IEC 61215-1-1

®
Edition 2.0 2021-02
REDLINE VERSION

INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD

colour
inside

Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –

Part 1-1: Special requirements for testing of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV)
modules

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION

ICS 27.160 ISBN 978-2-8322-9487-1

Warning! Make sure that you obtained this publication from an authorized distributor.

® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission

 –2– IEC 61215-1-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021

CONTENTS

FOREWORD ........................................................................................................................... 4
1 Scope and object ............................................................................................................. 6
2 Normative references ...................................................................................................... 7
3 Terms and definitions ...................................................................................................... 7
4 Test samples ................................................................................................................... 7
5 Marking and documentation ............................................................................................. 7
6 Testing ............................................................................................................................ 7
7 Pass criteria .................................................................................................................... 7
8 Major visual defects ......................................................................................................... 7
9 Report ............................................................................................................................. 7
10 Modifications ................................................................................................................... 7
11 Test flow and procedures ................................................................................................ 8
11.1 Visual inspection (MQT 01) ..................................................................................... 8
11.2 Maximum power determination (MQT 02) ................................................................ 8
11.3 Insulation test (MQT 03) ......................................................................................... 8
11.4 Measurement of temperature coefficients (MQT 04) ................................................ 8
11.5 Measurement of nominal module operating temperature (NMOT) (MQT 05)
Placeholder section, formerly NMOT ....................................................................... 8
11.6 Performance at STC (MQT 06.1) and NMOT (MQT 06.2) ........................................ 8
11.7 Performance at low irradiance (MQT 07) ................................................................. 8
11.8 Outdoor exposure test (MQT 08) ............................................................................. 8
11.9 Hot-spot endurance test (MQT 09) .......................................................................... 8
11.9.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................... 8
11.9.2 Classification of cell interconnection ................................................................ 8
11.9.3 Apparatus ........................................................................................................ 8
11.9.4 Procedure ........................................................................................................ 9
11.9.5 Final measurements ........................................................................................ 9
11.9.6 Requirements .................................................................................................. 9
11.10 UV preconditioning test (MQT 10) ........................................................................... 9
11.11 Thermal cycling test (MQT 11) ................................................................................ 9
11.12 Humidity-freeze test (MQT 12) ................................................................................ 9
11.13 Damp heat test (MQT 13) ........................................................................................ 9
11.14 Robustness of terminations test (MQT 14) ............................................................ 10
11.15 Wet leakage current test (MQT 15) ....................................................................... 10
11.16 Static mechanical load test (MQT 16) .................................................................... 10
11.17 Hail test (MQT 17) ................................................................................................ 10
11.18 Bypass diode thermal testing (MQT 18) ................................................................ 10
11.19 Stabilization (MQT 19) .......................................................................................... 10
11.19.1 Criterion definition for stabilization ................................................................. 10
11.19.2 Light induced stabilization procedures ........................................................... 10
11.19.3 Other stabilization procedures ....................................................................... 10
11.19.4 Initial stabilization (MQT 19.1) ....................................................................... 10
11.19.5 Final stabilization (MQT 19.2) ........................................................................ 11
11.20 Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) ................................................... 12
11.21 Potential induced degradation test (MQT 21) ........................................................ 12
IEC 61215-1-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021 –3–

11.22 Bending test (MQT 22) .......................................................................................... 12

Figure 1 – Flow chart summary of MQT 19.2 ......................................................................... 12

 –4– IEC 61215-1-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________

TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –

DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL –

Part 1-1: Special requirements for testing of crystalline

silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as "IEC Publication(s)"). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of
IEC Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other
IEC Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes made to
the previous edition IEC 61215-1-1.2016. A vertical bar appears in the margin wherever a change
has been made. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough red text.
IEC 61215-1-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021 –5–

International Standard IEC 61215-1-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 82: Solar
photovoltaic energy systems.

This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-1-1, issued in 2016, and
constitutes a technical revision.

This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:

a) A cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) added.

b) A test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21) added.
c) A bending test (MQT 22) for flexible modules added.
d) A procedure for stress specific stabilization – BO LID (MQT 19.3) added.
e) A final stabilization procedure for modules undergoing PID testing added.

Informative Annex A of IEC 61215-1:2021 explains the background and reasoning behind some
of the more substantial changes that were made in the IEC 61215 series in progressing from
edition 1 to edition 2.

The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:

FDIS Report on voting

82/1824/FDIS 82/1849/RVD

Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.

This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

This standard is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021.

A list of all parts in the IEC 61215 series, published under the general title Terrestrial
photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval, can be found on the
IEC website.

The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be

• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.

IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates that it
contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding of its
contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.
 –6– IEC 61215-1-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021

TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –

DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL –

Part 1-1: Special requirements for testing of crystalline

silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules

1 Scope and object

This part of IEC 61215 lays down IEC requirements for the design qualification and type
approval of terrestrial 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 crystalline silicon
terrestrial flat plate modules.

