PV CE Marking

Norms Since photovoltaic modules are to be integrated into buildings, they must satisfy both the standards on the electrical characteristics of photovoltaic modules and those on buildings. It is important to remember that any use of PV modules must obey the specific standards in force in the country of use. PV modules standards Building standards IEC International Electrotechnical Commission ISO International Organization for Standardization CENELEC European Commission for Electrotechnical Standardization CEN European committee for standardization CES Comité Electrotechnique Suisse SIA Schweizerische Ingenieur- und Architekten-Verein Especially, the modules used in BIPV must meet the following standards: IEC 61215 (mono- and multicrystalline modules) and IEC 61646 (thin film modules): specific to the minimum requirements relative to electrical, thermal and mechanical performance. These standards concern climate tests, mechanical tests, UV ray resistance tests, etc. in conjunction with the maintenance of visual characteristics and electrical performance. IEC 61730 (specific to safety and mechanical resistance). These standards describe the pre-requisites needed for PV panels to be used in buildings thereby guaranteeing mechanical and electrical safety margins. The modules are divided into three classes depending on the use of the module itself. class A modules: products used in areas of access in conjunction with dangerous levels of power and voltage (use in private residences and commercial premises); class B modules: Products used in areas of limited access, in conjunction with dangerous levels of power and voltage; classe C modules: products used in conjunction with limited levels of power and voltage. Depending on the class, the IEC 61730  standard requires modules to pass resistance tests against electrical shocks, fire and mechanical stress. The modules must therefore be able to pass the IEC61730 standard even after being subjected to the pressures of the IEC 61215 and IEC 61646 standards. This standard will represent the future standard for BIPV products. Further specific information about certification procedures can be found on the TÜV (Technische Überwachungsverein) website. Furthermore, to be present on the European market the CE  label is necessary. This guarantees respect for health and safety standards. In particular,  regulations on low voltages (LVD), building materials (CDP89/106/EEC) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are enforced. The future standard IEC61730 will also include these certifications.

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