ELTEK Labs offers photovoltaic testing and has recently added new tests to our IAS scope of accreditation (TL457).
(Download this entire page as a pdf – PV document with photos.)
ASTM E162: Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Panel
This test measures surface flammability, flame propagation rate and also measures the amount of heat given off from material as it burns when exposed to radiant heat energy. Data is collected by visual inspection and via a computer system connected to eight strategically placed thermocouples. Performance is also video recorded.
Below is our radiant heat panel apparatus. The ELTEK Labs’ apparatus is designed and constructed to handle materials as well as full panels measuring up to 1 meter x 2 meters (3.3×6.6 feet) and up to 25 kg (55 pounds).
Below is a close up of the activated radiant heat panel and the pilot burner.
Below is a back view of a sample test specimen in front of the radiant heat panel and pilot burner, showing the condition at the beginning of test. In this instance, the test specimen is an opaque sheet material.
To arrange photovoltaic testing, request a quote online now or call 636-949-5835.
Below is a back view of a sample test specimen in front of the radiant heat panel and pilot burner, toward the conclusion of the test.
Water Transmission / Absorption / Permittivity
Materials used for outdoor panels may need to be evaluated for performance in high humidity and condensation conditions. The following tests evaluate this performance. The tests can be set up to evaluate the performance with exposure to various humidity and temperature conditions.
Evaluations can be designed and the evaluation performed using a matrix approach such as:
- Evaluation after 30, 60 and 90 days of exposure
- Evaluation after exposure to 50%, 70% and 100% RH
- Combination of 30 / 60 / 90 days each after exposure to 50% / 70% and 100%RH
- The above serve only as an example; actual time and percent RH can be adjusted to meet application requirements
Two common tests to evaluate this performance are:
ASTM E96: Water Vapor Transmission of Materials
This test measures the amount of and rate of water vapor transmission through various materials. It relates to applications with high levels of moisture/humidity such as outdoor exposure for photovoltaic panels and arrays. The method can be used to evaluate the performance of many types of materials including gaskets, sealants, rigid or flexible materials such as back sheets and top sheets.
ASTM D1653: Water Vapor Transmission of Organic Coating Films
This test measures the amount of and rate of water vapor transmission through various thin materials such as films. It can also be used for composite/laminate sheets, tapes and other similar materials. It relates to applications with high levels of moisture/humidity such as outdoor exposure for photovoltaic panels such as back sheets and top sheets.
These two test methods are very similar and either method can be used with the apparatus. The test apparatus is presented below.
Below is an assembled test dish next to a disassembled test dish. A test dish is comprised of clamps, dish, and sealing ring. (Also pictured is desiccant in the dish and test sample specimen between the dish and the sealing ring.)
Below are several test dishes displaying a variety of materials that can be tested.
Below is a close-up side view of the test dish with sample gasket specimen in place. This test method can be used for films, gaskets and sealants, and rigid or flexible sheets.
To arrange photovoltaic testing, request a quote online now or call 636-949-5835.
ASTM D1876 – Standard Test Method for Peel Resistance of Adhesives (T-Peel Test)
This test methods evaluates peel resistance of adhesive bonds between flexible adherents. This method can evaluate the bonding between layers of laminated/composite sheet materials for possible use as back sheets and/or top sheets for PV applications.
PV Standards
In addition to individual test methods, ELTEK Labs can perform testing to various PV Standards. The following are specific PV related Standards with the appropriate sections identified which have been added to our IAS Accreditation (TL457).
IEC 61730 Part 1, Sections 5.2 / 5.3 / 5.4: Photovoltaic (PV) Module Safety Qualification – Requirements for Construction
Polymers serving as an enclosure for live parts
- 5-V flammability rating (IEC 60695-1-1)
- 5-V flammability rating after water immersion and exposure (IEC 60695-1-1)
- Hot Wire Ignition rating (IEC 60695-1-1)
- RTI Testing if the generic rating of the material is not 20°C or higher than the measured operating temperature of said material in its application (IEC 60216-5)
Below are photos of the 5-V flammability test. The 125mm open flame is hotter than the smaller 20mm flame and the preferred test specimen is a flat plate which simulates the shape and geometry of a PV panel.
