Description of PD IEC TS 62257-9-8:2020 2020

This part of IEC 62257 provides baseline requirements for quality, durability and truth in advertising to protect consumers of off-grid renewable energy products. Evaluation of these requirements is based on tests described in IEC TS 62257-9-5. This document can be used alone or in conjunction with other international standards that address the safety and durability of components of off-grid renewable energy products.

This document applies to stand-alone renewable energy products having the following characteristics:

• The products are powered by photovoltaic (PV) modules or electromechanical power generating devices (such as dynamos), or are designed to use grid electricity to charge a battery or other energy-storage device for off-grid use. The requirements may also be appropriate as guidance for evaluating the quality of devices with other power sources, such as thermoelectric generators.

• The peak power rating of the PV module or other power generating device is less than or equal to 350 W.

• All components required to provide basic energy services are sold/installed as a kit, included as a part of family of products as defined in 4.2.5, or integrated into a single component, including at a minimum:

  • a battery/batteries or other energy storage device(s);

  • power generating device, such as a solar panel, capable of charging the battery/batteries or other energy storage device(s);

  • cables, switches, wiring, connectors and protective devices sufficient to connect the power generating device, power control unit(s) and energy storage device(s).

• The system evaluated includes all the loads (lighting, television, radio, fan, etc.) and load adapter cables that are sold or included as part of the kit or integrated into kit components.

• The PV module maximum power point voltage and the working voltage of any other components in the kit do not exceed 35 V. Exceptions are made for AC-to-DC converters that meet appropriate safety standards. Systems that include PV modules (or combinations of PV modules) with ratings that exceed 240 W at peak power, 35 V at open circuit or 8 A at short circuit are subject to additional safety requirements beyond those assessed in IEC TS 62257-9-5.

  NOTE This voltage limit corresponds to the definition of decisive voltage classification A (DVC-A) for wet locations in Table 6 of IEC 62109-1:2010. The limits of 240 W, 35 V and 8 A are consistent with the definition of Class III in IEC 61730-1.

• These requirements cover only DC outputs and loads. Products that include inverters, AC outputs/outlets, or AC appliances are not within the scope of this document. Products can have AC inputs.

• No design expertise is required to choose appropriate system components.

• All electrical connections, except for permanent connections made at the time of installation, can be made using plug-and-socket connectors without the use of any tools. All connections made in the field are straightforward to make and do not require technical expertise, such as wrapping wire in a specific direction, soldering, or crimping.

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