This part of IEC 61215 lays down IEC requirements for the design qualification and type approval of terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules suitable for long-term operation in general open-air climates, as defined in IEC 60721‑2‑1. This standard is intended to apply to all terrestrial flat plate module materials such as crystalline silicon module types as well as thin-film modules.

This standard does not apply to modules used with concentrated sunlight although it may be utilized for low concentrator modules (1 to 3 suns). For low concentration modules, all tests are performed using the current, voltage and power levels expected at the design concentration.

This standard does not address the particularities of PV modules with integrated electronics, it may however be used as a basis for testing such PV modules.

The objective of this test sequence is to determine the electrical and thermal characteristics of the module and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the module is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure in climates described in the scope. The actual lifetime expectancy of modules so qualified will depend on their design, their environment and the conditions under which they are operated.