Photovoltaic (PV) module testing and certification

What is PV module testing and certification?

PV module testing and certification covers a wide range of different performance safety tests. It involves simulating the various environmental conditions that PV modules will be exposed to during their lifetime.

Why is PV module testing and certification important?

Beyond leading to international market access and global recognition, PV module testing and certification services identify potential improvements in your manufacturing process. These improvements enable you to increase production quality and product safety.

TÜV SÜD helps you gain market access for your PV modules.

TÜV SÜD offers long-standing expertise and a strong background in PV module testing and certification. Our service portfolio focuses not only on traditional crystalline and thin-film PV modules but also on building integrated PV modules (BIPV) and smart PV modules, covering all tests in IEC 61215/IEC 61646, IEC 61730 and beyond, with specific environmental conditions.

Our PV module testing services include:

• Product development
  

  We offer PV laboratory qualification according to ISO/IEC 17025, which comprises verification of scope and accreditations, testing structure and laboratory layout, operations and maintenance requirements.

• Product testing and certification
  

  We test crystalline modules in accordance with IEC EN 61215 (c-Si, performance) and amorphous crystalline modules in accordance with IEC EN 61646 (thin-film, performance). The safety-related requirements for both cell technologies are tested in accordance with IEC EN 61730-1/2 (c-Si and thin-film, safety). We also offer PV module durability testing, thresher test protocol and additional environmental stress tests such as salt mist corrosion testing, ammonia corrosion testing, dust and sand testing, potential induced degradation (PID) testing, dynamic mechanical load testing, fire testing, flammability testing, highly accelerated stress testing (HAST) and outdoor performance comparison measurements.

• Performance and safety-related environmental testing
  

  TÜV SÜD evaluates the performance of your PV modules to ULC/ORD-C1703, UL 1703 and IEC 61730 safety standards as well as IEC 61215 and IEC 61646 performance standards.

• Product quality monitoring and inspections
  

  Our experts conduct factory audits that include initial and follow-up surveillance for manufacturing facilities. We offer supplier evaluation, annual routine inspections comprising the predefined routine tests, special inspections and on-site assessments, preshipment inspection (PSI) and during-production audits (DuPro), as well as bankability audits.