What is BS EN IEC 62938 about?
BS EN IEC 62938 is an international standard that deals with the performance qualifications of materials used in photovoltaic modules.
BS EN IEC 62938 gives the test method that determines the mechanical non-uniform-load limit of a framed PV module. It is applicable for framed modules with frames protruding beyond the front glass surface on the lower edge after intended installation. As such it creates an additional barrier to snow sliding down from modules.
BS EN IEC 62938 gives specifications for carrying out the non-uniform snow load testing, such as sample preparation, pre-requisites, testing methods including visual inspection, insulation test, humidity-freeze test, fail criteria, verification of test results, statistical analysis, stating the test reports, modifications, etc.
Note 1: BS EN IEC 62938 is not applicable for modules with other frame constructions, such as back rails formed in frames, on the side edges, on the top edge and on the lower edge not creating an additional snow slide barrier.
Note 2: Methods to eliminate or counteract the occurrence of inhomogeneous snow accumulation, such as a steep installation angle (more than 60°), are not included in BS EN IEC 62938.
Note 3: BS EN IEC 62938 assumes a relationship between ground snow-cover and module snow-cover which may not be applicable in locations where the snow does not completely melt between snowfalls.
Note 4: BS EN IEC 62938 does not consider the effect of snow cover on power generation.
Who is BS EN IEC 62938 for?
BS EN IEC 62938 on the non-uniform snow load testing is useful for:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of photovoltaic (PV) devices
- Dealers and importers of photovoltaic (PV) devices
- Testing houses/ certification providers of photovoltaic (PV) devices
- Entities dealing with photovoltaic (PV) devices
Why should you use BS EN IEC 62938?
The International PV Quality Assurance Task Force (PVQAT) leads global efforts to craft quality and reliability standards for solar energy technologies.
BS EN IEC 62938 provides you with a method for non-uniform snow load testing that helps you determine how well a framed photovoltaic module performs mechanically under the influence of inclined non-uniform snow loads. It specifies technicalities like testing methods including visual inspection, insulation test, humidity-freeze test, applied exclusively to natural snow load distributions.
BS EN IEC 62938 also sets an approach for failure criteria, verification of test results and statistical analysis, enabling you to reproduce the load under which such failures occur, as typical field failures of PV modules caused by snow load show glass breakage and frame bending.
BS EN IEC 62938 could help you to quickly assess a solar photovoltaic (PV) module's performance and ability to withstand weather stresses, thereby reducing risk and adding confidence for those developing products, designing incentive programs, and determining private investments.