Tests conducted
The following table identifies the tests that will be conducted at UL. We can also witness testing at the manufacturer's facilities if it proves to be more time and cost effective.
If the manufacturer does not have the test equipment required to conduct the tests, UL can assist in arranging to have the tests conducted at a facility having suitable test equipment such as the ASU-PTL.
The tests to be conducted at either the manufacturer's facilities or any other facilities other than UL will by witnessed by UL personnel.
Unless otherwise stated, all paragraph and section references pertain to UL 1703, the Standard for Safety of Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels.
| Test | Number of samples |
| Temperature (sec. 19) | 1 module |
| Voltage, current and power measurement (sec. 20) | 1 module |
| Leakage current (sec. 21) | 3 modules |
| Strain relief (sec. 22) | 1 module (1) |
| Push and cut (sec. 23 and 24) | 1 module |
| Bonding path resistance (sec. 25) | 1 module |
| Dielectric voltage withstand (sec. 26) | all modules |
| Inverse current overload (sec. 27) | 1 module |
| Impact test (sec. 29) |
|
| Temperature cycling (sec. 33) | 3 modules |
| Humidity tests (sec. 34) | 3 modules |
| Hot spot endurance (sec. 37) | 1 module (2) |
| Arcing test (sec. 38) | 1 module (3) |
| Mechanical loading (sec. 39) | 1 module |
| Terminal box flammability | 6 boxes |
| Terminal box crush resistance | 3 boxes |
| Terminal box impact resistance | 3 boxes |
| Terminal box mold stress | 3 boxes |
| Terminal torque (sec. 28) | 1 module (4) |
| Accelerated aging (sec. 32) | (5) |
| Exposure to water spray (sec. 31) | 1 module |
| Fire tests (sec. 16 and 30) | (6) |
(1) - This test will be conducted on one sample of any module provided with an output leads or cables.
(2) - This test requires a custom-made module. See UL 1703, Section 37 for details.
(3) - If the point of current at rated operating voltage, and voltage that can appear across the cell interconnect fracture is in the "Arc Test" zone illustrated in Fig. 38.1 of UL 1703, this test must be conducted. The magnitude of the voltage used in this determination is based on the maximum number of cells per bypass diode.
(4) - This test will be conducted on one sample of an integral, non-UL Recognized terminal block.
(5) - If a non-UL Recognized gasket material is employed in the modules, this test will be required on 18 samples of the gasket material.
(6) - If the module is to be judged as suitable for use on the roofs of homes or other buildings, burning brand and spread of flame tests per UL 790 and sec. 16 and 30 of UL 1703 are required. These tests will be conducted at UL.
