What is the UV chamber for PV module?

When PV modules are installed on rooftops, deserts, or coastal solar farms, they are exposed to ultraviolet radiation for more than 25 years. UV radiation can degrade encapsulants, backsheets, and adhesives, causing yellowing, cracking, delamination, and power loss. Accelerated UV testing allows manufacturers to identify these risks in weeks instead of decades.

LIB UV Chamber for PV Module is designed to perform controlled UV preconditioning according to international standards. With programmable irradiance, stable temperature control, and precise Black Panel Temperature (BPT) monitoring, it ensures that every module receives accurate and repeatable UV exposure before further environmental qualification tests.

UV preconditioning is required by IEC 61215 (MQT 10) before thermal cycling and humidity freeze tests. The standard specifies:

• UV dose (280–320 nm): 7.5 kWh/m²
• UV dose (320–400 nm): 15 kWh/m²

Controlled surface temperature (typically 35–80°C BPT)

The purpose of UV pretreatment is simple:
Before exposing modules to −40°C to +85°C thermal cycling or high-humidity conditions, manufacturers must first determine whether UV radiation weakens materials such as EVA, backsheets, or adhesives.

Without UV preconditioning:

Adhesion failure may go undetected

Encapsulant yellowing may not be revealed

Long-term outdoor durability cannot be accurately predicted

LIB UV chamber uses 20 UVA lamps and 10 UVB lamps, providing up to 250 W/m² UV irradiance, ensuring compliance with IEC spectral distribution requirements.

Aging Test chambers for PV Modules 

 

1. Advanced UV Exposure Chamber For PV Modules

 

2. Reliable PV Thermal Cycling Test Chamber 

 

3. Stable Salt Spray Testing Apparatus

 

4. Xenon Arc Accelerated Weathering Chamber

 

5. Sand Dust Testing Chamber

LIB UV preconditioning chamber is engineered with measurable precision and operational stability.

1. Accurate Irradiance Control

UVA proportion: 90–97%

UVB proportion: 3–10%

UVC: <0.1%

Programmable irradiance accumulation control

This ensures reliable simulation of solar UV spectrum without unrealistic overexposure.

2. Stable Temperature Control

Temperature range: Ambient to 90°C ±2°C

Black Panel Temperature (BPT): 35°C–80°C

PT100 Class A sensors for accurate monitoring

3. High Capacity & Adjustable Sample Holder

Specimen capacity: 2 PV panels

Adjustable holder for 1400 × 2400 mm panels

Flexible lamp distance adjustment

4. Smart Control System

7-inch programmable touchscreen

Up to 120 programs

Ethernet + USB + RS232 connectivity

Real-time data export in CSV format

The chamber interior uses SUS304 stainless steel, ensuring corrosion resistance and long service life.

UV preconditioning is only the first step in a complete PV qualification program.

Step 1: UV Preconditioning (IEC 61215 MQT 10)

Expose modules to required UV dose at controlled BPT.

Step 2: Temperature and Humidity Testing

After UV exposure, modules undergo:

Damp Heat Test (IEC 61215)
85°C / 85% RH for 1000 hours

Thermal Cycling Test (IEC 61215)
−40°C to +85°C for 200 cycles

Humidity Freeze Test
Alternating high humidity and sub-zero temperatures

LIB temperature and humidity chambers provide:

Humidity range: 20–98% RH

Temperature range: −60°C to +100°C

Deviation: ±2°C

Humidity accuracy: ±2.5% RH

		Damp Heat Test Chamber
Internal Dimension (mm)		1300*700*1350
Overall Dimension (mm)		1900*1100*1750
Parameter	Temperature Range	-60℃ ～ +100 ℃
	Temperature Fluctuation	± 0.5 ℃
	Temperature Deviation	± 2.0 ℃
	Humidity Range	20% ~ 98% RH
	Humidity Deviation	± 2.5% RH
	Temperature Change Rate	1 ~ 3.4℃ / Min
	Panel Size	1M*2M
	Panel Capacity	4 / 6 / 8 / 10 / 12 Pieces
Structure	Cooling	Cooling system
		Refrigerating unit
	Heating Element	Nichrome heater
	Controller	Programmable color LCD touch screen controller
		Ethernet connection, PC Link, USB
	Humidity	Water supply system
		Water supply system
		Humidifier
		Dehumidification
	Sensor	Temperature Sensor
		Humidity Sensor
	Build-in Water Tank (mm)	270*300*450
	View Window Size (mm)	330*370
Material	Exterior Material	Steel Plate with protective coating
	Interior Material	SUS304 stainless steel
	Thermal Insulation	Polyurethane foam and insulation cotton
	Observation Window	Interior lighting, double-layer therm stability silicone rubber sealing

Step 3: Salt Spray Corrosion Test

For coastal installations, testing follows IEC 61701.

5% NaCl solution

Cyclic salt mist exposure

Corrosion resistance evaluation for frames and junction boxes

By combining UV → Damp Heat → Thermal Cycling → Salt Spray, LIB provides a complete environmental reliability solution for PV manufacturers.

Q1: Why is UV preconditioning required before thermal cycling?

Because UV exposure weakens polymers and adhesives. If thermal cycling is performed without UV pretreatment, hidden degradation mechanisms may not appear.

Q2: What wavelength range does the UV chamber cover?

The chamber covers 280–400 nm, including UVA and UVB bands required by IEC 61215.

Q3: How is temperature monitored?

Using Black Panel Temperature (BPT) sensors with ±2°C control accuracy to ensure realistic surface temperature simulation.

Q4: Can the chamber simulate long-term outdoor exposure?

Yes. By controlling cumulative UV dose in kWh/m², the chamber accelerates years of outdoor UV exposure into controlled laboratory conditions.

Q5: Is the chamber suitable for certification labs?

Yes. The system supports data logging, Ethernet connection, USB export, and programmable IEC-compliant test sequences.

Routine maintenance such as lamp replacement and sensor verification is simple and minimizes downtime. Time to Strengthen Your PV Reliability Testing? LIB UV Chamber for PV Module ensures accurate IEC 61215 UV preconditioning and supports full environmental qualification workflows.

Contact LIB Industry to enhance your PV module durability testing and ensure your products withstand decades of outdoor exposure.