What is BS EN IEC 61215‑1‑4 about?
BS EN IEC 61215‑1‑4 is a part of multi-series in European standard which lays down requirements for the design qualification of thin-film Cu (In, GA) (S, Se)2 based, 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.
BS EN IEC 61215‑1‑4 gives technical specifications such as definitions, test samples, marking and documentation, pass criteria, major visual defects, test flow and procedures and testing such as thermal cycling test, humidity-freeze test, damp heat test, wet leakage current test, static mechanical test, hail test and bypass diode test etc., for thin-film Cu (In, GA) (S, Se)2 based terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules.
Note 1: BS EN IEC 61215‑1‑4 does not apply to modules used with concentrated sunlight although it may be utilized for low concentrator modules. For low concentration modules, all tests are performed using the irradiance, current, voltage and power levels expected at the design concentration.
Note 2: BS EN IEC 61215‑1‑4 applies to all thin-film Cu (In, Ga) (S, Se)2 based terrestrial flat plate modules. As such it addresses special requirements for testing of this technology supplementing requirements for testing.
Who is BS EN IEC 61215‑1‑4 for?
BS EN IEC 61215‑1‑4 on thin-film Cu (In, GA) (S, Se)2 based terrestrial photovoltaic modules is applicable to:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of copper indium, gallium selenide solar cells
- Retailers and dealers of solar panels/ copper indium, gallium selenide solar cells
- Companies dealing with solar sheets/cells/panels
Why should you use BS EN IEC 61215‑1‑4?
A copper indium gallium selenide solar cell is a thin-film layer of solar cell which is used to absorb the sunlight and convert it into electric power.
BS EN IEC 61215‑1‑4 provides you with the procedures to maintain the temperature of thin-film Cu (In, GA) (S, Se)2 based terrestrial photovoltaic modules by giving you the temperature sensor and temperature monitoring equipment, which helps to set a chamber temperature to achieve your module temperature.
BS EN IEC 61215‑1‑4 helps you examine the functionality and quality of copper indium, gallium selenide based terrestrial photovoltaic modules by carrying out various types of testing such as thermal cycling test, humidity-freeze test, damp heat test, wet leakage current test, static mechanical test, hail test and bypass diode test, which ensure the safety, longevity and protection of photovoltaic modules.
The objective of BS EN IEC 61215‑1‑4 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.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN IEC 61215‑1‑4:2021 supersedes BS EN 61215‑1‑4:2017, which is withdrawn.
BS EN IEC 61215‑1‑4:2021 includes:
- A cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test (MQT 20) added
- A test for detection of potential-induced degradation (MQT 21) added.
- A bending test (MQT 22) for flexible modules added.