scope:

This document is intended to apply to terrestrial modules for consumer applications for outdoor operation shorter than those qualified to IEC 61215. The useful service life of modules so qualified will depend on their design, their environment and the conditions under which they are operated. This document classes those PV modules into Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3 with respectively low, medium and high expected outdoor exposure. For the purposes of designing this document, Category 1 (Mobile Applications) is for applications like smart phone charging which most likely have "low" outdoor exposure. Category 2 (Portable Applications) is for emergency power/hiking/camping applications with "medium" outdoor exposure and it needs to have mechanical durability testing due to repeated deployment, potential for being dropped, and other mechanical stresses. Category 3 (Attached Applications) is for "high" outdoor exposure for applications such as for motor homes but is not intended for long-term utility or long-term household rooftop applications.