This International Standard lays down IEC requirements for the design qualification and type approval of terrestrial photovoltaic modules suitable for long-term operation in general openair climates, as defined in IEC 60721-2-1. It applies only to crystalline silicon modules types. A standard for thin-film modules has been published as IEC 61646.

This standard does not apply to modules used with concentrated sunlight.

The object of this test sequence is to determine the electrical and thermal characteristics of the module and to show, as far as is 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.