IEC 61215-1:2016 lays down requirements for the design qualification and type approval of terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules suitable for long-term operation in general open-air climates, as defined in IEC 60721-2-1. This standard is intended to apply to all terrestrial flat plate module materials such as crystalline silicon module types as well as thin-film modules. The objective of this test sequence is to determine the electrical and thermal characteristics of the module and to show, as far as possible within reasonable constraints of cost and time, that the module is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure in climates described in the scope. This edition of IEC 61215-1 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the second edition of IEC 61215:2005: new standard series structure consistent with other IEC standards: Part 1 lists general requirements, Part 1-x specifics for each PV technology and Part 2 defines testing. All tests defined in Part 2 are MQTs (module quality tests).