Solar Panel Testing

Services

Westpak is currently offering the following test inputs. Additional ASTM, IEC, IEEE, UL or other test inputs may be available upon request.

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)

Memberships

SEIA

Westpak is a member of SEIA, a solar industry trade group.

From the SEIA website:

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.

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.

Overview of Testing Standards

Current Standards

Current Standards
IEC 61215/61646 – These standards cover 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 covers CPV (Concentrator Photovoltaic) modules. The test inputs are similar to IEC 61215 and 61646.

UL 1703 – This standard covers 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 covers 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 cover PV and CPV modules respectively. Both documents have been largely replaced by IEC requirements, which are similar.