PD IEC TS 62257-9-8:2025

Renewable energy off-grid systems. Integrated systems. Requirements for stand-alone renewable energy products with power ratings less than or equal to 350 W | Status: Current

1 Scope This part of the IEC 62257 series provides baseline requirements for quality, durability and truth in advertising to protect consumers of off-grid renewable energy products. Evaluation of these requirements is based on tests described in IEC TS 62257‑9‑5. This document can be used alone or in conjunction with other international standards that address the safety and durability of components of off-grid renewable energy products. This document applies to stand-alone renewable energy products having the following characteristics:

• • The products are powered by photovoltaic (PV) modules or electromechanical power generating devices (such as dynamos), or are designed to use grid electricity to charge a battery or other energy-storage device for off-grid use. The requirements may also be appropriate as guidance for evaluating the quality of products with other power sources, such as thermoelectric generators.
• • The peak power rating of the PV module or other power generating device is less than or equal to 350 W.
• • All components required to provide basic energy services are sold and installed as a kit, included as a part of a family of products as defined in 4.2.5, or integrated into a single component, including at a minimum:
  • — a battery, batteries or other energy storage device(s);
  • — power generating device, such as a solar panel, capable of charging the battery, batteries or other energy storage device(s);
  • — cables, switches, wiring, connectors and protective devices sufficient to connect the power generating device, power control unit(s) and energy storage device(s).
• • The system evaluated includes all the loads (lighting, television, radio, fan, etc.) and load adapter cables that are sold or included as part of the kit or integrated into kit components.
• • The PV module maximum power point voltage and the working voltage of any other components in the kit do not exceed 35 V. Exceptions are made for AC-to-DC converters that meet appropriate safety standards, and systems that include PV modules (or combinations of PV modules) with open-circuit voltage greater than 35 V that meet additional safety requirements beyond those assessed in IEC TS 62257‑9‑5.

NOTE This voltage limit corresponds to the definition of decisive voltage classification A (DVC-A) for wet locations in IEC 62109‑1. The limits of 240 W, 35 V and 8 A are consistent with the definition of Class III in IEC 61730‑1.

• • These requirements cover only DC outputs and loads. Products that include inverters, AC outputs or outlets, or AC appliances are not within the scope of this document. Products can have AC inputs.
• • No design expertise is required to choose appropriate system components.
• • All electrical connections, except for permanent connections made at the time of installation, can be made using plug-and-socket connectors without the use of any tools.

This document includes provisions related to safety; however, it is not intended to be a comprehensive safety standard. In particular, this document is not intended to be used as an alternative to safety standards such as IEC 62368‑1 or the IEC 60335 series for appliances such as radios and televisions that are included with stand-alone renewable energy products. Nor is it intended to replace the safety requirements of IEC 62281 or UN 38.3 for battery safety during transport, or safety requirements of IEC 61730‑1 and IEC 61730‑2 for PV modules intended for use outside the context of stand-alone renewable energy products. This document does not address electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Field experience has not shown EMC to be a major concern in typical applications of stand-alone renewable energy products within the scope of this document. In applications where EMC is a concern (e.g. systems that include medical devices), the standards relevant to the specific application should be referenced.