Q. What is the difference among UL 1703, IEEE 1262, IEC 1215, IEC 1646 and PMC?

A. UL 1703UL 1703 IS A SAFETY STANDARD FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES AND PANELS.

• UL provides evaluations and certification to UL 1703. 
• Manufacturers whose products meet these requirements are authorized by UL to apply the appropriate UL Mark. 
• Product manufacturing is then audited through a program of factory Follow-Up Services. 
• To counter-check products bearing the UL Mark to see if they continue to meet safety requirements, field representatives make frequent, unannounced visits to production facilities worldwide. 
• The manufacturing facility is audited with a “Follow-Up Service Procedure”. This Procedure authorizes the manufacturer to use, under specific controls, the appropriate UL Mark on their products. The Procedure also describes in detail the product as it was constructed when it was originally examined and tested. 

IEEE 1262 IEEE 1262 PROVIDES ASSURANCE THAT THE PRODUCT IS RELIABLE AND DURABLE. 

• a test standard, not a certification program 
• a US national test standard that applies to both crystalline and thin film modules 
• designed to detect known failure mechanisms in modules which affect performance, reliability, durability, and safety (some overlap with UL 1703) 
• incorporates the requirements of IEC 1215 and 1646 

IEC 1215 IEC 1215 PROVIDES ASSURANCE THAT THE PRODUCT IS RELIABLE AND DURABLE. 

• a test standard, not a certification program 
• an international test standard for crystalline silicon modules 
• nearly the same requirements as IEEE 1262 

IEC 1646 IEC 1646 PROVIDES ASSURANCE THAT THE PRODUCT IS RELIABLE AND DURABLE. 

• a test standard, not a certification program 
• international standard for thin-film amorphous modules 
• nearly the same requirements as IEEE 1262 

PMC PMC IS A CERTIFICATION PROGRAM THAT ENSURES PRODUCT RELIABILITY AND DURABILITY.

• product meets IEEE 1262 and IEC 1215/1646 (and retested every two years) 
• requires an accredited laboratory 
• module performance is measured and certified 
• factory is audited periodically to verify minimum quality standards