Eternal Sun produces state of the art solar simulators (Xenon and LED-based) that are able to do certification test for PV modules according. Would you like to know more about Eternal Sun’s solar simulator portfolio? Then follow us on LinkedIn or click on the button below.

Eternal Sun is not only a manufacturer of solar simulators, but it also provides PV testing services (according to IEC 61215 standards) in the ports of both Rotterdam and Valencia and even PV Factory inspections in China and South-East Asia . Would you like to know more about Eternal Sun’s testing services? Then follow us on LinkedIn or click on the button below.

• Design Qualification and Type Approval (IEC 61215 and IEC 61646): These standards establish the initial requirements for the design and type approval of crystalline silicon and thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic modules, respectively. They cover aspects such as design criteria, materials, construction, and quality control.
• Safety Qualification (IEC 61730): This standard focuses on the safety aspects of PV modules. It addresses issues like electrical safety, mechanical strength, fire resistance, and resistance to environmental stresses. It ensures that PV modules are safe for installation and operation.
• Performance Testing: Performance testing is a critical part of PV module certification, which includes:a. Maximum Power Output: Modules are tested to determine their maximum power output under standard test conditions (STC). This provides information about a module’s efficiency.b. Temperature and Light-Induced Degradation: Modules are exposed to varying temperature and light conditions to assess their durability over time.c. Energy Yield: Energy yield testing simulates real-world conditions to measure a module’s performance over an extended period, helping predict long-term energy production.d. Thermal Cycling: Modules are subjected to temperature cycling to evaluate their ability to withstand temperature variations without degradation.
• Environmental Testing: Environmental testing evaluates a PV module’s ability to withstand various environmental stressors. This includes:a. Humidity Freeze Testing: Modules are subjected to cycles of extreme humidity and freezing conditions to assess their resistance to moisture and temperature-induced damage.b. Hail Impact Testing: Modules are bombarded with simulated hailstones to determine their resistance to physical damage.c. UV Exposure: Modules are exposed to prolonged periods of ultraviolet (UV) radiation to assess their resistance to UV-induced degradation.d. Dust and Sand Resistance: Modules are tested for their ability to repel dust and sand, which can accumulate on the surface and reduce efficiency.
• Electrical Safety: PV modules are tested to ensure electrical safety, including electrical insulation, ground fault protection, and resistance to electric shock. This is crucial for the safety of installers and users.
• Mechanical Load Testing: Modules must endure various mechanical stresses, such as wind, snow, and hail loads, without suffering structural damage. Mechanical load testing evaluates a module’s resistance to these forces.
• Durability and Longevity Testing: These tests aim to predict a PV module’s lifespan and durability. Accelerated aging tests, thermal cycling, and damp heat testing help assess how well modules will perform over time and under varying conditions.
• Quality Control and Traceability: Certification bodies also review a manufacturer’s quality control processes, including documentation, traceability, and quality management systems. This ensures that the manufacturer maintains consistency and accountability in producing certified modules.
• Specific Module Types: IEC standards also address specific types of PV modules, such as bifacial modules, by providing guidelines and requirements for their certification (e.g., IEC 62941).
• Follow-up Testing: IEC certification may also include follow-up testing of randomly selected modules from a manufacturer’s production line to ensure ongoing compliance with the standards.