This standard does not apply to modules used with concentrated sunlight although it may be
utilized for low concentrator modules (1 to 3 suns). For low concentration modules, all tests are
performed using the current, voltage and power levels expected at the design concentration.

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 lifetime expectancy of modules so qualified will depend on their design, their environment
and the conditions under which they are operated.

This document lays down requirements for the design qualification of terrestrial photovoltaic
modules suitable for long-term operation in open-air climates. The useful service life of modules
so qualified will depend on their design, their environment and the conditions under which they
are operated. Test results are not construed as a quantitative prediction of module lifetime. In
climates where 98 th percentile operating temperatures exceed 70 °C, users are recommended
to consider testing to higher temperature test conditions as described in IEC TS 63126.

Users desiring qualification of PV products with lesser lifetime expectations are recommended
to consider testing designed for PV in consumer electronics, as described in IEC 63163 (under
development). Users wishing to gain confidence that the characteristics tested in IEC 61215
appear consistently in a manufactured product may wish to utilize IEC 62941 regarding quality
systems in PV manufacturing.

This document is intended to apply to all crystalline silicon terrestrial flat plate modules.

This document does not apply to modules used with concentrated sunlight although it may be
utilized for low concentrator modules (1 to 3 suns). For low concentration modules, all tests are
performed using the irradiance, current, voltage and power levels expected at the design
concentration.

The objective of this test sequence is to determine the electrical 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 outdoors. Accelerated test conditions are
empirically based on those necessary to reproduce selected observed field failures and are
applied equally across module types. Acceleration factors may vary with product design and
thus not all degradation mechanisms may manifest. Further general information on accelerated
test methods including definitions of terms may be found in IEC 62506.

Some long-term degradation mechanisms can only reasonably be detected via component
testing, due to long times required to produce the failure and necessity of stress conditions that
are expensive to produce over large areas. Component tests that have reached a sufficient
IEC 61215-1-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021 –7–

level of maturity to set pass/fail criteria with high confidence are incorporated into the IEC 61215
series via addition to Table 1 in IEC 61215-1:2021. In contrast, the tests procedures described
in this series, in IEC 61215-2, are performed on modules.

This document defines PV technology dependent modifications to the testing procedures and
requirements per IEC 61215-1:20162021 and IEC 61215-2:20162021.

2 Normative references

The normative references of IEC 61215-1:20162021 and IEC 61215-2:20162021 are applicable
without modifications.

3 Terms and definitions

This clause of IEC 61215-1:20162021 is applicable without modifications.

4 Test samples

This clause of IEC 61215-1:20162021 is applicable without modifications.

5 Marking and documentation

This clause of IEC 61215-1:20162021 is applicable without modifications.

6 Testing

This clause of IEC 61215-1:20162021 is applicable without modifications.

7 Pass criteria

This clause of IEC 61215-1:20162021 is applicable without with the modifications listed below:

The maximum allowable value of reproducibility is set to r = 1,0 %.

The maximum allowable value of measurement uncertainty is set to m 1 = 3,0 %.

8 Major visual defects

This clause of IEC 61215-1:20162021 is applicable without modifications.

9 Report

This clause of IEC 61215-1:20162021 is applicable without modifications.

10 Modifications

This clause of IEC 61215-1:20162021 is applicable without modifications.

 IEC 61215-1-1
®
Edition 2.0 2021-02

INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD

Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval –

Part 1-1: Special requirements for testing of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV)
modules
IEC 61215-1-1:2021-02(en)
 –2– IEC 61215-1-1:2021 © IEC 2021

