Overview - IEC 62108:2022 (Concentrator Photovoltaic modules and assemblies)
IEC 62108:2022 specifies minimum requirements for design qualification and type approval of concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies intended for long‑term operation in general open‑air climates (as defined in IEC 60721‑2‑1). The standard establishes test sequences and documentation to determine the electrical, mechanical and thermal characteristics of CPV modules/assemblies and to demonstrate they can withstand prolonged environmental exposure within reasonable cost and time constraints. Edition: 3.0 (2022‑06).
Key technical topics and requirements
The standard provides a comprehensive test and certification framework, including:
- Sampling, marking and documentation requirements for CPV modules and assemblies.
- Electrical performance measurements: outdoor side‑by‑side I‑V, solar‑simulator I‑V, dark I‑V and related procedures.
- Insulation and grounding tests: earth continuity, electrical insulation, wet insulation.
- Environmental durability tests: thermal cycling, damp heat, humidity‑freeze, humidity exposure and outdoor exposure testing.
- Mechanical and impact tests: mechanical load (wind/snow), hail impact, off‑axis beam damage.
- Ingress protection and water spray tests: dust and water ingress assessments appropriate for outdoor operation.
- Component‑level tests: bypass/blocking diode thermal test, robustness of terminations, hot‑spot endurance.
- Pass criteria, reporting and retesting guidance: defined criteria for acceptance, test report content and rules for modifications that may require partial retesting.
- Test sequencing for both CPV modules and assemblies and informative annexes summarizing conditions and retesting guidelines.
Practical applications and who uses IEC 62108
IEC 62108 is used to ensure CPV product reliability, reduce field failures and support procurement and certification decisions. Typical users:
- CPV manufacturers - design validation, type approval and product development.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies - defining test programs, conducting tests and issuing certificates.
- Project developers and EPCs - specifying qualified CPV modules/assemblies for deployments.
- R&D teams and component suppliers - benchmarking electrical, thermal and mechanical performance under standardized conditions.
- Procurement and quality assurance - requiring compliant products for long‑term outdoor installations.
Related standards
- IEC 60721‑2‑1 - climate classification referenced by IEC 62108 for open‑air operation.
- Other PV standards commonly used alongside IEC 62108 include IEC 61215 (terrestrial PV module design qualification) and IEC 61730 (PV module safety), which address different PV technologies and complementary aspects of module evaluation.
IEC 62108 is a practical, test‑focused standard tailored to the unique optical, thermal and mechanical challenges of concentrator photovoltaic systems and is essential for stakeholders seeking certified, durable CPV products.