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ASTM E1036-08

(Test Method)

Standard Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference Cells

Standard Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference Cells

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
It is the intent of these procedures to provide recognized methods for testing and reporting the electrical performance of photovoltaic modules and arrays.
The test results may be used for comparison of different modules or arrays among a group of similar items that might be encountered in testing a group of modules or arrays from a single source. They also may be used to compare diverse designs, such as products from different manufacturers. Repeated measurements of the same module or array may be used for the study of changes in device performance.
Measurements may be made over a range of test conditions. The measurement data are numerically translated from the test conditions to standard RC, to nominal operating conditions, or to optional user-specified reporting conditions. Recommended RC are defined in Table 1.  
If the test conditions are such that the device temperature is within ±2°C of the RC temperature and the total irradiance is within ±5 % of the RC irradiance, the numerical translation consists of a correction to the measured device current based on the total irradiance during the I-V measurement.  
If the provision in 5.3.1 is not met, performance at RC is obtained from four separate I-V measurements at temperature and irradiance conditions that bracket the desired RC using a bilinear interpolation method.  
There are a variety of methods that may be used to bracket the temperature and irradiance. One method involves cooling the module under test below the reference temperature and making repeated measurements of the I-V characteristics as the module warms up. The irradiance of pulsed light sources may be adjusted by using neutral density mesh filters of varying transmittance. If the distance between the simulator and the test plane can be varied then this adjustment can be used to change the irradiance. In natural sunlight, the irradiance will change with the time of day or if the solar incidence angle is adjusted.
These test methods are bas...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the electrical performance of photovoltaic modules and arrays under natural or simulated sunlight using a calibrated reference cell.
1.1.1 These test methods allow a reference module to be used instead of a reference cell provided the reference module has been calibrated using these test methods against a calibrated reference cell.
1.2 Measurements under a variety of conditions are allowed; results are reported under a select set of reporting conditions (RC) to facilitate comparison of results.
1.3 These test methods apply only to nonconcentrator terrestrial modules and arrays.
1.4 The performance parameters determined by these test methods apply only at the time of the test, and imply no past or future performance level.
1.5 These test methods apply to photovoltaic modules and arrays that do not contain series-connected photovoltaic multijunction devices; such module and arrays should be tested according to Test Methods E 2236.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

Status
Historical
Publication Date
31-Oct-2008
ICS
27.160 - Solar energy engineering
Technical Committee
E44 - Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources
Drafting Committee
E44.09 - Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion
Current Stage
Ref Project

Relations

Replaces
ASTM E1036-02(2007) - Standard Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference Cells
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Replaced By
ASTM E1036-12 - Standard Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference Cells
Effective Date
01-Dec-2012
Referred By
ASTM E927-19 - Standard Classification for Solar Simulators for Electrical Performance Testing of Photovoltaic Devices
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Referred By
ASTM E1171-15(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Photovoltaic Modules in Cyclic Temperature and Humidity Environments
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Referred By
ASTM E1830-15(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Determining Mechanical Integrity of Photovoltaic Modules
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Referred By
ASTM E2481-12(2023) - Standard Test Method for Hot Spot Protection Testing of Photovoltaic Modules
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Referred By
ASTM E1597-10(2019) - Standard Test Method for Saltwater Pressure Immersion and Temperature Testing of Photovoltaic Modules for Marine Environments
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Referred By
ASTM E1143-05(2019) - Standard Test Method for Determining the Linearity of a Photovoltaic Device Parameter with Respect To a Test Parameter
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Referred By
ASTM E1021-15(2019) - Standard Test Method for Spectral Responsivity Measurements of Photovoltaic Devices
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Referred By
ASTM E772-15(2021) - Standard Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Referred By
ASTM E1038-10(2019) - Standard Test Method for Determining Resistance of Photovoltaic Modules to Hail by Impact with Propelled Ice Balls
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Referred By
ASTM E2236-10(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Electrical Performance and Spectral Response of Nonconcentrator Multijunction Photovoltaic Cells and Modules
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Referred By
ASTM E1040-10(2020) - Standard Specification for Physical Characteristics of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Referred By
ASTM E973-16(2020) - Standard Test Method for Determination of the Spectral Mismatch Parameter Between a Photovoltaic Device and a Photovoltaic Reference Cell
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Referred By
ASTM E2527-15(2019) - Standard Test Method for Electrical Performance of Concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Systems Under Natural Sunlight
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008

