Recently, the ABNT (Brazilian Association of Technical Standards) published the standard ABNT NBR IEC 61215-1:2024 – Ground photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval – Part 1: Testing requirements.
According to ABNT, The standard was developed by ABNT/CEE-253 – Commission for Special Studies on Photovoltaic Solar Energy – and is a translation of IEC 61215-1:2021. Before being published, the document was submitted to the National Consultation this year between May 9th and June 10th.
When publishing the standard, ABNT informed that the measure aims to establish minimum design quality requirements for terrestrial photovoltaic modules. The document defines a series of tests that modules must pass to be considered qualified.
In an interview with Canal Solar, Ecori’s technical manager, Joao Souza, who participated in the commission that translated the IEC, commented on the main points that the Brazilian market should pay attention to.
He highlights that for large module manufacturers, following safety and quality requirements, minimum quality and safety requirements, such as IEC 61215 and IEC 61730, is already common. What should change now is how the other players act in this regard.
“The only thing that will happen in practice in the Brazilian market is that manufacturers who do not yet carry out tests aimed at verifying quality and minimum safety will have to start following these minimum requirements, which are already international standards”, he explained.
He also clarifies that ABNT adopting an IEC, simply translating the standard, is common. “ABNT, in some cases, can simply adopt an IEC and just translate it to publish an NBR, as occurred in this case. Also as was another case of the publication of NBR 62116, which is an ABNT NBR IEC”, he commented.
Asked about the effective date of the rule and its obligation, Souza stated that the standard is in force and clarified that the ABNT standards are recommended to ensure greater process safety, constructions, installations and circulation of documents.
He also pointed out that for an ABNT NBR to become mandatory, the obligation must be contained in a law which defines in which situations it should be adopted. But what are the tests and what changes in the Brazilian photovoltaic sector?
O Canal Solar had access to ABNT NBR IEC 61215-1:2024 and spoke with photovoltaic module manufacturers to understand how the publication of the standard could impact the Brazilian photovoltaic sector.
The document lists 21 different trials:
- MQT 01: Visual inspection
- MQT 02: Determination of maximum power
- MQT 03: Electrical insulation test
- MQT 04: Measurement of temperature coefficients
- MQT 06.1: Performance in STC
- MQT 07: Low irradiance performance
- MQT 08: Exposure test under external conditions
- MQT 09: Hot spot resistance test
- MQT 10: Preconditioning in UV radiation
- MQT 11: Thermal cycling test
- MQT 12: Moisture freezing test
- MQT 13: Moist heat tightness test
- MQT 14: Termination Robustness
- MQT 15: Leakage current in wet conditions
- MQT 16: Static mechanical load test
- MQT 17: Hail test
- MQT 18: Bypass diode thermal test
- MQT 19: Stabilization
- MQT 20: Cyclic mechanical load test (dynamic)
- MQT 21: Potential-induced degradation assay
- MQT 22: Flexural test – only for flexible modules
In the evaluation of photovoltaic module manufacturers consulted by the Canal Solar, the publication of the standard represents a significant advance for the solar energy sector in Brazil.
For them, by establishing criteria for the qualification of photovoltaic modules, ABNT helps to guarantee the quality and reliability of photovoltaic systems installed in the country.
“The publication of the NBR represents a significant advance in reinforcing Brazilian standards regarding the characterization and qualification of the design of photovoltaic modules, as well as in the harmonization of essential requirements and tests for Brazilian professionals and companies in the sector, thanks to its availability in Portuguese” , scored Murilo Bonetto, Research & Development Manager at Sengi.
It also highlights the significant changes that the standard brings, such as cyclic mechanical load tests and potential-induced degradation tests. According to Bonetto, this is precisely to adapt the standard in view of the significant increase in the size of modern photovoltaic modules
“New stabilization procedures were also included, taking into account the LID degradation mechanism, originating from Boron-Oxygen complexes, which are common in modern crystalline silicon cells, aiming to ensure a more accurate prediction of the modules' long-term performance. ”, he added.
Yes, Anderson Escobar, LATAM Technical Manager at Astronergy, highlighted that the publication of the standard equalizes Brazil with other international markets. “The publication of the ABNT NBR IEC 61215-1: 2024 standard is extremely beneficial for the Brazilian market, as it equates national standards with the parameters required at international levels”, he commented.
“Companies that cannot meet the rigorous quality requirements will need to adapt and, as a result, the entire market benefits by raising the level of products available in Brazil. Reinforcing its commitment to excellence and quality, in addition to certifying the modules produced, Astronergy has a certified Testing Laboratory in its factory to certify the quality of the modules”, added Escobar.
all the content of Canal Solar is protected by copyright law, and partial or total reproduction of this site in any medium is expressly prohibited. If you are interested in collaborating or reusing part of our material, please contact us by email: redacao@canalsolar.com.br.
Comments (3)
Comments are moderated before publication.Comments should be respectful and contribute to a healthy debate. Offensive comments may be removed. The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author. Canal Solar.
very good now it is more defined.
The Modules are certified by Laboratories accredited by Inmetro inside and outside the country, what changes?
Are these requirements listed in the article not already followed by accredited laboratories?
Excellent article/approach, in a rapidly growing and extremely competitive market, it is important to have standards in the Brazilian market, fully compatible with international standards, highlighting the main points (in the National market).
And the compatible NBR ABNT IEC standards reinforce an important milestone for Equalization, striving for excellence in the quality of Manufacturers involved in Photovoltaic Generation in our Country.