CSA Group Publishes New Bi-national Standard for Photovoltaic Module Testing

CSA

Jan 28, 2019

The demand for cleaner, smarter energy, in the form of solar energy, is greater than ever. CSA/ANSI C450, an industry-developed guideline for extended photovoltaic (PV) module testing, helps to address the lack of uniform testing requirements in the PV module manufacturing industry. It’s also now a bi-national standard. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) published the standard in November 2018.

“Developed by consensus through a standards development organization, CSA/ANSI C450 helps solve many of the challenges the industry was facing in documenting  their product’s long-term quality and reliability,” says Dana Parmenter, CSA Group’s Vice President of Industrial. “The public nature of the standard, with a technical committee consisting of key stakeholders in the PV industry, ushers in a new era of transparency and standardization for project developers, independent engineers, and investors looking to evaluate module quality and reduce potential risks.”

Under most regulatory regimes, PV module manufacturers are required to conduct safety and qualification testing according to ANSI/UL 1703 or IEC 61730 and IEC 61215, but these tests alone cannot validate products that must perform for 25 years or more in the field. As a result, most manufacturers perform extended testing above and beyond safety and qualification testing using proprietary protocols. Consolidating existing protocols into the publicly available CSA/ANSI C450 standard better serves the PV value chain.

“Most of us have been testing multiple different protocols that are not public standards,” explains Peter Seidel, Manager of Global Codes and Standards Measurement at First Solar Inc. “With C450, testing will be more transparent and more cost effective because of reduced redundancies. We also think it will help prevent delays as there will be more participants who can offer testing based on this standardized program.”

CSA/ANSI C450 addresses various accelerated stress tests performed on PV modules, including thermal cycling, damp heat, humidity freeze, UV exposure, dynamic mechanical load and PID testing. It also enables the:

    • comparative evaluation of different module manufacturers, designs, and bills of materials (BOMs)

    • diagnosis of potential problems with new module manufacturing equipment or facilities through comparison with known-good equipment and facilities

    • provision of data for ongoing quality monitoring programs after product validation

The standard is available for purchase on CSA’s online store. A free on-demand webinar is also available to those looking to understand the standard’s requirements in-depth: www.csagroup.org/article/webinar-pv-module-testing-protocol-quality-assurance-programs/

CSA Group also offers comprehensive testing programs programs for PV modules according to the latest standards, including C450, through its state-of-the-art labs in both Albuquerque, NM in the United States and Kunshan, China.

Find out more about the standard

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • BC Hydro Making it Easier and More Affordable to Connect New Homes

    BC Hydro Making it Easier and More Affordable to Connect New Homes

    July 24, 2025 BC Hydro is supporting the construction of new housing developments in growing communities by advancing changes to streamline upgrades and reducing the cost of new customer connections to BC Hydro’s electricity grid. “As communities across B.C. grow, so does the need for essential housing. We are committed to ensuring we’re ready to… Read More…

  • Mitrex Sets Record with Largest BIPV Solar Panel Mural at SunRise Residential in Edmonton

    Mitrex Sets Record with Largest BIPV Solar Panel Mural at SunRise Residential in Edmonton

    July 22, 2025 Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) manufacturer, Mitrex proudly announces that its transformative SunRise Residential project in Edmonton, Alberta, has earned the Guinness World Record for the largest solar panel mural globally. This landmark project showcases Mitrex’s innovative BIPV solar panels, blending cutting-edge solar technology with vibrant cultural artistry to redefine sustainable architecture. Sustainable Architecture with BIPV Spanning over 30,000 square feet, the Mitrex eFacade PRO plus… Read More…

  • Nexans Unveils a Cable Made with 100% Recycled Materials

    Nexans Unveils a Cable Made with 100% Recycled Materials

    July 24, 2025 Nexans has reached a major milestone in its sustainability journey by developing a prototype cable made entirely from recycled materials — a first in the company’s history. This innovation combines technical performance, industrial feasibility, and a drastically reduced environmental footprint, marking a decisive step forward in circular economy. A cross-continental success story… Read More…

  • EFC Welcomes New Manufacturer Member: MGM Transformers

    EFC Welcomes New Manufacturer Member: MGM Transformers

    July 24, 2025 Since 1974, MGM Transformers has produced tough and trusted transformers designed to get the job done right. As a leading manufacturer, the company employs a highly experienced and dedicated engineering team that excels in custom designs. MGM Transformers is committed to excellent quality and service, offering industry-leading lead times and exceptional customer service. MGM Transformers specializes… Read More…