Safety Testing of Photovoltaic Technologies
Most test procedures for photovoltaic modules contain two main aspects. In most cases a “design qualification and type approval” is combined with a “safety evaluation” as a requirement to place a product onto the major markets across the world.
The available qualification procedures are explained in the following paragraphs. These standards vary based on the technology of the product. The tests according to these standards are performed on selected test samples in TÜV accredited laboratories to verify that they are in accordance with the relevant standards and requirements.
The test mark is issued for the application of selected test criteria. Which of the specified test criteria were applied is documented next to the test mark. Furthermore TÜV experts perform periodic quality and production control at the manufacturing site(s). Through this effort, it is ensured that all produced PV modules are manufactured with the same materials and processes and at the same quality level as the test samples tested at the laboratory.
Published on Oct 1, 2004 This part of IEC 61730 describes the testing requirements for photovoltaic (PV) modules in order to provide safe electrical and mechanical operation during their expected lifetime. Specific topics are provided to assess the prevention of electrical shock, fire hazards, and personal injury due to mechanical and environmental stresses. IEC 61730-1 pertains to the particular requirements of construction. This part of IEC 61730 outlines the requirements of testing.
This standard attempts to define the basic requirements for various application classes of photovoltaic modules, but it cannot be considered to encompass all national or regional building codes. The specific requirements for marine and vehicle applications are not covered. This standard is not applicable to modules with integrated AC inverters (AC modules).
This standard is designed so that its test sequence can co-ordinate with those of IEC 61215 or IEC 61646, so that a single set of samples may be used to perform both the safety and performance evaluation of a photovoltaic module design.
The test-sequences of this standard are arranged in an optimal way so that tests of IEC 61215 or IEC 61646 can be used as basic preconditioning tests.
Published in Mar 15, 2002, these requirements cover flat-plate photovoltaic modules and panels intended for installation on or integral with buildings, or to be freestanding (that is, not attached to buildings), in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, and Model Building Codes.
Currently Safety Standards are under development for Concentrated Photovoltaic Modules and Assemblies by a number of industry experts including members of TUV’s international groups. The requirement currently under consideration cover concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies that concentrate light on a target PV cell(s) for use in general and restricted areas in accordance with the unit's installation instructions.
The intended requirements will address concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies intended for installation in accordance with their installation instructions on or integral with buildings, or to be freestanding (i.e. not attached to buildings), in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, and model building codes.
