Full Description

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.