IEC TS 62788-8-1:2024

Overview

IEC TS 62788-8-1:2024 - Measurement procedures for materials used in photovoltaic modules, Part 8-1 - defines standardized test methods and datasheet reporting requirements for electrically conductive adhesives (ECA) used in solar PV modules. The technical specification provides a consistent framework for measuring key material properties (mechanical, adhesive, electrical, thermal, and general characteristics) to support product design, production quality control, material screening, process control and failure analysis in PV module manufacturing.

Key topics and requirements

This Technical Specification covers practical, repeatable test procedures and reporting formats, including:

• General characteristics: visual inspection, density, viscosity, thixotropic index and fineness for ECA raw material assessment.
• Mechanical characteristics: tensile strength, elongation at break, storage and loss normal modulus (rheological/mechanical behavior).
• Adhesive characteristics: lap shear strength and peel strength test methods for assessing bonded joints in modules.
• Electrical characteristics: volume resistivity and contact resistivity (ECA-to-electrode and ECA-to-ribbon) to quantify electrical performance of interconnects.
• Thermal characteristics: coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and solids content measurements to evaluate dimensional stability and cure.
• Use conditions and lifetime: shelf life, pot life and recommended sampling procedures; uniform characterization form (UCF) and minimum datasheet reporting requirements are defined to ensure consistent data exchange.

The document includes normative annexes for sampling, specimen preparation and guidance on statistical treatment (outlier elimination) and reporting.

Applications and practical value

• Provides standardized test methods for ECA manufacturers to develop formulations, set production QC limits and prepare consistent product datasheets.
• Enables PV module manufacturers to perform material screening, incoming inspection, process control and root-cause failure analysis for ECA interconnects.
• Supports reliability assessments for advanced module designs (shingled cells, back-contact cells, low-temperature-sensitive cells) where ECA replaces solder or ribbon interconnects.
• Facilitates procurement and supplier communication by specifying a Uniform Characterization Form (UCF) and required datasheet fields.

Who should use this standard

• ECA and adhesive formulators
• PV cell/module designers and manufacturers
• Test laboratories and QA/QC engineers in photovoltaics
• R&D teams assessing alternative interconnection methods

Related standards

• Other parts of the IEC 62788 series (measurement procedures for materials used in photovoltaic modules)
• Referenced test methods such as industry tensile specimen standards (e.g., ISO 37) and laboratory electrical/thermal measurement practices.

Keywords: IEC TS 62788-8-1:2024, electrically conductive adhesive, ECA testing, photovoltaic modules, measurement procedures, ECA datasheet, volume resistivity, lap shear strength.