UL Standard for Safety Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval – Part 1-2: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) based photovoltaic (PV) modules (COMMENTS DUE: March 27@ 2018)
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 openair climates@ as defined in IEC 60721-2-1. This document is intended to apply to all thin-film amorphous silicon (a-Si; a-Si/??-Si) based terrestrial flat plate modules. As such@ it addresses special requirements for testing of this technology supplementing IEC 61215-1:2016 and IEC 61215-2:2016 requirements for testing. 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 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 defines PV technology dependent modifications to the testing procedures and requirements per IEC 61215-1:2016 and IEC 61215-2:2016.