Australia’s CEC has made it mandatory for all modules it approves to comply with the revised IEC standard
From October 1, 2024, all modules seeking CEC approval will need to ensure clearing IEC 61215:2021 standards
If found not in compliance, these modules will not be eligible for the STC scheme
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) of Australia says all PV modules it approves from October 1, 2024 will need to comply with the 2021 edition of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61215 series. Those failing to comply with these new Australian solar module standards will not be considered CEC approved, and hence won’t be eligible for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STC).
The STCs act as incentives for individuals or businesses when they install small-scale renewable energy systems.
The CEC-approved modules in compliance with the new standards IEC 61215:2021 will have the suffix IEC 61215-2021 included on their product listing. If the modules are compliant to the 2016 version of the IEC 61215, they must have been installed before the CEC listing expiration date, or October 1, 2024.
Only a small number of PV modules have been granted an extension until March 31, 2025 to ensure compliance.
According to the IEC, this updated standard series lays down requirements for the design qualification of terrestrial PV modules for long-term operation in open-air climates. It applies to all terrestrial flat plate module materials such as crystalline silicon modules, and thin-film modules, but not to systems that are not intended for long-term applications like flexible modules installed in awnings or tenting.
While PV technology has evolved over the years, the industry also faces module reliability concerns. The 10th edition of the Kiwa PV Evolution Labs’ PV Module Reliability Scorecard reported the highest percentage ever for module failures as the number of outliers and failures increased (see Kiwa PVEL Launches 10th PV Module Reliability Scorecard).
The upcoming TaiyangNews Reliable PV Module 2024 Conference will look into the reliability aspect of modules as manufacturers navigate designing long-lasting high-quality solar panels in a period of extreme cost pressure. The 2-day event on October 21 and 22, 2024 is open to all with free registrations that can be done here.