SANYO Component Europe, has declared that its HIT N- and H-series photovoltaic (PV) modules, have withstood and successfully qualified the stressful salt mist corrosion test with a severity level of 6 as specified in the new IEC 61701 standard (Draft G, June 2010). The test was conducted by the specialists at TUEV Rheinland, a recognized institute, to perform such tests on photovoltaic modules.
SANYO HIT N series Module. Credit: SANYO
The level 6 test being the highest in level comprises 8 test cycles and continued for 56 days. In the first phase of the test, the modules were kept exposed to a solution containing 5% sodium chloride. The test lasted for 7 days and comprise of four stages of salt spray lasting for two hours at 35°C with 93% humidity. And each of this stage was pursued by storing the modules in a moist atmosphere for 20 to 22 hours at 40°C with a related humidity level of 93%. After the conclusion of spray and moist storage phases, the modules were kept in normal temperature for a period of three days.
The induced and speeded up corrosion test performed in the laboratory imitates the effects of a salt filled environment throughout the service life-time of a photovoltaic module. The PV modules when continuously exposed salty atmosphere and humidity prevalent in coastal and inland regions easily gets damaged. The tests conducted in simulated laboratory conditions proved that SANYO HIT modules are suitable for installation in all types of environments including that of demanding weather conditions.
Source: http://solar.sanyo.com/hit.html