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ASTM E1036-08 - Standard Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference CellsASTM E1036-08 - Standard Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference Cells
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REDLINE ASTM E1036-08 - Standard Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference CellsREDLINE ASTM E1036-08 - Standard Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference Cells
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Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E1036 − 08
StandardTest Methods for
Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial
1
Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference Cells
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1036; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.1 These test methods cover the electrical performance of
E772Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
photovoltaic modules and arrays under natural or simulated
E927Specification for Solar Simulation for Photovoltaic
sunlight using a calibrated reference cell.
Testing
1.1.1 These test methods allow a reference module to be
E941Test Method for Calibration of Reference Pyranom-
used instead of a reference cell provided the reference module
etersWithAxisTiltedbytheShadingMethod(Withdrawn
has been calibrated using these test methods against a cali-
3
2005)
brated reference cell.
E948Test Method for Electrical Performance of Photovol-
1.2 Measurements under a variety of conditions are al-
taic Cells Using Reference Cells Under Simulated Sun-
lowed; results are reported under a select set of reporting
light
conditions (RC) to facilitate comparison of results.
E973Test Method for Determination of the Spectral Mis-
1.3 These test methods apply only to nonconcentrator ter- match Parameter Between a Photovoltaic Device and a
Photovoltaic Reference Cell
restrial modules and arrays.
E1021TestMethodforSpectralResponsivityMeasurements
1.4 The performance parameters determined by these test
of Photovoltaic Devices
methodsapplyonlyatthetimeofthetest,andimplynopastor
E1039 Test Method for Calibration of Silicon Non-
future performance level.
ConcentratorPhotovoltaicPrimaryReferenceCellsUnder
3
1.5 These test methods apply to photovoltaic modules and
Global Irradiation (Withdrawn 2004)
arrays that do not contain series-connected photovoltaic mul-
E1040Specification for Physical Characteristics of Noncon-
tijunction devices; such module and arrays should be tested
centrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells
according to Test Methods E2236.
E1125 Test Method for Calibration of Primary Non-
ConcentratorTerrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells Us-
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
ing a Tabular Spectrum
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
E1328Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy
standard.
3
Conversion (Withdrawn 2012)
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
E1362Test Method for Calibration of Non-Concentrator
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Photovoltaic Secondary Reference Cells
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
E2236Test Methods for Measurement of Electrical Perfor-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
mance and Spectral Response of Nonconcentrator Multi-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
junction Photovoltaic Cells and Modules
G173TablesforReferenceSolarSpectralIrradiances:Direct
2. Referenced Documents
Normal and Hemispherical on 37° Tilted Surface
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3. Terminology
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in these test
Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources and are the direct
methods may be found inTerminology E772 andTerminology
responsibility of Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2008. Published December 2008. Originally E1328.
approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as E1036–02(2007).
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
DOI: 10.1520/E1036-08.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1036 − 08
TABLE 1 Reporting Conditions
3.2.1 nominal operating cell temperature, NOCT, n—the
temperature of a solar cell inside a module operating at an Device
Total Irradiance, Spectral
−2
Temperature,
−2
ambienttemperatureof20°C,anirradianceof800Wm ,and
Wm Irradiance
°C
−1
an average wind speed of 1 ms .
Standard reporting conditions 1000 G
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:E1036–02 (Reapproved 2007) Designation:E1036–08
Standard Test Methods for
Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial
1
Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference Cells
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1036; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 Thesetestmethodscovertheelectricalperformanceofphotovoltaicmodulesandarraysundernaturalorsimulatedsunlight
using a calibrated reference cell.
1.1.1 Thesetestmethodsallowareferencemoduletobeusedinsteadofareferencecellprovidedthereferencemodulehasbeen
calibrated using these test methods against a calibrated reference cell.
1.2 Measurementsunderavarietyofconditionsareallowed;resultsarereportedunderaselectsetofreportingconditions(RC)
to facilitate comparison of results.
1.3 These test methods apply only to nonconcentrator terrestrial modules and arrays.
1.4 Theperformanceparametersdeterminedbythesetestmethodsapplyonlyatthetimeofthetest,andimplynopastorfuture
performance level.
1.5There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.
1.6
1.5 These test methods apply to photovoltaic modules and arrays that do not contain series-connected photovoltaic
