The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has been continuously revising its core PV standards in recent years: IEC 61215 (design qualification and type approval of terrestrial modules), IEC 61730 (module safety qualification) and IEC 62446 (PV system testing, documentation and maintenance) all impose more detailed requirements on test items, pass/fail criteria and record traceability.

Laboratory Certification: Stricter Test Sequences

The updated IEC 61215 series adds test sequences for new product forms such as bifacial and flexible modules, with tighter criteria for damp heat, thermal cycling and mechanical load tests. IEC 61730 strengthens insulation and hipot requirements to accommodate the spread of 1500 V systems. Module manufacturers must ensure their products meet safety and performance targets under higher stress levels.

Field Acceptance: From Sampling to Standardized Full Inspection

IEC 62446 defines the tests and documentation required before and after grid connection, including:

• Consistency checks of string open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current;
• String I-V curve tracing compared against nameplate or simulated values;
• Insulation resistance and ground continuity tests;
• Polarity, labeling and system documentation checks.

The standard also requires test instruments to be calibrated within their validity period, and reports to record instrument model, serial number and environmental conditions so that data remains auditable and traceable.

Compliant Equipment as the Entry Ticket

Third-party test reports issued in accordance with IEC standards are increasingly common in financing, insurance and asset transaction scenarios. Using test equipment whose range and accuracy match the standards — backed by valid calibration certificates — has become a basic prerequisite for plant acceptance and due diligence.

All Longlight Energy instruments are designed in line with the IEC standards above, with voltage ranges up to 1500 V, traceable factory calibration certificates and acceptance-ready test reports. The company will keep tracking standard revisions to provide customers with testing solutions that stay in step with the standards.