Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification - Part 2: Requirements for testing

The scope of IEC 61730-1 is also applicable to this part of IEC 61730. While IEC 61730-1 outlines the requirements of construction, this part of the standard lists the tests a PV module is required to fulfill for safety qualification. IEC 61730-2 is applied for safety qualification only in conjunction with IEC 61730-1.

The sequence of tests required in this standard may not test for all possible safety aspects associated with the use of PV modules in all possible applications. This standard utilizes the best sequence of tests available at the time of its writing. There are some issues – such as the potential danger of electric shock posed by a broken PV module in a high voltage system – that should be addressed by the system design, location, restrictions on access and maintenance procedures.

The objective of this standard is to provide the testing sequence intended to verify the safety of PV modules whose construction has been assessed by IEC 61730-1. The test sequence and pass criteria are designed to detect the potential breakdown of internal and external components of PV modules that would result in fire, electric shock, and/or personal injury. The standard defines the basic safety test requirements and additional tests that are a function of the PV module end-use applications. Test categories include general inspection, electrical shock hazard, fire hazard, mechanical stress, and environmental stress.

The additional testing requirements outlined in relevant ISO standards, or the national or local codes which govern the installation and use of these PV modules in their intended locations, should be considered in addition to the requirements contained within this standard.