multijunction devices; such module and arrays should be tested according to Test Methods E2236.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E772 Terminology Relating to Solar Energy Conversion
E927 Specification for Solar Simulation for Photovoltaic Testing
E941 Test Method for Calibration of Reference Pyranometers With Axis Tilted by the Shading Method
E948 Test Method for Electrical Performance of Photovoltaic Cells Using Reference Cells Under Simulated Sunlight
E973 Test Method for Determination of the Spectral Mismatch Parameter Between a Photovoltaic Device and a Photovoltaic
Reference Cell
E1021 Test Method for Spectral Responsivity Measurements of Photovoltaic Devices
E1039 Test Method for Calibration of Silicon Non-Concentrator Photovoltaic Primary Reference Cells Under Global
Irradiation
E1040 Specification for Physical Characteristics of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells
E1125 Test Method for Calibration of Primary Non-Concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells Using a Tabular
Spectrum
E1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion
E1362 Test Method for Calibration of Non-Concentrator Photovoltaic Secondary Reference Cells
G159TestMethodforEvaluationofStressCrackResistanceofPolyolefinGeomembranesUsingNotchedConstantTensileLoad
Test
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E44 on Solar, Geothermal and OtherAlternative Energy Sources and are the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2007.2008. Published November 2007.December 2008. Originally approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 20022007 as
E1036–02(2007).
2
ForreferencedASTMstandards,visittheASTMwebsite,www.astm.org,orcontactASTMCustomerServiceatservice@astm.org.ForAnnualBookofASTMStandards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1036–08
E2236 Test Methods for Measurement of Electrical Performance and Spectral Response of Nonconcentrator Multijunction
Photovoltaic Cells and Modules
G173 Tables for Reference Solar Spectral Irradiances: Direct Normal and Hemispherical on 37 Tilted Surface
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in these test methods may be found inTerminology E772 andTerminology E1328.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 nominal operating cell temperature, NOCT, n—the temperature of a
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:E1036–02 (Reapproved 2007) Designation:E1036–08
Standard Test Methods for
Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial
1
Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference Cells
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1036; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 Thesetestmethodscovertheelectricalperformanceofphotovoltaicmodulesandarraysundernaturalorsimulatedsunlight
using a calibrated reference cell.
1.1.1 Thesetestmethodsallowareferencemoduletobeusedinsteadofareferencecellprovidedthereferencemodulehasbeen
calibrated using these test methods against a calibrated reference cell.
1.2 Measurementsunderavarietyofconditionsareallowed;resultsarereportedunderaselectsetofreportingconditions(RC)
to facilitate comparison of results.
1.3 These test methods apply only to nonconcentrator terrestrial modules and arrays.
1.4 Theperformanceparametersdeterminedbythesetestmethodsapplyonlyatthetimeofthetest,andimplynopastorfuture
performance level.
1.5There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.
1.6
1.5 These test methods apply to photovoltaic modules and arrays that do not contain series-connected photovoltaic
multijunction devices; such module and arrays should be tested according to Test Methods E2236.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E772 Terminology Relating to Solar Energy Conversion
E927 Specification for Solar Simulation for Photovoltaic Testing
E941 Test Method for Calibration of Reference Pyranometers With Axis Tilted by the Shading Method
E948 Test Method for Electrical Performance of Photovoltaic Cells Using Reference Cells Under Simulated Sunlight
E973 Test Method for Determination of the Spectral Mismatch Parameter Between a Photovoltaic Device and a Photovoltaic
Reference Cell
E1021 Test Method for Spectral Responsivity Measurements of Photovoltaic Devices
E1039 Test Method for Calibration of Silicon Non-Concentrator Photovoltaic Primary Reference Cells Under Global
Irradiation
E1040 Specification for Physical Characteristics of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells
E1125 Test Method for Calibration of Primary Non-Concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells Using a Tabular
Spectrum
E1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion
E1362 Test Method for Calibration of Non-Concentrator Photovoltaic Secondary Reference Cells
G159TestMethodforEvaluationofStressCrackResistanceofPolyolefinGeomembranesUsingNotchedConstantTensileLoad
Test
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E44 on Solar, Geothermal and OtherAlternative Energy Sources and are the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2007.2008. Published November 2007.December 2008. Originally approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 20022007 as
E1036–02(2007).
2
ForreferencedASTMstandards,visittheASTMwebsite,www.astm.org,orcontactASTMCustomerServiceatservice@astm.org.ForAnnualBookofASTMStandards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1036–08
E2236 Test Methods for Measurement of Electrical Performance and Spectral Response of Nonconcentrator Multijunction
Photovoltaic Cells and Modules
G173 Tables for Reference Solar Spectral Irradiances: Direct Normal and Hemispherical on 37 Tilted Surface
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in these test methods may be found inTerminology E772 andTerminology E1328.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 nominal operating cell temperature, NOCT, n—the temperature of a
...

