本国际标准规定了适用于IEC 721-2-1中定义的一般露天气候下长期运行的地面光伏组件的设计鉴定和型式认证要求。它只适用于晶体硅类型。薄膜组件和其他环境（如海洋或赤道条件）的标准正在考虑之中。本标准不适用于与集中器一起使用的模块。本试验顺序的目的是确定模块的电气和热特性，并尽可能在合理的成本和时间限制范围内证明模块能够承受范围内所述气候下的长期暴露。 如此合格的模块的实际预期寿命将取决于其设计、环境和运行条件。

This International Standard lays down requirements for the design qualification and type approval of terrestrial photovoltaic modules suitable for long-term operation in general open-air climates, as defined in IEC 721-2-1. It applies only to crystalline silicon types. Standards for thin-film modules and other environments, such as marine or equator conditions, are under consideration.This standard does not apply to modules used with concentrators.The object of this test sequence is to determine the electrical and thermal characteristics of the module and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the module is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure in climates described in the scope. The actual lifetime expectancy of modules so qualified will depend on their design, their environment and the conditions under which they are operated.