Overview
ISO/TS 21486:2022 - Glass in building - Retesting requirements for laminated solar photovoltaic glass for use in buildings is a Technical Specification that defines when and how laminated solar photovoltaic (PV) glass used in buildings should be retested after design or material changes. Published as the first edition in 2022 (prepared by ISO/TC 160/SC 1/WG 9), the document applies specifically to laminated solar PV glass and links retesting triggers to the range of functional and safety tests used for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems.
Key topics and requirements
The specification provides a structured approach to retesting based on the nature and magnitude of changes. Major technical topics include:
- Retesting criteria for modifications to:
- Glass (thickness, tempering/toughening, coatings, low-iron or patterned varieties)
- Solar cells (crystalline silicon and thin-film: thickness, size, surface treatment, cell type)
- Interlayers (thickness and material e.g., PVB vs POE)
- Interconnectors (dimensions, material, connection method and position)
- Insulating strips (thickness and material)
- Terminations / junction box (JB) design (sealing, potting, electrical insulation)
- Specific testing items that may be required depending on the change, such as:
- Appearance, dimensions and edge finishing
- High-temperature, damp heat and radiation tests
- Thermal cycling (200 cycles) and humidity-freeze tests
- Hot-spot endurance, insulation and wet leakage current
- Impact and ball-drop tests, and robustness of terminations
- Test methods and acceptance criteria are generally referenced to the established test procedures in ISO/TS 18178:2018 and other standards (e.g., ISO 12543‑5, ISO 29584).
Practical applications and users
ISO/TS 21486 is intended for organizations involved in the design, manufacture, testing, installation and regulatory assessment of laminated solar PV glass and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Typical users include:
- Glass and PV module manufacturers evaluating design changes
- Product certifiers and testing laboratories conducting retest programs
- Architects, façade engineers and building contractors specifying BIPV components
- Compliance officers and building authorities assessing safety and durability after product modification
Using this guideline helps ensure consistent retesting requirements, maintain product safety and performance, and reduce unnecessary full-product retests while addressing material or design changes.
Related standards
- ISO/TS 18178:2018 - Laminated solar photovoltaic glass (test methods and requirements)
- ISO 12543-5 - Laminated glass - Dimensions and edge finishing
- ISO 29584 - Pendulum impact testing and classification of safety glass
Keywords: ISO/TS 21486, laminated solar photovoltaic glass, retesting requirements, glass in building, BIPV, PV glass testing, ISO retesting guideline.