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What is photovoltaic (PV) module testing and certification?
Solar photovoltaics (PV) have become a disruptive force in the energy sector, changing the way we use energy. The PV industry is constantly evolving, which drives innovation in solar panel efficiency, energy storage solutions and grid integration technologies. Advances in technology have made PV systems more efficient and cost-effective, leading to widespread adoption across a range of industries. PV offers the opportunity to generate electricity, reducing dependence on traditional energy sources and mitigating the risks associated with energy price volatility. Fulfilling the potential of PV requires comprehensive testing to ensure their safety, quality and regulatory compliance. TÜV SÜD offers long-standing expertise and a strong background in PV module testing and certification.
Why photovoltaic (PV) module testing and certification is important
Shifting market demands, expanding customer needs, and regulatory requirements are all fuelling the evolution of PV. These products require comprehensive testing, inspection, and certification to national and international standards. This will reassure every stakeholder that the products are ready for use.
Beyond leading to international market access and global recognition, PV module testing and solar certification services identify potential improvements in your manufacturing process. These improvements enable you to increase production quality and PV safety.
How TÜV SÜD can help you with photovoltaic (PV) module testing and certification
At the core of our PV service offerings lies robust support for your go-to market strategy, meticulously tailored to propel your business forward. We provide expert guidance in product testing and navigating challenges along the way. Our comprehensive suite of services is intricately designed to safeguard the safety and reliability of your products. We are qualified to test your PV products to national and global regulatory requirements.
We cover the entire product lifecycle – concept and development, validation, solar testing and certification, operational support, redesign, and training.
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.
What our photovoltaic (PV) module testing and certification service includes
We provide testing and certification for PV modules, components, and energy storage systems covering safety, performance, EMC, and efficiency. Our services include product development support, environmental stress testing, and factory audits for quality assurance.
Our PV services include the following tests:
- Electrical safety
- Performance testing
- Compatibility testing
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing
- Documentation
- Efficiency testing
The services cover:
- PV modules/cells/materials and BOS components (wiring, switches, mounting systems, inverters, trackers, etc.)
- PV installations (utility-scale, commercial, residential applications)
- Energy storage systems (batteries, wirings, power electronics, fire suppression, etc.)
We test according to several key standards, including IEC 61215, IEC 61730, IEC 61853, IEC 62941, the IEC 61215 and IEC 61853 series, IEC 61730-1/-2, and many more. The range of equipment we test includes PV modules, PV cables, and PV auxiliary equipment.
We also provide the following services:
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). For both cell technologies, we test 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
We evaluate 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, pre-shipment inspection (PSI) and during-production audits (DuPro), as well as bankability audits.
