BS EN IEC 62788-2-1:2023

Measurement procedures for materials used in photovoltaic modules. Polymeric materials. Frontsheet and backsheet. Safety requirements | Status: Current

1 Scope This document specifies the safety requirements for flexible polymeric front- and backsheet constructions, which are intended for use as relied-upon insulation in photovoltaic (PV) modules. The specifications in this document define the specific requirements of polymeric front- or backsheet constructions on the component level and cover mechanical, electrical, visual and thermal characterization in an unexposed state and/or after ageing. This document covers class II and class 0 modules, as defined in IEC 61730‑1. Class III modules are out of scope. For qualification to IEC 61730‑1 of a PV module using a polymeric front- or backsheet, the sheet must pass the requirements in this document for the specified module’s safety class, rated system voltage, and module temperature rating. Compliance with the safety requirements for a front- or backsheet on the component level does not replace the need for a safety qualification of the complete PV module, in which the front- or backsheet is integrated. The appropriate requirements for testing and qualification of PV modules, are defined in IEC 61730‑1 and IEC 61215‑1 (or IEC TS 62915 in case of retesting), with test methods provided by IEC 61730‑2 and IEC 61215‑2, respectively. This document provides the requirements for qualification of front- and backsheets to be used in module safety qualification according to IEC 61730‑1. Test method descriptions are provided in IEC TS 62788‑2, along with additional characterization methods useful for performance or quality assurance.