Solar Module Testing
Testing services to meet the needs of the Solar Industry
- As a leading independent third party test laboratory, Westpak offers testing services to meet the needs of the Solar Industry in the areas of research and development, reliability, performance, pre-qualification, and logistics. Westpak understands that time to market is the largest hurdle solar companies face with new products. Solar developers who have taken advantage of Westpak's technical capability and test capacity have significantly reduced the schedule risks associated with the certification process by the discovery and resolution of problems throughout the product development cycle. Start-up clients are in the unique position of being time and resource constrained. Westpak has filled this gap for over 20 years by meeting the testing needs of start-up clients at our ISO 17025 accredited laboratories in San Diego and San Jose, CA. Westpak also understands the requirements for maintaining product confidentiality and makes special arrangements as required.
Logistics
Manufacturing, logistics and installation are three main cost centers related to the cost of solar. Logistics includes the packaging, shipping, distribution, warehousing, and material reclamation. These costs are expected to exceed the manufacturing costs of the module in the near future and significantly reduce profits. Taking advantage of Westpak’s packaged product test capability is an opportunity for your firm to evaluate product and packaging changes that could enable significant cost reduction in both package and product. Our experience has helped several clients improve the product and reduce packaging materials.Logistics testing is conducted per industry standards published by organizations including IEC, ASTM, ISTA, and ISO. Westpak has the expertise and frequently recommends changes to improve the product and package interaction to optimize performance. ASTM D4728 and D3580 are typical standards for truck vibration and package resonance respectively. ASTM D4169 and ISTA 2B are typical package performance standards which outline a series of test inputs designed to simulate the distribution environment.
Research and Development
As new technologies are developed, companies will need to verify production modules on a large scale. Using a certification laboratory is costly in terms of time and money. By leveraging the resources provided, Westpak’s clients conduct testing in a confidential environment while having access to the lab and their product under test. Test parameters requested are often time based as defined in IEC 61215, 62108, 61646, 61730 and UL 1703 which include Thermal Cycling, Damp Heat, and Humidity Freeze.Reliability Testing
Across the solar industry, reliability is an issue for warranties and determining the life expectancy of modules. While there isn’t any one single model for accelerating the aging of modules, Westpak has the ability to provide testing services according to IEC 61215, 62108, 61646, 61730 and UL 1703 which include Thermal Cycling, Damp Heat, and Humidity Freeze. Westpak can also conduct testing according to your own internal requirements.Performance Testing
Industry standards for performance are published by IEC and determine the performance limits of the modules. Westpak can perform many of these tests and we are adding equipment to accommodate the needs of our clients. -
Safety Testing
Both UL 1703 and IEC 61730 address the safety aspects of the solar panel in terms of breakage and electrocution. Solar panels operate under high DC voltage and current and any shading can cause "hot spots" that can cause panel failure or fire. These standards provide a rigorous test suite for identifying early design failures related to panel safety.
Service Highlights
The following are major portions of the Solar Tests being offered at Westpak. Additional solar related tests and solar logistics testing are available.
Temperature Cycling Test
Solar Panels / Modules are exposed to temperature cycling ranging from -40°C to +85°C for 200 cycles. Testing temperatures and durations vary from standard to standard. Generally each cycle takes 4-6 hours..
This test input is described in the following standards:
UL 1703 (35)
IEC 61215 (10.11)
IEC 62108 (10.6)
IEC 61646 (10.11)
IEEE 1262 (5.7)
ASTM E 1171 (6.5)
IEEE 1513 (5.7)
Standard (Section)
Humidity Freeze Test
Solar Panels / Modules are exposed to +85°C / 85% relative humidity for 20 hours, then quickly cooled to -40°C and returned to +85°C / 85% relative humidity. Testing temperatures and durations vary from standard to standard. Generally test plans consist of 10 or more cycles, with each cycle taking 24 hours.
This test input is described in the following standards:
UL 1703 (36)
IEC 61215 (10.12)
IEC 61646 (10.12)
IEC 62108 (10.8)
ASTM E 1171 (6.6)
IEEE 1262 (5.8)
IEEE 1513 (5.8)
Standard (Section)
Damp Heat Test
Solar Panels / Modules are exposed to +85°C / 85% relative humidity for 1000 hours. Testing conditions and durations vary from standard to standard.
This test input is described in the following standards:
IEC 61215 (10.13)
IEC 62108 (10.7)
IEC 61646 (10.13)
IEEE 1262 (5.13)
ASTM E1171 (6.7)
IEEE 1513 (5.10)
Standard (Section)
Visit Us at the Solar Power International Show
Solar Power International 2010 in Anaheim, CA. October 12-14, 2010
- North America’s largest business-to-business solar industry event
- 930+ exhibitors and an exhibit hall that includes all solar technologies: PV, CSP, solar hot water, solar heating and cooling and solar pool heating
- 24,000 + Attendees: sellers, buyers and stakeholders including manufacturers, integrators, installers, utilities, investors, builders, architects, large energy users and policymakers
- 3,000 Visitors on Open to the Public Night 200+ Speakers, 65+ education sessions, two CEO panels and industry leading keynotes Education tracks on finance, policy, markets, technology, crosscutting and implementation/execution
Where we'll be:
Stop by and visit us at booth 2852. We'd love to answer any questions you might have.
How Westpak can help
Send us your request
Background
What is Solar Panel Testing?
Global warming and the need for lower energy costs have created demands for alternative energies. By using Photovoltaic modules, solar energy has come to the forefront as an option that is both clean and affordable. The goal is to create an end product that is robust enough to withstand the environmental, mechanical, electrical and other challenges throughout the product’s life cycle. Westpak has the experience and knowledge to test your product to its full potential.
Memberships
SEIA
Westpak is a member of SEIA, a solar industry trade group.
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the leading national trade association for the solar energy industry. We work to expand markets, strengthen research and development, remove market barriers and improve education and outreach for solar energy professionals. Located in Washington, D.C., SEIA was founded in 1974.
Overview of Testing Standards
Current Standards
Current Standards
IEC 61215/61646 – These standards address PV (Photovoltaic) and thin-film PV modules respectively. Tests include design qualification, performance, durability, safety and robustness. These two standards are almost identical to each other in nature.
IEC 62108 – This standard addresses CPV (Concentrator Photovoltaic) modules. The test inputs are similar to IEC 61215 and 61646.
UL 1703 – This standard addresses safety concerns of solar modules. Some test inputs overlap with the IEC standards. Additionally material testing may be required depending on module design.
IEC 61730-2 – This is a relatively new standard, it addresses safety concerns and has some overlap with UL 1703.
Other Standards
ASTM E1171 – This standard outlines in detail the environmental (temperature/humidity) testing required in other IEC/UL/IEEE standards.IEEE 1262 / 1513 – These standards address PV and CPV modules respectively. Both documents have been largely replaced by IEC requirements, which are similar.
