Sanyo

Under global market conditions, standards and binding regulations are determining to communicate to the consumer that he/she has bought the right product for a particular application and that it meets a minimum level of quality. Two standards are recognized on the market in Europe: IEC 61215 and IEC 61730. Our HIT HD, HIT NKH, HIT N220/215 and HIT Double® product lines have received approval under these standards from two internationally recognized bodies (JET and TÜV).

Certifications

Certifications are intended to provide consumers worldwide with unambiguous product information and specifications of the properties a product must have. In the area of photovoltaics there is a number of different standards that were developed independently from one another. Specific standards exist in each of our three main markets, i.e. 

• Japan
• Europe
• USA

The Japanese standards are identified by the acronym JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards Committee), the European standards follow the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), and those of the US math the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) standards. 

In spite of certain harmonisation efforts, the relevant standards for Europe are, more particularly, the IEC standards. The following applies to crystal Modules 

• IEC 61215 Second Edition
• IEC 61730 -1 and –2

Since 2008, the latter has replaced the Protection Class 2. Modules bearing the CE mark must meet these standards and must have proven their compliance by testing. In addition, compliance with these standards is usually the prerequisite to qualify for feed-in compensation and subsidy programmes.

Standards

IEC 61215

This standard describes the quality requirements for photovoltaic modules. Under this standard, the module is specially tested based on the criteria that are determining for the product's useful life. In various tests that include irradiation effects, thermal and mechanical stress, abnormal stress is used to simulate accelerated ageing. The following tests are relevant: 

• Visual examination
• Performance under Standard Test Conditions (STC)
• Insulation resistance test
• Measurement of temperature coefficients
• Determination of the NOCT value
• Output at NOCT
• Fatigue test under outdoor conditions
• Air humidity / Frost test
• Heat / Humidity test 
• Connection resistance test
• Distortion tests
• Mechanical resilience test
• Hail test
• Hot spot fatigue test
• UV test according to IEC61345
• Temperature fluctuation test
• Light fatigue
• Heat treatment
• Leakage current test under wetting

IEC 61730

The IEC 61730 Standard and the European Variant EN 61730 define
the safety parameters for a photovoltaic Module. It consists of two
parts. First, it is determined whether the module parameters meet
general safety aspects such as distance from the conductive parts to
the frame, etc. Then the product's safety is examined in a specific test
series. 

There are three classes: 

• Class A: unlimited access, hazardous voltage, systems with hazardous output, direct current voltages higher than or equal to 120 Volt DC, Protection Class II
• Class B: unlimited access, dangerous voltage, systems with hazardous output, protection by means of basic insulation Safety Class 0
• Class C: limited voltage, direct current voltage less than 120 Volt, Protection Class III

All our modules are approved under Class A, which is essential for roof
installations. 

• Pre-treatment tests: Temperature change, humidity-frost, humidity-heat, UV resistance
• Visual inspection
• Inspection in connection with electric shock hazards: Inspection in connection with accessibility, cutting exposure and continuity of earthing, surge voltage tests, insulation tests, leakage current tests with wetting
• Fire hazard tests: Temperature test, hot spot fatigue test, fire test (European fire test in preparation), back current overload test
• Partial discharge test
• Bending test for electrical installation ducts
• Separation test for junction boxes
• Mechanical resilience of connections

Further tests: 

Ammonia test:

In Cooperation with TÜVRheinland Panasonic had tested its HIT-modules against Ammonia Resistance. Ammonia  is a harmful substance that is released into the air in large amounts on farms. These emissions can increase degradation of the photovoltaic modules, which leads to a lower energy yield and therefore a lower return rate for the operator of a photovoltaic system.
The HIT- PV modules VBHHxxxAE01(xxx = 230-260) and VBHNxxxSE10  (xxx = 200-245) met all of the strict demands of the Ammonia Resistance Test and therefore fulfilled the TÜV requirements according to IEC 61216 standards.  

Salt Mist Corrosion Test:

The N- and H-series photovoltaic modules have passed the highest stressing Salt Mist Corrosion Test (severity 6) in accordance with the new standard IEC 61701 (Draft G, June 2010). The test was performed by solar experts at TUEV Rheinland, a well recognized test institute for PV modules.

Especially in coastal areas, but also in inland locations, PV modules can be damaged easily by salty rain or salt-laden humidity. Even dried salt can be reactivated by rain or humidity and become a permanent danger to the life-span of the modules. The positive test result confirms the superior quality of the HIT® modules and highlights their suitability, even in environments with challenging weather conditions.

Please download the Certificates in our Download Centre

Health and safety management (OHSAS 18001)

Our factory in Hungary is proud to be certified OHSAS 18001: 2007 (MZS 28001:2008) by Eurocert. It is an international occupational health and safety management system specification. It helps to minimize risk to employees, to demonstrate diligence and to gain assurance.

Please download this Certificate in our Download Centre