SEMI International Standards
Standards New Activity Report Form (SNARF)
Date Prepared: 03/05/2018Revised (if Applicable):

Document Number: 6401
SNARF for: New Standard: Test Method for Indentation Force of Flexible Thin Film PV Modules

Originating Global Technical Committee: Photovoltaic
Originating TC Chapter: China
Task Force (TF) in which work is to be carried out: Thin Film PV Module Task Force
Note: If a new task force is needed, also submit a task force organization form (TFOF)

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1. Rationale:
a. Describe the need or problem addressed by this activity.
(Indicate the customer, what benefits they will receive, and if possible, quantify the impact on the return on investment [ROI] if the Document is implemented.)
Flexible thin film photovoltaic (PV) module has been widely used and been paid more and more attention due to its advantages of light, thin and flexible. Because of its special paste installation method, flexible thin film PV modules are inevitably affected by indentation force (the pressure of a small area, constant time, and lead to local deformation) during installation, maintenance, cleaning and so on. For example, during the installation or maintenance, the operators may step on the sandstones on the surface of the modules or trample the modules with the hard edge of the sole, which may cause PV module suffering indentation force. Additionally, in the field of portable photovoltaic applications, the application environment is complicated and changeable. Modules cannot be avoidable to be squeezed by sharp and hard objects. The indentation force would then probably cause the deformation and breakage of polymer packaging materials as well as the damage of battery layer, which would seriously affect the reliability of the appearance, electrical safety and electrical performance of flexible thin film PV modules.
However, there is no test on the indentation force of flexible thin film PV modules in IEC 61215, IEC 61730 and other international or domestic standards. In order to evaluate the ability to withstand the indentation force of the flexible thin film PV module and to ensure the reliability and safety, new standard specific to flexible thin film PV modules need be established.



b. Estimate effect on industry.
2: Major effect on an industry sector - identify the relevant sector
Sector or Company Information:

c. Estimate technical difficulty of the activity.
II: Some Difficulty - Disagreements on known requirements exist but developing consensus is possible

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2. Scope:
a: Describe the technical areas to be covered or addressed by this Document development activity. For Subordinate Standards, list common concepts or criteria that the Subordinate Standard inherits from the Primary Standard, as well as differences from the Primary Standard:
1. The standard describes indentation force procedures for the measurement of flexible thin film PV module.
2. This procedure is applicable for flexible thin film PV modules.


b: Expected result of activity
New Standard or Safety Guideline (including replacement of an existing Standard or Safety Guideline)

For a new Subordinate Standard, identify the Primary Standard here:




For Standards, identify the Standard Subtype below:
Test Method

Miscellaneous (describe below):

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3. Projected Timetable for Completion:

a: General Milestones
a. Activity Start: 05/01/2018b. 1st Draft by: 05/01/2019
c. (Optional) Informational Ballot by: 10/01/2019d. Letter Ballot by: 03/01/2020
e. TC Chapter Approval By:05/01/2020

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4. Liaisons with other Global Technical Committees/TC Chapters/Subcommittees/TFs:
a.
List SEMI global technical committees, TC Chapters, subcommittees, or task forces in your or other Regions/Locales that should be kept informed regarding the progress of this activity. (Refer to SEMI Standards organization charts and global technical committee charters and scopes as needed.)


b. List any planned Type I Liaisons with external nonprofit organizations (e.g., SDO) that should receive Draft Documents from Standards staff for feedback during this activity and be notified when the Letter Ballot is issued (refer to Procedure Manual § 7):


c. Intercommittee Ballots:
will be issued – identify the recipient global technical committee(s):

Identify the recipient global technical committee(s):
Photovoltaic (PV) - Materials
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5. Safety Considerations:
The resulting document is expected:
NOT to be a Safety Guideline

NOTE FOR "to be a Safety Guideline": When all safety-related information is removed from the Document, the Document is NOT technically sound and complete - Refer to Section 15.1 of the Regulations for special procedures to be followed.

NOTE FOR "NOT to be a Safety Guideline": When all safety-related information is removed from the Document, the Document is still technically sound and complete.

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6. Intellectual Property Considerations:
a. For a new Standard or Safety Guideline and for any part to be modified or added in a Revision of published Standards and Safety Guidelines:
the use of patented technology is NOT required.

If "patented technology is intended to be included in the proposed Standard(s) or Safety Guideline(s) " is selected above, then also check one:


b. For Revision, Reapproval, Reinstatement, or Withdrawal of existing Standard(s) and Safety Guideline(s):
there is no known material patented technology necessary to use or implement the Standard(s) and Safety Guideline(s)

c. The body of the Document and any Appendices, Complementary Files, Related Information sections, or Various Materials that may or may not be a part of the Document by reference:



NOTE FORthe use of patented technology or the incorporation of Copyrighted Item(s) is NOT required’: If in the course of developing the Document, it is determined that the use of patented technology or Copyrighted Item(s) is necessary for the Document, the provisions of Regulations § 16 must be followed.

NOTE FORwill incorporate Copyrighted Item’: A copyright release letter must be obtained from the copyright owner prior to publication.

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7. Comments, Special Circumstances:
None.

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8. TC Member Review:
took place between (put dates below ) before approval at the TC Chapter Meeting, or

Member Review Start Date; 04/23/2018
Member Review End Date: 05/072018

NOTE FOR ‘TC Member Review’ is required by the Regulations for a period of at least two weeks
before approval of a new, or a major revision of an existing, Standard or Safety Guideline. (Refer to Regulations ¶ 8.2.1)
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9. SNARF Approval Dates:
TC Chapter or GCS05/26/2018
Recorded in TC Minutes06/21/2018

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10. SNARF Extension Dates:
TC Chapter Extension Granted on 04/23/2021
Extension Expires on05/26/2022