CEI EN IEC 61701

Photovoltaic (PV) modules are electrical devices normally intended for continuous outdoor exposure during their lifetime. Highly corrosive wet atmospheres, such as marine environments or locations near the ocean or other large bodies of salt water, could eventually degrade some of the PV module components (corrosion of metallic parts, deterioration of the properties of some non-metallic materials – such as protective coatings and plastics – by assimilation of salts, etc.) causing permanent degradation that could impair their functioning. Temporary corrosive atmospheres are also present in places where salt is used in winter periods to melt ice formations on streets and roads.

This document describes test sequences useful to determine the resistance of different PV modules to corrosion from salt mist containing Cl (NaCl, MgCl₂, etc.). All tests included in the sequences are fully described in IEC 61215-2, IEC 62108, IEC 61730-2 and IEC 60068-2-52. The bypass diode functionality test in this document is modified from its description in IEC 61215-2. They are combined in this document to provide means to evaluate possible faults caused in PV modules when operating under wet atmospheres having high concentration of dissolved salt (NaCl). Depending on the specific nature of the surrounding atmosphere to which the module is exposed in real operation several testing methods can be applied, as defined in IEC 60068-2-52. Guidance for determining the applicability of this document and selecting an appropriate method is provided in Annex A.

This document can be applied to both flat plate PV modules and concentrator PV modules and assemblies.