This part of IEC 61730 specifies and describes the fundamental construction requirements for photovoltaic (PV) modules in order to provide safe electrical and mechanical operation. Specific topics are provided to assess the prevention of electrical shock, fire hazards, and personal injury due to mechanical and environmental stresses. This document pertains to the particular requirements of construction. IEC 61730-2 defines the requirements for testing. Modules with modified construction are qualified as described in IEC TS 62915.

This document lays down requirements for terrestrial PV modules suitable for long-term operation in open-air climates with 98th percentile module operating temperatures of 70 °C or less. Guidelines for modules to be used at higher operating temperatures are described in IEC TS 63126. The useful service life of modules so qualified will depend on their design, their environment, and the conditions under which they are operated. Therefore, test results are not construed as a quantitative prediction of module lifetime.

This document is intended to apply to all terrestrial flat plate module materials, such as crystalline silicon module types as well as thin-film modules.

PV modules covered by this document are limited to a maximum DC system voltage of 1 500 V.

This document defines the basic requirements for various applications of PV modules, but it cannot be considered to encompass all national or regional codes. Specific requirements, e.g. for building, floating, marine and vehicle applications, are not covered.

This document does not address specific requirements for products that combine a PV module with power conversion equipment, monitoring or control electronics, such as integrated inverters, converters or output disabling functions, which are addressed in IEC 62109-3.

While it is possible that parts of this document are applicable to flat plate PV modules with internally generated low-level concentration below three times, it was not written specifically to address these concerns.

This document is designed to coordinate with the test sequences in the IEC 61215 series, so that a single set of samples can be used to perform both the safety and design qualification of a PV module.

Additional construction requirements outlined in relevant ISO standards, or the national or local codes which govern the installation and use of these PV modules in their intended locations, can apply in addition to the requirements contained within this document.

Any change to materials, design, or internal spacing are subject to a re-evaluation of the PV module or its component(s), as applicable, according to the IEC 61730 series and IEC TS 62915.