Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
IS 16170:2016 Part 1 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for photovoltaic (pv) modules - design qualification and type approval - part 1: pv modules. This standard specifies the requirements for the design qualification and type approval of terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules for long-term operation in open-air climates. It defines a series of stringent tests, including thermal cycling, damp heat, and mechanical load tests, to evaluate a module's performance, safety, and resistance to environmental degradation. This is the primary standard used for BIS compulsory registration of PV modules in India.
Specifies requirements for design qualification and type approval of PV modules suitable for long-term operation in general open-air climates.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Essential
Domain
Materials Science — Solar and Renewable Energy Installations
! This standard is technically identical to the international IEC 61215 series (2016 version), simplifying global compliance for manufacturers.
! Compliance with this standard is mandatory for selling PV modules in India under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) by BIS.
! The test sequence (e.g., Damp Heat 1000h, Thermal Cycling 200) is a critical benchmark for assessing the long-term reliability and 25-year design life of a module.
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1: Test requirements
IS 16170-1 is an identical adoption of this IEC standard, defining general test requirements.
IEC 61215-1-1:2016IEC (International)
HighCurrent
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 1-1: Special requirements for testing of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules
Defines specific test requirements for crystalline silicon modules, which are read in conjunction with IS 16170-1.
IEC 61215-2:2016IEC (International)
HighCurrent
Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval - Part 2: Test procedures
Specifies the test procedures that IS 16170 requires for module qualification.
UL 61215UL (US)
HighCurrent
Standard for Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules - Design Qualification and Type Approval
US national adoption of the IEC 61215 series, with some national deviations.
Key Differences
≠BIS Certification and Marking: Compliance with IS 16170 is mandatory for obtaining BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification and using the ISI Mark. This is a legal requirement for selling PV modules in India under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
≠In-Country Testing Requirement: For BIS certification, all qualification tests must be conducted at a BIS-recognized laboratory located within India. In contrast, IEC certification is globally recognized and can be obtained from accredited labs worldwide.
≠Referenced Standards: The IS standard replaces normative references to other international standards (e.g., ISO, IEC) with their equivalent Indian Standard (IS) counterparts where available. If an IS equivalent does not exist, the original IEC/ISO standard is used.
Key Similarities
≈Identical Test Sequences: Both standards mandate the exact same series of Module Quality Tests (MQT), including visual inspection, performance tests, UV preconditioning, thermal cycling, damp heat, and mechanical load tests.
≈Harmonized Pass/Fail Criteria: The criteria for passing or failing a test are identical. This includes the maximum allowable power degradation (typically <5% post-stress), insulation resistance thresholds, and visual defect classifications.
≈Core Test Parameters: The specific conditions for major environmental and stress tests are identical. For example, the Damp Heat test is defined as 1000 hours at 85°C and 85% relative humidity in both standards.
≈General Standard Structure: Both IS 16170 and IEC 61215 are structured as a suite of standards, with a general requirements part (Part 1), a test procedures part (Part 2), and technology-specific parts (e.g., -1-1 for crystalline silicon), which must be used together.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Damp Heat Test Conditions (MQT 13)
1000 hours at 85 °C ± 2 °C and 85 % ± 5 % RH
1000 hours at 85 °C ± 2 °C and 85 % ± 5 % RH
IEC 61215-2:2016
Thermal Cycling Test (MQT 11)
200 cycles from -40 °C to +85 °C
200 cycles from -40 °C to +85 °C
IEC 61215-2:2016
Humidity Freeze Test (MQT 12)
10 cycles
10 cycles
IEC 61215-2:2016
Maximum Power Degradation Limit
≤ 5% of initial measured maximum power after stress tests
≤ 5% of initial measured maximum power after stress tests
IEC 61215-1:2016
Static Mechanical Load Test (MQT 16)
2400 Pa load (or manufacturer specified), 3 cycles of 1 hour for front and back
2400 Pa load (or manufacturer specified), 3 cycles of 1 hour for front and back
IEC 61215-2:2016
Hail Test (MQT 17)
25 mm diameter ice ball at approx. 23 m/s
25 mm diameter ice ball at approx. 23 m/s
IEC 61215-2:2016
Wet Leakage Current Test Pass Criteria
Insulation resistance > 40 MΩ for every m² of module area
Insulation resistance > 40 MΩ for every m² of module area
IEC 61215-1:2016
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values7
Quick Reference Values
Damp Heat Test Condition1000 hours at 85 °C and 85 % R.H.
Thermal Cycling Test Condition200 cycles between -40 °C and +85 °C
Humidity Freeze Test Condition10 cycles between +85 °C / 85% R.H. and -40 °C
Standard Test Condition (STC) Irradiance1000 W/m²
Standard Test Condition (STC) Temperature25 °C
Wet Leakage Current Insulation Requirement> 40 MΩ·m²
Mechanical Load Test Standard Pressure2400 Pa (equivalent to ~130 km/h wind)
Yes, IS 16170:2016 is a dual-numbered standard and is technically identical to the IEC 61215:2016 series (Part 1 and Part 2).
What is the purpose of the Damp Heat (DH) test?+
To assess the module's ability to withstand long-term exposure to high temperature and humidity. It checks for degradation from moisture ingress, such as corrosion and delamination (Clause 10.11).
What is the typical power degradation limit after testing?+
The maximum power output (Pmax) must not degrade by more than 5% compared to the initial value after the completion of the test sequences (MQT 19).
What does the Mechanical Load Test simulate?+
It applies a static pressure of 2400 Pa (or higher, e.g., 5400 Pa for heavy snow) to simulate the stress from wind and snow loads and ensures the module does not suffer physical damage or significant power loss (Clause 10.16).