IEC 61215-1-1:2021

Overview

IEC 61215-1-1:2021 - published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) - defines design qualification and type approval special requirements for crystalline silicon terrestrial PV modules. Edition 2.0 (2021) updates the test sequence used to demonstrate that flat-plate crystalline silicon modules can endure long‑term outdoor operation in general open‑air climates. The standard is intended for module manufacturers, test laboratories, certification bodies, system designers and procurement/specification teams.

Key points:

• Applies to crystalline silicon terrestrial flat‑plate modules (not high‑concentration PV; low concentrators 1–3 suns may be tested with adjusted conditions).
• Test results support design qualification and type approval but are not a quantitative lifetime prediction.
• Recommends additional high‑temperature testing (see IEC TS 63126) where 98th percentile operating temperatures exceed 70 °C.

Key topics and technical requirements

This part of the IEC 61215 series defines PV technology‑specific modifications to the general IEC 61215 test flow and includes:

• Visual inspection and electrical characterization (MQT 01, MQT 02, MQT 06.x).
• Environmental and durability tests: thermal cycling (MQT 11), damp heat (MQT 13), humidity‑freeze (MQT 12), UV preconditioning (MQT 10), outdoor exposure (MQT 08).
• Mechanical and electrical stress tests: static and cyclic mechanical load tests (MQT 16 and new MQT 20), hail (MQT 17), hot‑spot endurance (MQT 09), robustness of terminations (MQT 14), wet leakage (MQT 15).
• New or updated module‑quality tests in Edition 2.0:
  • MQT 20: cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test for fatigue assessment.
  • MQT 21: potential‑induced degradation (PID) detection procedure.
  • MQT 22: bending test for flexible modules.
  • MQT 19.3: stress‑specific stabilization - BO LID.
  • Final stabilization procedure for modules undergoing PID testing.
• Pass criteria and measurement controls: the standard defines reproducibility limits (e.g., r = 1.0%) and measurement uncertainty requirements to ensure reliable comparison of pre‑ and post‑test performance.

Practical applications - who uses it and why

• Module manufacturers: product development, R&D, and type approval to demonstrate durability and compliance with international expectations.
• Test laboratories / certification bodies: standardized test methods and pass/fail criteria for issuing design‑qualification reports and certificates.
• System designers and EPCs: procurement specifications, vendor evaluation, and long‑term reliability assessment.
• Regulators and project financiers: evidence of module robustness for large‑scale projects and warranty considerations.

Related standards and guidance

• IEC 61215-1:2021 and IEC 61215-2:2021 - core test flow and module test procedures.
• IEC TS 63126 - high‑temperature test guidance (recommended when operating temperatures are extreme).
• IEC 62506 - guidance on accelerated test methods.
• IEC 62941, IEC 63163 - quality systems and consumer‑grade PV testing considerations.

Using IEC 61215-1-1:2021 helps ensure consistent, industry‑accepted evaluation of crystalline silicon PV modules for design qualification, enabling clearer procurement decisions and improved long‑term performance confidence.