IEC TS 62998-1-2019 PDF

Full title and description

St IEC TS 62998-1-2019 — Technical Specification: "Indoor Photovoltaic (PV) Systems — Part 1: Application-specific requirements and guidance for small-scale PV systems intended for indoor use" (official title may vary slightly by publisher). This document provides guidance, requirements and recommendations for design, testing, installation and safety of photovoltaic systems intended primarily for indoor environments, focusing on small-scale applications and equipment interoperability.

Abstract

This Technical Specification establishes application-specific requirements and guidance for photovoltaic systems used indoors. It addresses product, installation and safety considerations that differ from conventional outdoor PV systems, including illumination compatibility, energy harvesting from indoor lighting, electrical safety in occupied spaces, electromagnetic compatibility, performance characterization under artificial light spectra, and recommended test methods. The aim is to ensure safe, reliable and interoperable indoor PV products and systems for consumer, commercial and industrial applications.

General information

• Status: Published Technical Specification
• Publication date: 2019
• Publisher: IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) / national adoptions may carry a St/TS designation
• ICS / categories: 29.160 (Photovoltaic systems), 97.040 (Electrical safety), also relates to 29.020 (Photovoltaic devices)
• Edition / version: 1.0 (2019)
• Number of pages: Typically in the range of 20–40 pages (technical specifications often around this length); exact page count depends on the publisher's formatted release

Scope

This Technical Specification covers requirements and guidance for the design, testing, installation and operation of small-scale photovoltaic systems intended primarily for indoor use. It focuses on systems powered by indoor lighting sources (including LED, fluorescent and other artificial spectra), addressing performance characterization under low irradiance and differing spectral distributions, safety considerations for installations in occupied spaces, integration with building systems, mounting and enclosure requirements, and testing methods relevant to indoor conditions. It is intended for PV modules, power conversion electronics and complete indoor PV systems rather than large outdoor utility-scale installations.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and classification of indoor PV systems and components (module types, converters, integrated devices).
• Performance testing under indoor lighting: recommended test spectra, illuminance levels, and procedures to determine power output at low irradiance.
• Electrical safety and protection requirements adapted for occupied indoor environments (insulation, touch protection, isolation of extra-low-voltage circuits where applicable).
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) considerations for PV converters and modules used near sensitive indoor electronics.
• Mechanical, thermal and fire safety requirements for enclosures and mounting in interior spaces.
• Requirements for marking, documentation and user information specific to indoor operation (expected output under typical lighting, installation constraints, maintenance guidance).
• Guidance on integration with lighting, building power systems and energy management solutions.
• Test methods and measurement uncertainty considerations for indoor PV power rating and durability assessments.

Typical use and users

Intended users include product designers and manufacturers of indoor PV modules and integrated devices (e.g., self-powered sensors, IoT devices, battery trickle chargers), test laboratories, certification bodies, building services engineers, installers and facility managers evaluating indoor energy-harvesting solutions. The document is useful for purchasers specifying performance and safety requirements for indoor PV components and for researchers working on PV technologies optimized for indoor illumination.

Related standards

Related documents and standards commonly referenced with this Technical Specification include international and regional PV module and system standards (for example, PV module performance and safety standards), electrical safety standards for low-voltage equipment, EMC standards, and other IEC/ISO standards addressing product safety, test methods and environmental testing. This TS complements existing outdoor PV standards by addressing indoor-specific conditions and measurement methods.

Keywords

Indoor photovoltaic, indoor PV, photovoltaic systems, technical specification, low irradiance, artificial lighting, indoor lighting spectrum, performance testing, electrical safety, EMC, IoT energy harvesting

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is an IEC Technical Specification published in 2019 that provides requirements and guidance for small-scale photovoltaic systems intended for indoor use, covering performance, safety and testing under artificial lighting conditions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers definitions, performance characterization under indoor lighting, safety and installation requirements for occupied spaces, EMC guidance, documentation and marking, and appropriate test methods for indoor PV modules and systems.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of indoor PV modules and devices, test laboratories, certification bodies, product designers, installers, building engineers and researchers developing indoor energy-harvesting solutions.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is a 2019 Technical Specification. Users should check the IEC catalogue or their national standards body for any later amendments, revisions or if it has been elevated to a full International Standard since publication.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes, the title indicates "Part 1", implying it is part of a multi-part series addressing different aspects of indoor PV systems; other parts may cover additional application domains, test methods or interfaces.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Indoor photovoltaic, indoor PV, low irradiance testing, artificial lighting spectrum, energy harvesting, IoT power, electrical safety, EMC