IEC 61215-1:2021

Overview

IEC 61215-1:2021 - Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules: Design qualification and type approval - Part 1: Test requirements specifies the requirements for qualifying terrestrial flat‑plate PV modules (crystalline silicon and thin‑film) for long‑term operation in open‑air climates. Edition 2.0 (2021) replaces the 2016 edition and clarifies test methods, sampling, measurement and pass/fail criteria. The standard is intended to verify module robustness and performance under simulated environmental and electrical stress; test results are not a quantitative prediction of service lifetime.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Design qualification and type approval workflow for PV modules, including pass criteria and reporting requirements.
• Coverage of module technologies: crystalline silicon, thin‑film, bifacial and flexible modules intended for long‑term use. (Not intended for short‑term flexible installations like awnings or tenting.)
• Addition of new and updated test methods in edition 2021:
  • Dynamic mechanical load test (from IEC TS 62782).
  • Potential Induced Degradation (PID) related test (from IEC TS 62804‑1).
  • Bending test for flexible modules (MQT 22).
  • Guidance and procedures for bifacial PV testing and power measurement clarification.
  • Weights added to junction box during 200 thermal cycles to simulate mechanical stress.
  • Retesting requirements aligned with IEC TS 62915.
  • Removal of NMOT (nominal module operating temperature) test from the IEC 61215 series.
• Emphasis on accurate power output measurements, interface documentation, marking, sample selection and component testing.

Practical applications and users

• PV module manufacturers use IEC 61215-1:2021 to develop products that meet internationally accepted design‑qualification criteria.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies apply the test requirements for type approval, reporting and certification.
• System designers, project developers and procurement teams reference the standard when specifying modules for long‑term installations and when comparing module durability.
• R&D and quality assurance groups use it for product validation, failure analysis and continuous improvement.

Related standards

• IEC 61215 series (other parts define specific procedures and device technology variations)
• IEC TS 62782, IEC TS 62804‑1, IEC TS 62915 (retesting), IEC 60721‑2‑1 (climate classification)
• IEC TS 63126 / IEC TS 63163 / IEC 62941 (related guidance on test extremes, consumer electronics PV, and manufacturing quality)

Keywords: IEC 61215-1:2021, PV modules, design qualification, type approval, bifacial PV, flexible modules, PID, bending test, thermal cycles, power output measurements.