CONTENTS

FOREWORD ........................................................................................................................... 4
1 Scope .............................................................................................................................. 6
2 Normative references ...................................................................................................... 6
3 Terms and definitions ...................................................................................................... 7
4 Test samples ................................................................................................................... 7
5 Marking and documentation ............................................................................................. 7
6 Testing ............................................................................................................................ 7
7 Pass criteria .................................................................................................................... 7
8 Major visual defects ......................................................................................................... 7
9 Report ............................................................................................................................. 7
10 Modifications ................................................................................................................... 7
11 Test flow and procedures ................................................................................................ 7
11.1 Visual inspection (MQT 01) ..................................................................................... 7
11.2 Maximum power determination (MQT 02) ................................................................ 7
11.3 Insulation test (MQT 03) ......................................................................................... 7
11.4 Measurement of temperature coefficients (MQT 04) ................................................ 8
11.5 Placeholder section, formerly NMOT ....................................................................... 8
11.6 Performance at STC (MQT 06.1) ............................................................................. 8
11.7 Performance at low irradiance (MQT 07) ................................................................. 8
11.8 Outdoor exposure test (MQT 08) ............................................................................. 8
11.9 Hot-spot endurance test (MQT 09) .......................................................................... 8
11.9.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................... 8
11.9.2 Classification of cell interconnection ................................................................ 8
11.9.3 Apparatus ........................................................................................................ 8
11.9.4 Procedure ........................................................................................................ 8
11.9.5 Final measurements ........................................................................................ 8
11.9.6 Requirements .................................................................................................. 8
11.10 UV preconditioning test (MQT 10) ........................................................................... 8
11.11 Thermal cycling test (MQT 11) ................................................................................ 9
11.12 Humidity-freeze test (MQT 12) ................................................................................ 9
11.13 Damp heat test (MQT 13) ........................................................................................ 9
11.14 Robustness of terminations(MQT 14) ...................................................................... 9
11.15 Wet leakage current test (MQT 15) ......................................................................... 9
11.16 Static mechanical load test (MQT 16) ...................................................................... 9
11.17 Hail test (MQT 17) .................................................................................................. 9
11.18 Bypass diode testing (MQT 18) ............................................................................... 9
11.19 Stabilization (MQT 19) .......................................................................................... 10
11.19.1 Criterion definition for stabilization ................................................................. 10
11.19.2 Light induced stabilization procedures ........................................................... 10
11.19.3 Other stabilization procedures ....................................................................... 10
11.19.4 Initial stabilization (MQT 19.1) ....................................................................... 10
11.19.5 Final stabilization (MQT 19.2) ........................................................................ 10
11.20 Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) ................................................... 12
11.21 Potential induced degradation test (MQT 21) ........................................................ 12
11.22 Bending test (MQT 22) .......................................................................................... 12
IEC 61215-1-1:2021 © IEC 2021 –3–

Figure 1 – Flow chart summary of MQT 19.2 ......................................................................... 12

 –4– IEC 61215-1-1:2021 © IEC 2021

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________

TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –

DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL –

Part 1-1: Special requirements for testing of crystalline

silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as
"IEC Publication(s)"). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee
interested in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and
non-governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates
closely with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined
by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of
IEC Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other
IEC Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

International Standard IEC 61215-1-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 82:
Solar photovoltaic energy systems.

This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61215-1-1, issued in 2016,
and constitutes a technical revision.

This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:

a) A cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) added.

b) A test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21) added.
c) A bending test (MQT 22) for flexible modules added.
d) A procedure for stress specific stabilization – BO LID (MQT 19.3) added.
IEC 61215-1-1:2021 © IEC 2021 –5–

e) A final stabilization procedure for modules undergoing PID testing added.

Informative Annex A of IEC 61215-1:2021 explains the background and reasoning behind
some of the more substantial changes that were made in the IEC 61215 series in progressing
from edition 1 to edition 2.

The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:

FDIS Report on voting

82/1824/FDIS 82/1849/RVD

Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.

This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

This standard is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021.

A list of all parts in the IEC 61215 series, published under the general title Terrestrial
photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval, can be found on the
IEC website.

The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be

• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
 –6– IEC 61215-1-1:2021 © IEC 2021

TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES –

DESIGN QUALIFICATION AND TYPE APPROVAL –

Part 1-1: Special requirements for testing of crystalline

silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules

1 Scope

This document lays down requirements for the design qualification of terrestrial photovoltaic
modules suitable for long-term operation in open-air climates. The useful service life of
modules so qualified will depend on their design, their environment and the conditions under
which they are operated. Test results are not construed as a quantitative prediction of module
lifetime. In climates where 98 th percentile operating temperatures exceed 70 °C, users are
recommended to consider testing to higher temperature test conditions as described in
IEC TS 63126.

Users desiring qualification of PV products with lesser lifetime expectations are recommended
to consider testing designed for PV in consumer electronics, as described in IEC 63163
(under development). Users wishing to gain confidence that the characteristics tested in
IEC 61215 appear consistently in a manufactured product may wish to utilize IEC 62941
regarding quality systems in PV manufacturing.

This document is intended to apply to all crystalline silicon terrestrial flat plate modules.

This document does not apply to modules used with concentrated sunlight although it may be
utilized for low concentrator modules (1 to 3 suns). For low concentration modules, all tests
are performed using the irradiance, current, voltage and power levels expected at the design
concentration.

The objective of this test sequence is to determine the electrical 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 outdoors. Accelerated test conditions
are empirically based on those necessary to reproduce selected observed field failures and
are applied equally across module types. Acceleration factors may vary with product design
and thus not all degradation mechanisms may manifest. Further general information on
accelerated test methods including definitions of terms may be found in IEC 62506.

Some long-term degradation mechanisms can only reasonably be detected via component
testing, due to long times required to produce the failure and necessity of stress conditions
that are expensive to produce over large areas. Component tests that have reached a
sufficient level of maturity to set pass/fail criteria with high confidence are incorporated into
the IEC 61215 series via addition to Table 1 in IEC 61215-1:2021. In contrast, the tests
procedures described in this series, in IEC 61215-2, are performed on modules.

This document defines PV technology dependent modifications to the testing procedures and
requirements per IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021.

2 Normative references

The normative references of IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021 are applicable without
modifications.