Electrical Characteristics Test
Polymeric materials used in photovoltaic cell modules are required to have insulating properties in order to reduce the risks of electric, and earth fault accidents. For example, IEC61730-2 requires partial discharge (PD) test of polymer material used for the module surface such as back sheets. Required value is 1.5 times higher than the maximum system voltage. Also, tracking resistance is required. Different test methods (tracking resistance test, inclined-plane tracking test) are used depending on the maximum system voltage.
Flammability and Ignition Test
Polymeric materials used in photovoltaic cell modules are also required flammability and ignition resistance, as listed below, in consideration of cases where the solar cell module generates heat or ignites due to some accident or malfunction.
Weathering Test
Weather resistance is required for polymeric materials because photovoltaic modules are exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. The specification requires that the combustibility or physical properties be tested after UV irradiation to maintain the initial class of combustibility and that the physical properties be no less than 70% of the initial average physical properties.
Comparative Tracking Index Test （CTI)
Inclined-Plane Tracking Test
UL94 Flammability Test
UV Conditioning Test
Main Standards for Photovoltaic Cell Materials
| Test Name | Reference Standard |
|---|---|
| Flammability Test | UL94 |
| Comparative Tracking Index Test (CTI |
UL746A、IEC60112 |
| HWI Test | UL746A |
| Relative Thermal Index | UL746B、IEC60216-5 |
| Ultraviolet Light Exposure Test | UL746C、ASTM G155、ISO4892-2, IEC61730-1, IEC62788-7-2 |
| Partial Discharge（PD）Test | IEC61730-2、IEC60664-1 |
| Surface Flame Spread Test | IEC61730-1、UL94、ASTM E162 |
| High Current Arc Ignition Test | UL746A、IEC61730-1 |
| Inclined-Plane Tracking Test | UL746A、IEC61730-1、ASTM D2303 |
| Cross-Link Rate Evaluation of EVA | － |
Contact information
PIC: Mitsuya Mochizuki (Mr.)
TEL: +81-551-42-5061
