German testing and certification body TÜV Rheinland has established that Trina Solar’s new V series modules can achieve a power output of 515.8 W.
The Chinese conglomerate has made a global launch of 500W+ Duomax V and Tallmax V ("V series") modules on February 27. The then unsubstantiated claims of the modules being able to produce a power output higher than 500 W is now confirmed by passing the tests according to IEC standards, conducted by TÜV Rheinland.
Due to Trina Solar’s stellar results, TÜV Rheinland has awarded the Chinese PV giant two certifications: one is IEC 61215, the other is IEC 61730.
This brings to the question, what are IEC 61215 and IEC 61730?
What does IEC 61215 test?
IEC 61215 is an international standard that tests the quality of the PV modules.
Numerous intensive tests are required to test the mechanical, electrical, climatic and safety aspects of the PV module.
Given that most of the PV modules will be installed outdoors, the climate test sequence is also included, according to IEC 61215.
This could determine if the given module can stay operational under extremely harsh weather, such as desert, snow, on the top of mountain and more.
What does IEC 61730 test?
IEC 61730 is an international standard that tests the safety of the PV modules.
The standard specified design requirements to make sure that the product remains safe during its electrical and mechanical operation.
The laboratory will also test to see if electric shock, fire hazards, and personal injury caused by mechanical and environmental factors could be prevented.
Most of ultra-high power modules tend to have voltage, current, and thermal overload as well as micro cracks. To address these issues, Trina Solar has developed several innovative technologies with its partners.
The vice general manager and EVP of Trina Solar, Yin Rongfang added, “With the development and improvement of the industry chain, especially the improvement in glass supply capacity, adding another column of cells to the existing five-column layout design can increase the Vertex module’s power output to more than 600 W. Furthermore, with PERC+ cell conversion efficiency anticipated to surpass 24%, combined with other factors such as the optimization in module design, improvements in load capacity as well as downstream installation, the Vertex modules’ power output will continue to increase.”