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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The design of a photovoltaic module or system intended to provide safe conversion of the sun's radiant energy into useful electricity must take into consideration the possibility of partial shadowing of the module(s) during operation. This test method describes a procedure for verifying that the design and construction of the module provides adequate protection against the potential harmful effects of hot spots during normal installation and use.  
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FIG. 1 Hot Spot Effect  
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FIG. 2 Bypass Diode Effect  
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Standard Test Methods for Wet Insulation Integrity Testing of Photovoltaic Modules

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The design of a photovoltaic module or system intended to provide safe conversion of the sun's radiant energy into useful electricity must take into consideration the possibility of hazard should the user come into contact with the electrical potential of the module or system. In addition, the insulation system provides a barrier to electrochemical corrosion, and insulation flaws can result in increased corrosion and reliability problems. These test methods describe procedures for verifying that the design and construction of the module provides adequate electrical isolation through normal installation and use. At no location on the module should the PV-generated electrical potential be accessible, with the obvious exception of the output leads. This isolation is necessary to provide for safe and reliable installation, use, and service of the photovoltaic system.  
4.2 This test method describes a procedure for determining the ability of the module to provide protection from electrical hazards. Its primary use is to find insulation flaws that could be dangerous to persons who may come into contact with the module, especially when modules are wet. For example, these flaws could be small holes in the encapsulation that allow hazardous voltages to be accessible on the outside surface of a module after a period of high humidity.  
4.3 Insulation flaws in a module may only become detectable after the module has been wet for a certain period of time. For this reason, these procedures specify a minimum time a module must be immersed prior to the insulation integrity measurements.  
4.4 Electrical junction boxes attached to modules are often designed to allow liquid water, accumulated from condensed water vapor, to drain. Such drain paths are usually designed to permit water to exit, but not to allow impinging water from rain or water sprinklers to enter. It is important that all surfaces of junction boxes be thoroughly wetted by spraying during the tests to enable t...
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1.1 These test methods provide procedures to determine the insulation resistance of a photovoltaic (PV) module, i.e. the electrical resistance between the module's internal electrical components and its exposed, electrically conductive, non-current carrying parts and surfaces.  
1.2 The insulation integrity procedures are a combination of wet insulation resistance and wet dielectric voltage withstand test procedures.  
1.3 These procedures are similar to and reference the insulation integrity test procedures described in Test Methods E1462, with the difference being that the photovoltaic module under test is immersed in a wetting solution during the procedures.  
1.4 These test methods do not establish pass or fail levels. The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is beyond the scope of these test methods.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 6.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

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ASTM E1799-12(2023)(Practice)
Standard Practice for Visual Inspections of Photovoltaic Modules

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Environmental stress tests, such as those listed in 1.2, are normally used to evaluate module designs prior to production or purchase. These test methods rely on performing electrical tests and visual inspections of modules before and after stress testing to determine the effects of the exposures.  
4.2 Effects of environmental stress testing may vary from no effects to significant changes. Some physical changes in the module may be visible when there are no measurable electrical changes. Similarly, electrical changes in the module may occur with no visible changes.  
4.3 It is the intent of this practice to provide a recognized procedure for performing visual inspections and to specify effects that should be reported.  
4.4 Many of these effects are subjective. In order to determine if a module has passed a visual inspection, the user of this practice must specify what changes or conditions are acceptable. The user may have to judge whether changes noted during an inspection will limit the useful life of a module design.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers procedures and criteria for visual inspections of photovoltaic modules.  
1.2 Visual inspections of photovoltaic modules are normally performed before and after modules have been subjected to environmental, electrical, or mechanical stress testing, such as thermal cycling, humidity-freeze cycling, damp heat exposure, ultraviolet exposure, mechanical loading, hail impact testing, outdoor exposure, or other stress testing that may be part of the photovoltaic module testing sequence.  
1.3 This practice does not establish pass or fail levels. The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is beyond the scope of this practice.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

