This International Standard establishes requirements for the design qualification of balanceof-
system (BOS) components used in terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) systems. This standard is
suitable for operation in indoor, conditioned or unconditioned; or outdoor in general open-air
climates as defined in IEC 60721-2-1, protected or unprotected. It is written for dedicated
solar components such as batteries, inverters, charge controllers, system diode packages,
heat sinks, surge protectors, system junction boxes, maximum power point tracking devices
and switch gear, but may be applicable to other BOS system components.
This standard is based on that which is specified in IEC 61215 and IEC 61646 for the design
qualification of PV modules. However, changes have been made to account for the special
features of the balance-of-system components, and to add different levels of severity for the
different service environments. Dust, fungus, insects, shipping vibration and shock, and
protection class have been added to the appropriate environmental categories. The high and
low temperature and humidity limits have also been modified for the appropriate service
environments.
This standard does not apply to photovoltaic modules. These are covered by IEC 61215 or
IEC 61646. Also, this standard does not apply to concentrator modules or to complete PV
systems. Specific electrical safety aspects are not part of this standard.
This standard is applicable to lead-acid and nickel-cadmium cells and batteries. Other
electrochemical storage systems will be included when they become available.
The object of this test sequence is to determine the performance characteristics of each BOS
components and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time,
that the component is capable of maintaining this performance after exposure to the simulated
service natural environmental conditions for which it is intended to be applicable as specified
by the manufacturer. The actual life expectancy of components so qualified will depend on
their design, their environment and the system conditions under which they are operated.
BS EN 62093:2005 history
2005BS EN 62093:2005 Balance-of-system components for photovoltaic systems. Design qualification natural environments