PV Testing
UV Testing for Photovoltaic Modules and Solar Panels
Photovoltaic modules are exposed to direct sunlight and continuous UV radiation for decades. Over time, this radiation can cause changes to encapsulation materials, backsheets, plastics, adhesives, coatings, and other components of a PV module. UV testing and UV preconditioning are therefore important elements in the qualification and development of modern photovoltaic modules.
BF Engineering develops and supplies UV lamps, UV irradiation systems, and UV emitters for testing photovoltaic modules and solar panels. Our systems are used for standards-based PV testing, accelerated UV aging, and research and development applications.
UV testing equipment can be configured according to the required test area, irradiance, uniformity, UV dose, and spectral requirements. This enables both individual PV components and complete photovoltaic modules to be irradiated under defined and reproducible conditions.
In addition to complete UV lamps and testing systems, BF Engineering also offers UV emitters and replacement lamps for existing PV testing systems. These include the BF-UV2000F, a powerful 2,000 W UV emitter for technical UV irradiation applications.
Additional high-pressure UV emitters with different power ratings and UVA/UVB characteristics are also available. This allows both new testing systems and existing installations to be equipped with suitable UV emitters.
UV Testing for Photovoltaic Modules
BF Engineering offers UV lamps and UV irradiation systems for PV module testing and solar panel testing.
Depending on the application, individual lamps or complete irradiation arrays for full-size photovoltaic modules can be implemented. The systems are designed according to the required test area, irradiance, uniformity, and UV dose.
Typical applications include PV module UV testing, solar panel UV testing, UV preconditioning, accelerated UV aging, and PV reliability testing.
Our UV systems are therefore suitable for PV module manufacturers and component manufacturers, as well as testing laboratories and research and development facilities.
Standards for UV Testing of PV Modules
Various international testing standards apply to the qualification and UV testing of photovoltaic modules. Of particular relevance is IEC 61215-2:2021, which includes MQT 10 – UV Preconditioning Test, defining UV preconditioning requirements for photovoltaic modules.
Depending on the module type, target market, and testing requirements, the following standards may be particularly relevant for UV testing and the assessment of UV resistance of photovoltaic modules:
- IEC 61215-2:2021 – MQT 10 UV Preconditioning Test
- IEC 61215 – Design Qualification and Type Approval
- IEC 61646 – Thin-Film PV Module Qualification
- IEC 61730-2:2023 – PV Module Safety Qualification / Test Requirements
- IEC TS 63556 – PV Module UV Testing
- UL 1703 – Photovoltaic Module Safety Testing
The specific design of a UV testing system depends on the applicable standard and the required parameters for UV spectrum, irradiance, irradiation dose, temperature, and uniformity.
BF Engineering develops UV testing equipment for standardized and customized photovoltaic testing applications.
UV Lamps for PV Testing
BF Engineering develops UV lamps and complete UV irradiation systems for photovoltaic testing.
Depending on the module size and application, individual UV lamps or larger irradiation arrays can be used.
For reproducible PV testing, UV spectrum, irradiance, uniformity, and UV dose are particularly important. The systems are designed according to the respective testing requirements.
In addition to standardized solutions, customized UV testing systems can be developed for special module sizes, test setups, or research applications.
UV Emitters and Replacement Lamps
In addition to complete UV systems, BF Engineering supplies UV emitters, UV lamps, and replacement emitters for existing PV testing systems.
One frequently used product is the BF-UV2000F, a UV emitter with a rated power of 2,000 W.
We also offer additional UV emitters with different power ratings and spectral characteristics, including 1,000 W and 2,000 W high-pressure emitters with defined UVA and UVB radiation components.
This allows us to equip new systems as well as provide suitable UV replacement lamps for existing PV testing systems.
UV Preconditioning for PV Modules
During UV preconditioning, photovoltaic modules are exposed to a defined level of UV irradiation before undergoing further tests.
The purpose is to account for UV-induced changes in modules and materials under controlled conditions before subsequent qualification tests are performed.
One of the most important applications is the UV Preconditioning Test according to IEC 61215-2:2021, MQT 10. This test specifies defined requirements for the UV irradiation of photovoltaic modules.
BF Engineering offers UV lamps and UV irradiation systems for complete photovoltaic modules, as well as suitable UV emitters and replacement lamps.
UV Aging of PV Materials
In addition to complete photovoltaic modules, individual materials and components can be specifically tested for their UV resistance and long-term stability.
These include encapsulants, backsheets, frontsheets, polymers, plastics, adhesives, and coatings.
Accelerated UV aging allows UV-induced material changes to be investigated under defined and reproducible conditions.
BF Engineering offers both complete UV irradiation systems and individual UV lamps and UV emitters for these applications.
Any questions?
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BF is a forward-looking company that specializes in the development, manufacture, and optimization of high-precision systems and specialized irradiation equipment for test benches.
Your contact person
Danelis Diaz
Management Backoffice
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BF is a forward-looking company that specializes in the development, manufacture, and optimization of high-precision lighting systems and specialized illumination systems for test benches.