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ASTM E2848-13(2023)(Test Method)
Standard Test Method for Reporting Photovoltaic Non-Concentrator System Performance

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Because there are a number of choices in this test method that depend on different applications and system configurations, it is the responsibility of the user of this test method to specify the details and protocol of an individual system power measurement prior to the beginning of a measurement.  
5.2 Unlike device-level measurements that report performance at a fixed device temperature of 25 °C, such as Test Methods E1036, this test method uses regression to a reference ambient air temperature.  
5.2.1 System power values calculated using this test method are therefore much more indicative of the power a system actually produces compared with reporting performance at a relatively cold device temperature such as 25 °C.  
5.2.2 Using ambient temperature reduces the complexity of the data acquisition and analysis by avoiding the issues associated with defining and measuring the device temperature of an entire photovoltaic system.  
5.2.3 The user of this test method must select the time period over which system data are collected, and the averaging interval for the data collection within the constraints of 8.3.  
5.2.4 It is assumed that the system performance does not degrade or change during the data collection time period. This assumption influences the selection of the data collection period because system performance can have seasonal variations.  
5.3 The irradiance shall be measured in the plane of the modules under test. If multiple planes exist (particularly in the case of rolling terrain), then the plane or planes in which irradiance measurement will occur must be reported with the test results. In the case where this test method is to be used for acceptance testing of a photovoltaic system or reporting of photovoltaic system performance for contractual purposes, the plane or planes in which irradiance measurement will occur must be agreed upon by the parties to the test prior to the start of the test.
Note 1: In general, the irradiance measur...
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1.1 This test method provides measurement and analysis procedures for determining the capacity of a specific photovoltaic system built in a particular place and in operation under natural sunlight.  
1.2 This test method is used for the following purposes:  
1.2.1 Acceptance testing of newly installed photovoltaic systems,  
1.2.2 Reporting of dc or ac system performance, and  
1.2.3 Monitoring of photovoltaic system performance.  
1.3 This test method should not be used for:  
1.3.1 Testing of individual photovoltaic modules for comparison to nameplate power ratings,  
1.3.2 Testing of individual photovoltaic modules or systems for comparison to other photovoltaic modules or systems, and  
1.3.3 Testing of photovoltaic systems for the purpose of comparing the performance of photovoltaic systems located in different places.  
1.4 In this test method, photovoltaic system power is reported with respect to a set of reporting conditions (RC) including solar irradiance in the plane of the modules, ambient temperature, and wind speed (see Section 6). Measurements under a variety of reporting conditions are allowed to facilitate testing and comparison of results.  
1.5 This test method assumes that the solar cell temperature is directly influenced by ambient temperature and wind speed; if not the regression results may be less meaningful.  
1.6 The capacity measured according to this test method should not be used to make representations about the energy generation capabilities of the system.  
1.7 This test method is not applicable to concentrator photovoltaic systems; as an alternative, Test Method E2527 should be considered for such systems.  
1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user...

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ASTM E781-86(2023)(Practice)
Standard Practice for Evaluating Absorptive Solar Receiver Materials When Exposed to Conditions Simulating Stagnation in Solar Collectors with Cover Plates

