DIN EN 61215-1:2017-05

This International Standard lays down IEC requirements for the design qualification and type approval of terrestrial photovoltaic modules suitable for long-term operation in general openair climates, as defined in IEC 60721-2-1. It only applies to designs with crystalline silicon. A standard for thin-film modules has been published as IEC 61646. This document does not apply to modules used with concentrated sunlight although it may be utilized for low concentrator modules (1 to 3 suns). For low concentration modules, all tests are performed using the current, voltage and power levels expected at the design concentration. The object of this test sequence is to determine the electrical and thermal characteristics of the module and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the module is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure in climates described in the scope. The actual lifetime expectancy of modules so qualified will depend on their design, their environment and the conditions under which they are operated. The responsible committee is DKE/K 373 "Photovoltaische Solarenergie-Systeme" ("Photovoltaic solar power systems") of the DKE (German Commission for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies) at DIN and VDE.