Overview
IEC TS 61836:2016 - "Solar photovoltaic energy systems – Terms, definitions and symbols" - is a Technical Specification published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that compiles and harmonizes vocabulary used across national and international solar photovoltaic (PV) standards. Edition 3.0 (2016) consolidates terms, definitions and symbols from IEC TC 82 documents and related sources, and documents recent updates agreed by the TC 82 terminology working group. The specification focuses on clear meanings (“what the words mean”) rather than application conditions.
Key topics
This glossary-style Technical Specification covers a comprehensive set of PV terminology, organized into thematic sections:
- Solar photovoltaic cells and modules (materials, cell types, anti‑reflective coatings, areas)
- System components (inverters, bypass diodes, mounting, balance‑of‑system)
- Photovoltaic systems (arrays, sub‑arrays, system definitions)
- Performance parameters (rated power, efficiency, degradation)
- Measurement devices and metrology considerations
- Environmental parameters and testing conditions
- Quality and testing vocabulary
- Concentrator photovoltaics and project management related terms
- Acronyms, abbreviations and index of terms
The document is aligned with other IEC resources (for example, references include IEC 60904‑3 and coordination with IEC 60050) and follows ISO/IEC Directives for drafting.
Practical applications
IEC TS 61836 provides a single, authoritative vocabulary for the PV sector that reduces ambiguity and improves consistency across documents and projects. Practical uses include:
- Standard development: harmonizing terminology across IEC TC 82 and national committees.
- Procurement and contracts: ensuring precise specifications and unambiguous tender documents.
- Design and engineering: consistent use of terms in technical drawings and BOMs.
- Testing and certification: common definitions for test reports and compliance documentation.
- Research, education and documentation: a reference glossary for training materials and technical publications.
- International projects and regulatory work: aligning stakeholders on definitions to avoid misinterpretation across borders.
Who should use it
- PV manufacturers and component suppliers
- Test laboratories and certification bodies
- System designers, installers and EPC contractors
- Standards developers, regulators and policymakers
- Academics, trainers and technical authors
Related standards
- IEC TC 82 family of PV standards (referenced throughout)
- IEC 60904‑3 (photovoltaic measurement principles)
- IEC 60050 (electrotechnical vocabulary) - harmonization reference
Using IEC TS 61836 helps ensure consistent PV terminology, improving clarity in standards, technical documentation, procurement and international collaboration.