BS EN 61646:1997 Thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval
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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 moderate open-air climates
as defined in IEC 721-2-1. It is written with amorphous silicon technology in mind, but may also be
applicable to other thin-film PV modules. Modifications to this test sequence may be necessary due to the
specific characteristics of these other new technologies.
The test sequence is based largely on that specified in IEC 1215 for the design qualification and type
approval of terrestrial crystalline silicon PV modules. However, some changes have been made to account
for the special features of amorphous silicon thin-film modules. Light-soaking is used to separate
light-induced degradation from other degradation mechanisms, and to provide the maximum power at the
end of the test sequence as an estimate of the long-term performance of thin-film modules. Modules are
annealed before thermal cycling and damp heat tests in order to separate the annealing effects from any
degradation resulting from these tests. For thin-film technologies other than amorphous silicon,
pretreatments such as light-soaking and annealing may differ or may prove unnecessary. A wet leakage
current test has been added because all types of thin-film modules are susceptible to moisture-induced
corrosion.
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.
This standard does not apply to modules used with concentrators.
