scope:

This International Standard establishes requirements for the design qualification of balance-of-system (BOS) components used in terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) systems. This standard is suitable for operation in indoor, conditioned or unconditioned: or outdoor in general open-air climates as defined in IEC 60721-2-1, protected or unprotected. It is written for dedicated solar components such as batteries, inverters, charge controllers, system diode packages, heat sinks, surge protectors, system junction boxes, maximum power point tracking devices and switch gear, but may be applicable to other BOS system components. This standard is based on that which is specified in IEC 61215 and IEC 61646 for the design qualification of PV modules. However, changes have been made to account for the special features of the balance-of-system components, and to add different levels of severity for the different service environments. Dust, fungus, insects, shipping vibration and shock, and protection class have been added to the appropriate environmental categories. The high and low temperature and humidity limits have also been modified for the appropriate service environments.