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Photovoltaic Panels and ModulesIEC/UL 61730 ConformanceUSA and International Access in One Standard

One of the most profound and enduring collaborative

activities is the development of global consensus-based

standards which are developed by the industry for the

industry. That is what was achieved December 4, 2017, by

the Standards Technical Panel (STP) convened by

Underwriters Laboratories and the International

Harmonization Committee (IHC), with harmonization of

the UL1703 PV module safety Standard resulting in

publication of UL 61730-1 and UL 61730-2.

Reaching the global market

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Note: For brevity IEC/UL 61730-1 and IEC/UL 61730-2 are stated as IEC/UL 61730

Shock Protection

Important Updates

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The Standard addresses advances in materials, increasing system voltages and innovative

designs with new and updated construction and testing requirements. The new PV

module Standard further enables reduction in product cost, increases in performance and

broadens access to markets with continued confidence in their safe operation.

Fire Protection Environmental Conditions

Performance

Something NEW!

Considerations for Insulation Coordination

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This design criteria helps you address critical spacing requirements and get them

right.

Insulation coordination implies the selection of the electric insulation characteristics of the equipment with regard to its application and in relation to its surroundings. (§ 4.1, IEC 60664-1 ed.2)

Insulation coordination and spacing requirements involve answering these questions:

Where is the module used ? application class

What is the intended application? overvoltage category

What are the environmental factors? pollution degree

What is the modules construction? material group

UL 61730 consists of two parts

Describes the construction requirements in order to provide safe electrical and mechanical operation during their expected lifetime.

• Clearly defined Insulation requirements based on material properties, material groups, location of installation and installation type

• Cemented joints concept for maintaining insulation requirements• Overvoltage categories, system voltage classes and protective means• Requirements for component approvals

Provides the testing sequence intended to verify the safety of PV modules whose construction has been assessed by UL 61730 part 1.

• This edition of the standard contains over 20 significant technical changes relative to the previous edition

• A minimum of nine PV modules and one unframed PV module now required for the updated test sequences

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The new harmonized IEC/UL 61730 Standard will replace UL 1703 so it is important to know how

the changes will impact your new product introductions. Some regulators (e.g. CEC) have already

updated their policies to include the new Standards. Whether you’re a manufacturer, developer

or financier of PV systems, you should understand how this impacts your business.

Important Dates

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AssessmentUL can help you assess your product line to determine the best path forward for re-evaluation of existing models and new additions.

Evaluation Let our experienced engineers help you find the most economic path to reduce your overall cost of testing. Efficiencies can be gained by combining product testing.

Test Our lab staff are well informed on the updated test protocol and will keep you informed on every step through UL’s customer portal.

Certificate of ComplianceOnce you achieve compliance to the harmonized standard you will begin to realize the economic benefits of multiple market access.

Start smart and save:

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FAQs:My PV module is currently listed to UL 1703, am I required to retest to UL 61730? If a PV module is previously certified to UL 1703 before Dec 4, 2019 and construction (e.g. bill of material “BOM”) has not changed, no action is required and you may continue to apply the UL Safety Mark.

If I submit a new PV module design before Dec 4, 2019, which Standard applies? UL recommends that you have your new products evaluated to UL 61730 to assure broader market acceptance. Some US regulators such as the California Energy Commission require certification to UL 61730 starting Jan 1, 2020. You may choose to have your new product evaluated to UL 1703 prior to Dec 4, 2019, but may risk not qualifying for state incentive programs if certification is issued after Jan 1, 2020.

If I submit a new PV module design after Dec 4, 2019, which Standard applies? All new PV module designs (new models) submitted after Dec 4, 2019 will be evaluated to UL 61730.

If my current UL 1703 certified PV module is modified after Dec 4, 2019, which Standard applies for re-evaluation? Minor updates may be re-evaluated to UL 1703. Significant changes will require recertification to the latest published UL 61730 Standard.

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If my product has been previously certified to IEC 61730 (2016), what is required to receive a UL 61730 certification? If the testing and certification was previously performed by a Nationally Recognized Test Lab (NRTL) with appropriate standards in their scope of accreditation, a review of the BOM and test record will be required to assure no gaps in testing. Additionally, the product will be evaluated for national differences and requirements specific to North America to which some additional component use and testing is required, fire testing for example.

Will Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) recognize UL 61730 listed products? Yes, UL has been educating AHJs for several months on the new standard during IAEI section meetings, conferences and through industry associations to assure a smooth transition.

Are fire testing requirements in UL 61730 coordinated with UL 2703 in the same way as with UL 1703? Yes, the PV module “type” is determined according to the same requirements as UL 1703 and fire “class” rating is determined according to UL 2703 at the system level, which includes the PV module and the racking/mounting system.

Will the harmonized IEC/UL 61730 Standard provide market access to Canada? The Standards Council of Canada is in the process of adopting IEC 61730 with national differences, in the interim the ULC/ORD-1703 standard still applies.

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FAQs:

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Questions?

Talk to our experts to learn how we can walk you through the process for global market access: Scott.Jezwinski@ul.com

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