CEI EN 61646

BILINGUAL

Scope and object

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 general
open-air climates as defined in IEC 60721-2-1. This standard is
intended to apply to all terrestrial flat plate module materials
not covered by IEC 61215.

The test sequence is derived from IEC 61215 for the design
qualification and type approval of terrestrial crystalline silicon
PV modules. However, it no longer relies on meeting a plus/minus
criterion before and after each test, but rather on meeting a
specified percentage of the rated minimum power after all of the
tests have been completed and the modules have been lightsoaked.
This eliminates the technology-specific preconditioning necessary
to accurately measure the changes caused by the test.

This standard does not apply to modules used with
concentrators.

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.