IEC TS 61836-2016 PDF

Full title and description

IEC/TS 61836:2016 — Solar photovoltaic energy systems — Terms, definitions and symbols. This technical specification compiles terms, definitions and graphical symbols used across IEC TC 82 and related national and international photovoltaic (PV) documents to provide a consistent vocabulary for PV systems, components and measurements.

Abstract

IEC TS 61836:2016 gathers and harmonizes terminology and symbols used in the field of solar photovoltaic energy systems. The document focuses on the meaning of terms (what the words mean) rather than application conditions, and incorporates additions and revisions agreed by the TC 82 terminology working group to reflect developments in PV technology and practice.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / superseded (a newer edition IEC TS 61836:2025 has been published; withdrawal recorded in 2025).
• Publication date: 13 December 2016 (Edition 3.0).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), TC 82 (Solar photovoltaic energy systems).
• ICS / categories: 27.160 — Solar energy engineering / Photovoltaics.
• Edition / version: Edition 3.0 (2016).
• Number of pages: 84 (IEC PDF listing; some national distributors list 87–92 pages depending on format and national publication).

Scope

Provides a consolidated vocabulary of terms, definitions and symbols used in IEC TC 82 publications and relevant PV documents. The scope is to standardize terminology for PV systems (including module, array and balance-of-system components), electrical characteristics, performance metrics and graphical symbols used in documentation, testing and product specifications. The focus is on defining meanings rather than specifying test or application conditions.

Key topics and requirements

• Compilation and harmonization of PV-specific terms and definitions from IEC TC 82 standards.
• Standard graphical symbols for PV system components and documentation.
• Definitions of electrical and performance parameters used in PV measurement and testing (e.g., irradiance, STC, NOCT-related terms).
• Cross-references to related IEC and IEC/TC82 normative documents and series.
• Clarification of terms for emerging topics such as LVDC systems and rural electrification where relevant terminology existed.

Typical use and users

Used by PV system designers, manufacturers, test laboratories, certification bodies, standards developers, regulatory agencies and educators to ensure consistent terminology in specifications, test reports, datasheets, standards and technical documentation. It is also referenced in procurement documents and normative references within other PV standards.

Related standards

Commonly referenced alongside several IEC PV standards, including but not limited to IEC 60904 (PV device measurement), IEC 61215 / IEC 61646 (PV module design qualification), IEC 61730 (PV module safety), IEC 61724 (PV performance monitoring), and various IEC TS 62257 series documents for off-grid/rural electrification. Product and test standards cited in connection include multiple parts of the IEC 60904 and IEC 61xxx families.

Keywords

photovoltaic; PV systems; terminology; vocabulary; symbols; TC 82; solar energy; LVDC; rural electrification; definitions.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TS 61836:2016 is a technical specification that compiles and harmonizes terms, definitions and graphical symbols used across IEC standards for solar photovoltaic energy systems to provide a consistent vocabulary.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers definitions and symbols for PV components, electrical and performance parameters, and related terminology drawn from IEC TC 82 documents; its intent is to clarify meanings rather than to set test conditions.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: PV engineers, manufacturers, test labs, certification bodies, standards committees, regulators and educators who need a common, authoritative vocabulary for PV-related documents and specifications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC TS 61836:2016 has been superseded by a later edition (IEC TS 61836:2025); national bodies list formal withdrawal dates in 2025 when the newer edition became the base publication. Users should consult the 2025 edition for the latest terminology.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a Technical Specification produced by IEC TC 82 and is functionally linked to many IEC product, test and system standards in the photovoltaic family (for example, IEC 60904, IEC 61215, IEC 61730, IEC 61724 and related IEC TS documents).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Photovoltaic, PV systems, terminology, symbols, definitions, solar energy, TC 82, LVDC, rural electrification.