Overview
IEC TS 61836:2025 - "Solar photovoltaic energy systems - Terms, definitions and symbols" (Edition 4.0, 2025‑11) is a Technical Specification from IEC TC 82 that standardizes core vocabulary for solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. Its scope is to provide clear, consistent PV terminology, definitions and symbols used across IEC TC 82 international standards and to prepare a selection of basic PV terms for inclusion in the multilingual International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV / IEC 60050).
Key factual points:
- Presents a curated selection of basic PV terms (115 terms selected from a larger pool).
- Organizes terminology in six categories: PV cells & modules, other components, PV systems, performance parameters, measurement & testing, and environmental parameters.
- Drafted following ISO/IEC Directives and IEC rules for terminology work.
- No normative references are included in this Technical Specification.
Key Topics
- Photovoltaic cells and modules: definitions for cell areas, module components (frontsheet, backsheet), cell types (crystalline, amorphous, CdTe, CIS/CIGS, bifacial, flexible, concentrator PV).
- Other components: common module parts (busbars, metallisation lines, bypass diodes) and phenomena (delamination, hot spots, light trapping).
- PV systems: standardized language for arrays, concentrator systems, building‑integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and system-level concepts.
- Performance parameters & measurement: terms covering electrical performance, test conditions, measurement procedures and diagnostic parameters.
- Environmental parameters: standardized descriptors for environmental influences on PV performance and durability.
- Symbols and index: indexed list of terms and graphical symbols for consistent use in standards and documentation.
Applications
IEC TS 61836:2025 is a reference for anyone who needs consistent PV vocabulary to reduce ambiguity and improve interoperability:
- Manufacturers & module designers - for clear product specifications and datasheets.
- Test laboratories & certification bodies - to reference common test terms and measurement language.
- Standards writers & technical committees - to harmonize terminology across IEC and ISO documents.
- Engineers, system integrators & installers - for consistent communication in design, installation and maintenance documentation.
- Procurement, regulators & policymakers - to ensure unambiguous contract and regulatory language.
- Academia & training providers - as an authoritative glossary for education and research in solar PV.
Related Standards
- Intended for integration with the IEV (IEC 60050 / Electropedia) and developed in cooperation with IEC TC 1 and IEC Central Office.
- Complements other IEC TC 82 standards that specify testing, safety and performance for PV systems.
By standardizing PV terminology and symbols, IEC TS 61836:2025 improves clarity across the solar industry, supporting better specification, testing, certification and communication for photovoltaic energy systems.