1 Scope
This part of IEC TS 63209 includes a menu of tests to use for evaluation of the long-term reliability of materials
used as backsheets and encapsulants in PV modules. It is intended to provide information
to supplement the baseline testing defined in IEC 61215 and IEC 61730, which are qualification tests with pass-fail criteria. It may be used by PV stakeholders
in conjunction with IEC TS 63209‑1, to provide more extended stress testing of the component materials than can practically
be accomplished with PV modules. The data set resulting from testing is used for reliability
analysis and is not intended to be used as a pass-fail test procedure. This document
addresses polymeric materials in the crystalline silicon module laminates, specifically
backsheets and encapsulants in Glass/Glass or Glass/Backsheet modules. Although not
specifically addressed, it is expected to also have applicability to thin film technologies.
The included environmental stress tests are intended to cause degradation that is
most relevant to field experience, but these may not capture all failure modes which
may be observed in various locations.
The individual component standards provide a starting point for testing, and baseline
data for reference in this document may be available from a characterization sheet
developed in accordance with the Uniform Characterization Forms ( UCF ) of IEC TS 62788‑2 and IEC 62788‑1‑1. Extended tests using the same methods allows for trend analysis.
Additional testing is included to address interactions with other polymeric packaging
material, as individual components can perform differently...