such as bifacial and flexible modules. The testing process is illustrated in Figure 1 below, showing the number of components required and the test sequence.

The updates and implementation of the IEC 61215 standards contribute to the healthy development of the PV industry, improving the overall quality and market competitiveness of PV products. By adhering to these standards, PV module manufacturers can ensure the mutual recognition and consistency of their products in the global market, thereby promoting the widespread application of PV technology.

Figure 1. Number of Components Required and Test Sequence

The following equipment is required for IEC 61215 standard testing:

Environmental Reliability Testing:

✔ Thermal Cycling Environmental Test Chamber (MQT11)

✔ Damp Heat and Freeze Environmental Test Chamber (MQT12)

✔ High Temperature and Humidity Environmental Test Chamber (MQT13) 

Mechanical Stress Testing:

✔ Static Mechanical Load Tester (MQT16)

✔ Dynamic Mechanical Load Tester (MQT16)

✔ Terminal Strength Tester (MQT14)

✔ Hail Impact Tester (MQT17)  

Photoelectric Performance Testing:

✔ Light Degradation Test Chamber (MQT09)

✔ UV Aging Test Chamber (MQT10)

✔ Insulation Voltage Withstand Tester (MQT03)

✔ Wet Leakage Current Tester (MQT15)

✔ Bypass Diode Thermal Performance Tester (MQT18)

✔ Power Continuity Monitor (MQT10/11/16/20/22)

✔ Potential Induced Degradation Tester (MQT21)