New Safety Standards and Certification in PV
21/02/2026
Overview of ISO and IEC Standards for 2026 — What Is Already in Force and What Is Coming Next
As photovoltaic technology continues to evolve, international safety and quality standards are being updated to reflect higher power classes, new cell architectures, and longer module lifetimes.
For manufacturers, developers, and investors, compliance with the latest ISO and IEC standards is not only a regulatory requirement but also a key indicator of product reliability and project bankability.
Swiss Solar continuously monitors regulatory developments and aligns its product design and testing processes with current and upcoming standards.
Why Standards Matter More Than Ever
Modern PV modules are:
- higher in power
- larger in size
- designed for 30+ years of operation
These factors increase the importance of:
- electrical safety
- fire resistance
- mechanical strength
- long-term reliability
Updated standards aim to reduce operational risks and improve system safety across the entire lifecycle.
IEC Standards: Core Framework for PV Modules
IEC standards remain the global reference for photovoltaic product certification.
Key standards in force:
- IEC 61215 – Design qualification and type approval of PV modules
- IEC 61730 – PV module safety qualification
- IEC 61701 – Salt mist corrosion testing
- IEC 62716 – Ammonia corrosion testing
Recent updates focus on:
- higher system voltages (up to 1500 V DC)
- stricter mechanical load testing
- enhanced fire safety requirements
- extended durability and degradation evaluation
ISO Standards: Quality and Environmental Management
ISO standards define how manufacturers manage production quality and sustainability.
Most relevant standards:
- ISO 9001 – Quality management systems
- ISO 14001 – Environmental management systems
- ISO 45001 – Occupational health and safety
For 2026, increased emphasis is placed on:
- traceability of materials
- documented risk management
- life-cycle impact assessment
These requirements strengthen consistency and transparency in manufacturing.
What Is New for 2026
Expected regulatory trends include:
- stricter evaluation of long-term degradation
- higher mechanical load classes for large-format modules
- additional testing for microcrack resistance
- expanded fire propagation testing
- stronger requirements for junction boxes and connectors
These changes reflect real-world operating conditions of modern PV plants.
Impact on Manufacturers
Manufacturers must:
- update internal test protocols
- invest in advanced laboratory equipment
- qualify materials more rigorously
- document performance consistency
Compliance is becoming more closely linked to product design, not just final certification.
Impact on Developers and Investors
Stricter standards provide:
- reduced technical risk
- higher confidence in long-term performance
- improved bankability
- easier project financing
Certification is increasingly used as a screening criterion for equipment selection.
Swiss Solar Approach
Swiss Solar designs its modules to meet and exceed current IEC and ISO requirements.
This includes:
- multi-stage quality control
- mechanical and climatic stress testing
- electrical safety verification
- third-party certification
The objective is to ensure long-term safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance across global markets.
Future Outlook
Regulatory frameworks will continue to evolve alongside technology.
By 2026 and beyond, safety and certification will move from being a formal requirement to a core competitive differentiator in the PV industry.
Conclusion
New safety standards and certification frameworks reflect the growing maturity of the photovoltaic industry.
Manufacturers that proactively align with these standards will be best positioned to support long-term, high-reliability solar projects.
Swiss Solar views compliance not as a limitation, but as a foundation for delivering dependable, future-proof photovoltaic solutions.