The meaning of the nameplate on the photovoltaic panel

What are the nameplate ratings on photovoltaic panels & modules?

The nameplate ratings on photovoltaic (PV) panels and modules summarize safety, performance, and durability specifications. Safety standards include UL1730, UL/IEC61730, and UL7103, a recent standard for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Safety standards ensure that PV modules demonstrate non-hazardous failure modes.

What does en stand for in a PV module?

ndard (EN), published in 2003, details the information that manufacturers must supply with a PV module. The EN requires manufacturers to report module data (voltage, current, and power at maximum power point, Voc, and Isc) at standard test conditions (STC), nominal op ≥measu

What does wattage mean on a solar panel?

You’ll often see it referred to as “Rated Power”, “Maximum Power”, or “Pmax”, and it’s measured in watts or kilowatts peak (kWp). For example, the nameplate from my solar panel specifies a Wattage output of 100W, meaning that the solar panel is capable of producing 100 Watts of power under ideal conditions.

What does vpmax and ipmax mean on a solar panel?

This is sometimes referred to as nameplate capacity. Vpmax is the maximum voltage the solar panel can produce at the maximum power point. Ipmax is the maximum current the solar panel can produce at the maximum power point. The open circuit voltage (Voc) is how many volts the solar panel outputs with no load on it.

What are the safety standards for photovoltaic modules?

Safety standards ensure that PV modules demonstrate non-hazardous failure modes. Performance standards include IEC 61215, which specifies 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 60721-2-1.

What are the performance standards for terrestrial photovoltaic modules?

Performance standards include IEC 61215, which specifies 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 60721-2-1. It applies only to crystalline silicon module types.