Scope

IEC 61215-1:2021 defines the minimum requirements for design qualification and type approval of terrestrial PV modules. It specifies the electrical, mechanical, thermal, and environmental tests a module type must pass before commercialisation.

Why it matters in India

MNRE's ALMM mandates IEC 61215 certification for all grid-connected PV modules. ALMM applicants must submit certificates from a BIS-authorised or internationally accredited testing laboratory. No ALMM listing without IEC 61215-1 + IEC 61730-1 certification.

Key test sequences

• Thermal cycling (TC 200/400): 200 or 400 cycles −40°C to +85°C
• Damp heat (DH 1000): 1,000 hours at 85°C / 85% RH
• UV preconditioning: 15 kWh/m² UV exposure
• Dynamic mechanical load (DML): Simulates wind-induced fatigue
• Hail test: 25 mm ice balls at 23 m/s
• PID resistance

IEC 61215-1 vs 61215-2

Part 1 defines test requirements; Part 2 defines test procedures. Part 1-1 covers crystalline silicon (c-Si); Part 1-2 covers thin-film. All ALMM modules in India are IEC 61215-1-1 certified.