Driving Rain Test Stand

When PV modules replace roof cladding, they must meet current roofing standards. This stand test was specially designed for TÜV Rheinland in Cologne, Germany to test the water tightness and imperviousness of PV modules to heavy rains. The automatic angle adjustor allows testing of different roof pitches.

A large fan simulates different wind speeds, while water jets spray artificial rain onto the modules. If the modules or their fasteners are not watertight, any leakage is collected in catchment tanks.


Technical specifications

Roof angles 15 ° to 45 °
Wind speed 0 – 25 m/s
Rainfall 6 – 416 mm/s
Relevant standards prEN 15601, prEN 50583, UL 1703, MCS 012, 2 PfG 1794/10.10

Key facts

  • Tests the impermeability of building elements
  • Applicable for integrated solar thermal systems, building integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPV) and various types of roof materials
  • Wind-driven rain tests under different contact angles
  • Roof angles of 15, 30 and 45 degrees
  • Wind speed increments from 0 to 25 m s-1
  • Rainfall from 6 to 416 mm s-1

A test series at TÜV Rheinland consists of twelve sub-tests. Each sub-test collects data of the simulated weather parameters, such as rainfall, wind speed, and running water under different test angles.

Software features

  • Setting of the rain fall amount and wind speed
  • Visualization of the measurement data
  • Full access to all configuration parameters
  • Automated failure detection
  • Easy implementation of calibration parameters