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Although this practice is intended for evaluating solar absorber materials and coatings used in flat-plate collectors, no single procedure can duplicate the wide range of temperatures and environmental conditions to which these materials may be exposed during in-service conditions.  
4.2 This practice is intended as a screening test for absorber materials and coatings. All conditions are chosen to be representative of those encountered in solar collectors with single cover plates and with no added means of limiting the temperature during stagnation conditions.  
4.3 This practice uses exposure in a simulated collector with a single cover plate. Although collectors with additional cover plates will produce higher temperatures at stagnation, this procedure is considered to provide adequate thermal testing for most applications.
Note 1: Mathematical modeling has shown that a selective absorber, single glazed flat-plate solar collector can attain absorber plate stagnation temperatures as high as 226 °C (437 °F) with an ambient temperature of 37.8 °C (100 °F) and zero wind velocity, and a double glazed one as high as 245 °C (482 °F) under these conditions. The same configuration solar collector with a nonselective absorber can attain absorber stagnation temperatures as high as 146 °C (284 °F) if single glazed, and 185 °C (360 °F) if double glazed, with the same environmental conditions (see “Performance Criteria for Solar Heating and Cooling Systems in Commercial Buildings,” NBS Technical Note 1187).4  
4.4 This practice evaluates the thermal stability of absorber materials. It does not evaluate the moisture stability of absorber materials used in actual solar collectors exposed outdoors. Moisture intrusion into solar collectors is a frequent occurrence in addition to condensation caused by diurnal breathing.  
4.5 This practice differentiates between the testing of spectrally selective absorbers and nonselective absorbers.  
4.5.1 Testing Spectrally Selective...
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1.1 This practice covers a test procedure for evaluating absorptive solar receiver materials and coatings when exposed to sunlight under cover plate(s) for long durations. This practice is intended to evaluate the exposure resistance of absorber materials and coatings used in flat-plate collectors where maximum non-operational stagnation temperatures will be approximately 200 °C (392 °F).  
1.2 This practice shall not apply to receiver materials used in solar collectors without covers (unglazed) or in evacuated collectors, that is, those that use a vacuum to suppress convective and conductive thermal losses.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

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ASTM E822-92(2023)(Practice)
Standard Practice for Determining Resistance of Solar Collector Covers to Hail by Impact with Propelled Ice Balls

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
2.1 In many geographic areas there is concern about the effect of falling hail upon solar collector covers. This practice may be used to determine the ability of flat-plate solar collector covers to withstand the impact forces of hailstones. In this practice, the ability of a solar collector cover plate to withstand hail impact is related to its tested ability to withstand impact from ice balls. The effects of the impact on the material are highly variable and dependent upon the material.  
2.2 This practice describes a standard procedure for mounting the test specimen, conducting the impact test, and reporting the effects.  
2.2.1 The procedures for mounting cover plate materials and collectors are provided to ensure that they are tested in a configuration that relates to their use in a solar collector.  
2.2.2 The corner locations of the four impacts are chosen to represent vulnerable sites on the cover plate. Impacts near corner supports are more critical than impacts elsewhere. Only a single impact is specified at each of the impact locations. For test control purposes, multiple impacts in a single location are not permitted because a subcritical impact may still cause damage that would alter the response to subsequent impacts.  
2.2.3 Resultant velocity is used to simulate the velocity that may be reached by hail accompanied by wind. The resultant velocity used in this practice is determined by vector addition of a 20 m/s (45 mph) horizontal velocity to the vertical terminal velocity.  
2.2.4 Ice balls are used in this practice to simulate hailstones because natural hailstones are not readily available to use, and ice balls closely approximate hailstones. However, no direct relationship has been established between the effect of impact of ice balls and hailstones. Hailstones are highly variable in properties such as shape, density, and frangibility.2 These properties affect factors such as the kinetic energy delivered to the cover plate, the period during ...
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1.1 This practice covers a procedure for determining the ability of cover plates for flat-plate solar collectors to withstand impact forces of falling hail. Propelled ice balls are used to simulate falling hailstones. This practice is not intended to apply to photovoltaic cells or arrays.  
1.2 This practice defines two types of test specimens, describes methods for mounting specimens, specifies impact locations on each test specimen, provides an equation for determining the velocity of any size ice ball, provides a method for impacting the test specimens with ice balls, and specifies parameters that must be recorded and reported.  
1.3 This practice does not establish pass or fail levels. The determination of acceptable or unacceptable levels of ice-ball impact resistance is beyond the scope of this practice.  
1.4 The size of ice ball to be used in conducting this test is not specified in this practice. This practice can be used with various sizes of ice balls.  
1.5 The categories of solar collector cover plate materials to which this practice may be applied cover the range of:  
1.5.1 Brittle sheet, such as glass,  
1.5.2 Semirigid sheet, such as plastic, and  
1.5.3 Flexible membrane, such as plastic film.  
1.6 Solar collector cover materials should be tested as:  
1.6.1 Part of an assembled collector (Type 1 specimen), or  
1.6.2 Mounted on a separate test frame cover plate holder (Type 2 specimen).  
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internatio...

