Overview
IEC TS 62915:2018 defines a uniform, engineering‑based approach for retesting terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules after design, material, component or manufacturing changes. The Technical Specification helps maintain type approval, design qualification and safety qualification for PV modules whose originally assessed design has been modified. It lists typical modifications, identifies which tests are required to detect adverse impacts on electrical performance, reliability and safety, and points to the pass/fail criteria and sample sizes given in the referenced standards.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope of retesting: Applies to changes in materials, components, processing, module size, output power, electrical terminations, frames, edge sealing, bypass diodes, interconnects, and more. Organized separately for crystalline silicon and thin‑film PV technologies.
- Test selection principle: Retests are chosen to reveal adverse effects of the modification; materials in direct contact must be evaluated in all applicable combinations.
- Reference to pass criteria: Number of samples and pass/fail criteria are taken from the relevant clauses of IEC 61215 (design qualification/type approval) and IEC 61730 (module safety).
- Annexed guidance: Annex A provides tabular overviews of required retests for crystalline and thin‑film modules, combined IEC 61215/61730 test flows, and a procedure for testing new material combinations.
- Limitations: Does not address tests required solely because of updates between different editions of IEC 61215 or IEC 61730 - those are handled separately.
Practical applications
Who uses IEC TS 62915:2018 and why:
- PV manufacturers - to determine which qualification tests are required when modifying product design, materials or processes and to maintain product certification.
- Independent test laboratories - to design retest programs and interpret which IEC test sequences apply for specific modifications.
- Certification bodies - to assess continued compliance of a module family after design changes.
- System designers and asset owners - to understand risk implications of modified modules on long‑term reliability and safety.
Benefits:
- Reduces uncertainty when implementing design or material changes.
- Helps avoid unnecessary full requalification while ensuring safety and performance.
- Provides consistent, repeatable retest procedures aligned to IEC test suites.
Related standards
- IEC 61215 (all parts) - Terrestrial PV modules: design qualification and type approval (test requirements and procedures)
- IEC 61730 (all parts) - PV module safety qualification (requirements for construction)
- IEC TS 61836, IEC 62790 - referenced for terms, definitions and junction box testing
Keywords: IEC TS 62915:2018, PV modules retesting, type approval, design qualification, safety qualification, IEC 61215, IEC 61730, crystalline silicon, thin‑film, material changes, retest program.