IEC 62108:2016

Overview

IEC 62108:2016 - "Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies - Design qualification and type approval" - specifies minimum requirements and test sequences for the design qualification and type approval of CPV modules and assemblies intended for long‑term operation in general open‑air climates (as defined in IEC 60721‑2‑1). The standard’s objective is to determine electrical, mechanical and thermal characteristics and to verify that CPV products can withstand prolonged environmental exposure. The 2016 edition updates key test requirements compared with the prior edition (see Key changes).

Key topics and requirements

The standard defines a structured qualification program covering visual, electrical, mechanical and environmental tests. Major technical topics include:

• Test sequence and sampling for type approval and design qualification
• Electrical performance measurements (I‑V curves, dark I‑V, solar simulator and outdoor side‑by‑side)
• Mechanical tests (mechanical load, hail impact, robustness of terminations)
• Environmental and durability tests:
  • Thermal cycling and thermal management checks
  • Damp heat and humidity‑freeze tests
  • Water spray and wet insulation tests
  • Dust ingress protection test (new in 2016)
  • Hot‑spot endurance, off‑axis beam damage and bypass diode thermal tests
• Safety and installation checks: ground path continuity, electrical insulation
• Pass criteria, reporting and retesting guidance (annexes detail retesting after modifications)

Key changes in Edition 2 (2016):

• Outdoor exposure reduced from 1000 h to 500 h
• Changes to current cycling during thermal cycling tests
• Added dust ingress test
• Eliminated thermal cycling associated with damp heat test
• Removed UV exposure test

Practical applications

IEC 62108:2016 is used to:

• Qualify and type‑approve CPV modules and assemblies for commercial deployment
• Provide objective test evidence for product reliability, warranty and procurement specifications
• Guide R&D and design validation for CPV manufacturers to improve thermal, optical and mechanical robustness
• Inform test laboratories and certification bodies when performing CPV qualification testing

Typical users include CPV module and system manufacturers, independent test labs, certification bodies, project developers, system integrators and procurement engineers.

Related standards

• IEC 61215‑1 (test sequence reference basis for PV design qualification)
• IEC 60721‑2‑1 (classification of environmental conditions - open‑air climates)
• Other PV and safety standards referenced for complementary electrical and mechanical requirements

Keywords: IEC 62108:2016, concentrator photovoltaic, CPV modules, design qualification, type approval, environmental testing, dust ingress, thermal cycling, damp heat, CPV assemblies.