Below illustrates a plaque test specimen for 5-V flammability testing
To arrange photovoltaic testing, request a quote online now or call 636-949-5835.
Illustration of the set up for the Hot Wire test
Below are photos of Hot Wire test, Ignition rating (IEC 60695-1-1). This test is a pass/fail evaluation of the behavior of a material exposed to high temperatures without a flame being present. Performance ratings and selection can be based on flammability and/or melt-through.
The image below shows the setup of the hot wire test. The wire is wrapped around the test specimen.The image below shows the heated wire burning through the test specimen.
The image below shows the heated wire burning through the test specimen.
To arrange photovoltaic testing, request a quote online now or call 636-949-5835.
RTI – Mechanical Strength and Electrical (Dielectric) Strength Retention
RTI – Below is a film test specimen for RTI undergoing Tensile Strength testing (IEC 60216-5). This specimen is ready for load stress application. (Rigid or thick materials may be evaluated by shifting the mechanical evaluation to Flexural Strength in place of Tensile Strength.)
Below is the film after it has been broken.
RTI – Electrical (Dielectric) Strength Retention
The preferred test method for the evaluation of the RTI for flexible sheets and similar materials is the curved electrode method. The curved electrode procedure evaluates the retention of flexibility over time at elevated temperature in addition to the insulation characteristic (breakdown voltage).
The following photos illustrate RTI apparatus used for evaluation by the curved electrode method for electrical insulation retention.
To arrange photovoltaic testing, request a quote online now or call 636-949-5835.
Below is the flexible material as positioned during the breakdown voltage test with the curved electrodes.
Polymers serving to support live parts
- Flammability Classification of HB, V-2, V-1, V-0 (IEC 60695-1-1)
- Minimum High Current Arc Ignition Rating based on Flammability Rating
- Comparative Tracking Index of 250V or more [for systems with rated voltage less than 600V] (IEC 60112)
- Inclined Plane tracking rating of 1 hour at 2.5kV [time-to-track method] (ASTM D2303)
- RTI Testing if the generic rating of the material is not 20°C or higher than the measured operating temperature of said material in its application (IEC 60216-5)
Below is an illustration of HB, V-2, V-1, V-O (IEC 60695-1-1)
Below is the apparatus and illustrated test specimen as an example of Horizontal Burn test (HB).
To arrange photovoltaic testing, request a quote online now or call 636-949-5835.
Below is the apparatus and illustrated test specimen as an example of Vertical burn testing (V-2, V-1, V-O)
Below is an image of the High Current Arc Ignition Apparatus.
To arrange photovoltaic testing, request a quote online now or call 636-949-5835.
Below is a close up of the High Current Arc Ignition test area.
Below is Comparative Tracking Index machine (IEC 60112)
To arrange photovoltaic testing, request a quote online now or call 636-949-5835.
Below is a close up of material under test using Comparative Tracking Index machine:
Below is Inclined Plane tracking machine (ASTM D2303)
Below is close up of rigid material under test via Inclined Plane test method.
Polymers serving as an outer surface
- Maximum Flame Spread Index of 100 (ASTM E162). This is illustrated further up on this page.
- A minimum Thermal Index of 90°C or 20°C more than the measured operating temperature of the material in use in application (IEC 60216-5). This is illustrated further up on this page.
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- UL 5703, section 7: Determination of the Maximum Operating Temperature Rating of Photovoltaic (PV) Backsheet Materials
This covers the Long Term Thermal Aging [LTTA] evaluations which can be used to evaluate any material used in photovoltaic applications such as top sheets or back sheets. This is illustrated further up on this page.
To arrange photovoltaic testing, request a quote online now or call 636-949-5835.