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ASTM E881-92(2022)(Practice)
Standard Practice for Exposure of Solar Collector Cover Materials to Natural Weathering Under Conditions Simulating Stagnation Mode

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice describes a weathering box test fixture and establishes limits for the heat loss coefficients. Uniform exposure guidelines are provided to minimize the variables encountered during outdoor exposure testing.  
4.2 Since the combination of elevated temperature and solar radiation may cause some solar collector cover materials to degrade more rapidly than either exposure alone, a weathering box that elevates the temperature of the cover materials is used.  
4.3 This practice may be used to assist in the evaluation of solar collector cover materials in the stagnation mode. No single temperature or procedure can duplicate the range of temperatures and environmental conditions to which cover materials may be exposed during stagnation conditions. To assist in evaluation of solar collector cover materials in the operational mode, Practice E782 should be used. Insufficient data exist to obtain exact correlation between the behavior of materials exposed in accordance with this practice and actual in-service performance.  
4.4 This practice may also be useful in comparing the performance of different materials at one site or the performance of the same material at different sites, or both.  
4.5 Means of evaluating the effects of weathering are provided in Practice E765, and in other ASTM test methods that evaluate material properties.  
4.6 Exposures of the type described in this practice may be used to evaluate the stability of solar collector cover materials when exposed outdoors to the varied influences that comprise weather. Exposure conditions are complex and changeable. Important factors are material temperature, climate, time of year, presence of industrial pollution, etc. Generally, because it is difficult to define or measure precisely the factors influencing degradation due to weathering, results of outdoor exposure tests must be taken as indicative only. Repeated exposure testing at different seasons over a period of more than one year is req...
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1.1 This practice covers a procedure for the exposure of solar collector cover materials to the natural weather environment at elevated temperatures that approximate stagnation conditions in solar collectors having a combined back and edge loss coefficient of less than 1.5 W/(m2·°C).  
1.2 This practice is suitable for exposure of both glass and plastic solar collector cover materials. Provisions are made for exposure of single and double cover assemblies to accommodate the need for exposure of both inner and outer solar collector cover materials.  
1.3 This practice does not apply to cover materials for evacuated collectors, photovoltaic cells, flat-plate collectors having a combined back and edge loss coefficient greater than 1.5 W/(m2·°C), or flat-plate collectors whose design incorporates means for limiting temperatures during stagnation.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

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ASTM E782-95(2022)(Practice)
Standard Practice for Exposure of Cover Materials for Solar Collectors to Natural Weathering Under Conditions Simulating Operational Mode

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This practice describes a weathering box test fixture and provides uniform exposure guidelines to minimize the variables encountered during outdoor exposure testing.  
3.2 This practice may be useful in comparing the performance of different materials at one site or the performance of the same material at different sites, or both.  
3.3 Since the combination of elevated temperature and solar radiation may cause some solar collector cover materials to degrade more rapidly than either alone, a weathering box that elevates the temperature of the cover materials is used.  
3.4 This practice is intended to assist in the evaluation of solar collector cover materials in the operational, not stagnation mode. Insufficient data exist to obtain exact correlation between the behavior of materials exposed according to this practice and actual in-service performance.  
3.5 Means of evaluation of effects of weathering are provided in Practice E781, and in other ASTM test methods that evaluate material properties.  
3.6 Tests of the type described in this practice may be used to evaluate the stability of solar collector cover materials when exposed outdoors to the varied influences which comprise weather. Exposure conditions are complex and changeable. Important factors are solar radiation, temperature, moisture, time of year, presence of pollutants, etc. These factors vary from site to site and should be considered in selecting locations for exposure. Control samples must always be used in weathering tests for comparative analysis. Outdoor exposure for at least two years is required to make evident changes, such as surface degradation without the use of sophisticated analytical equipment.  
3.7 Temperature conditions attained with this box may not exactly duplicate those that occur under operational conditions with fluid flow. Dependent on environmental exposure conditions, the cover plate temperatures obtained with this box may be higher or lower than those obtained und...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides a procedure for the exposure of cover materials for flat-plate solar collectors to the natural weather environment at temperatures that are elevated to approximate operating conditions.  
1.2 This practice is suitable for exposure of both glass and plastic solar collector cover materials. Provisions are made for exposure of single and double cover assemblies to accommodate the need for exposure of both inner and outer solar collector cover materials.  
1.3 This practice does not apply to cover materials for evacuated collectors or photovoltaics.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

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