Performance standards for PV technology

Under the JNNSM, MNRE has mentioned certain technical requirements for selection of PV module for grid connected power plant

Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Modules     IEC 61215

Thin Film Modules                                      IEC 61646    

Concentric PV modules                              IEC 62108

In addition for safety qualification test    IEC 61730

         For Highly corrosive atmosphere    IEC 61701

But what exactly IEC stand for?

What kinds of tests are carried out for what purpose?

Do those standards also define ‘reliability’ of the module?

 Are IEC standards sufficient for comparison of module ‘quality’?

As a part of emerging market many similar questions are unclear in the industry, though due to the custom or branding it is followed by manufacturer and developers. But on the long term scenario those questions should be clear.  

The design qualification is responsible to represent the ‘performance’ capability of the module under standard climate condition. So despite of having defined climate condition if someone is considering its module performance future under the basis of IEC standards results then it may prove wrong. 

There is another concern about modules ‘reliability’ which is ambiguously related to the ‘quality’. But in reality both are quite different term, in fact there isn’t any standard introduced to claim modules reliability. Reliability is neither defined, nor covered by the existing IEC standards. Experts from manufacturers, testing institutes and standardization bodies are coming together in an effort to elaborate the basis for a PV reliability standard.

IEC 61215 has been designed based on crystalline silicon (c-si) technology, while IEC 61646 is on amorphous silicon (a-si) technology such as CIGS, CdTe etc. Both standards require that samples for testing be taken at random from a production batch (accordingly IEC 60410)

In the following articles we will explain important tests and its requirements Along with few insights about other accelerated stress tests, qualification tests like JPL block buys tests and limitations of IEC 61215/61646

  

  Tests carried out under the Performance standards IEC 61215/61646

·       Diagnostic: Visual inspection, Hot spot.

·       Electrical: Insulation resistance, Wet leakage current

·       Performance: Pmax at STC, Temperature coefficients,  NOCT, Pmax at low irradiance.

·       Thermal: Bypass diode test, Hot spot.

·       Irradiance: Outdoor exposure, UV exposure, Light soaking.

·       Environmental: Temperature cycles, Humidity freeze, Damp heat.

·       Mechanical: Mechanical load, Robustness of terminations, Hail impact.

       

                                                   ,,,,,,,,,,,, TO BE COUNTINUED