ASTM E927-10(2015)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Solar Simulation for Photovoltaic Testing
Standard Specification for Solar Simulation for Photovoltaic Testing
ABSTRACT
This specification provides the performance requirements and parameters used for classifying both pulsed and steady state solar simulators intended for indoor testing of photovoltaic devices (solar cells or modules), according to their spectral match to a reference spectral irradiance, non-uniformity of spatial irradiance, and temporal instability of irradiance. The classification of a solar simulator is based on the size of the test plane, and does not provide any information about electrical measurement errors that are related to photovoltaic performance measurements obtained with a classified solar simulator.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification provides means for classifying solar simulators intended for indoor testing of photovoltaic devices (solar cells or modules), according to their spectral match to a reference spectral irradiance, non-uniformity of spatial irradiance, and temporal instability of irradiance.
1.2 Testing of photovoltaic devices may require the use of solar simulators. Test Methods that require specific classification of simulators as defined in this specification include Test Methods E948, E1036, and E1362.
1.3 This standard is applicable to both pulsed and steady state simulators and includes recommended test requirements used for classifying such simulators.
1.4 A solar simulator usually consists of three major components: (1) light source(s) and associated power supply; (2) any optics and filters required to modify the output beam to meet the classification requirements in Section 4; and (3) the necessary controls to operate the simulator, adjust irradiance, etc.
1.5 A light source that does not meet all of the defined requirements for classification presented in this document may not be referred to as a solar simulator.
1.6 Spectral irradiance classifications are provided for Air Mass 1.5 direct and global (as defined in Tables G173), or Air Mass 0 (AM0, as defined in Standard E490).
1.7 The classification of a solar simulator is based on the size of the test plane; simulators with smaller test plane areas have tighter specifications for non-uniformity of spatial irradiance.
1.8 The data acquisition system may affect the ability to synchronize electrical measurements with variations in irradiance and therefore may be included in this specification. In all cases, the manufacturer must specify with the temporal instability classification: (1) how the classification was determined; and (2) the conditions under which the classification was determined.
1.9 The classification of a solar simulator does not provide any information about electrical measurement errors that are related to photovoltaic performance measurements obtained with a classified solar simulator. Such errors are dependent on the actual instrumentation and procedures used.
1.10 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.11 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the hazards portion, Section 6, of this specification. 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 requirements prior to use.
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Designation:E927 −10 (Reapproved 2015) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Solar Simulation for Photovoltaic Testing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E927; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope bility classification: (1) how the classification was determined;
and (2) the conditions under which the classification was
1.1 This specification provides means for classifying solar
determined.
simulators intended for indoor testing of photovoltaic devices
1.9 The classification of a solar simulator does not provide
(solar cells or modules), according to their spectral match to a
any information about electrical measurement errors that are
reference spectral irradiance, non-uniformity of spatial
related to photovoltaic performance measurements obtained
irradiance, and temporal instability of irradiance.
with a classified solar simulator. Such errors are dependent on
1.2 Testing of photovoltaic devices may require the use of
the actual instrumentation and procedures used.
solar simulators. Test Methods that require specific classifica-
1.10 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
tion of simulators as defined in this specification include Test
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
Methods E948, E1036, and E1362.
standard.
1.3 This standard is applicable to both pulsed and steady
1.11 Thefollowingprecautionarycaveatpertainsonlytothe
state simulators and includes recommended test requirements
hazards portion, Section 6, of this specification. This standard
used for classifying such simulators.
does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
1.4 A solar simulator usually consists of three major com-
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
ponents: (1) light source(s) and associated power supply; (2)
standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environ-
any optics and filters required to modify the output beam to
mental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
meet the classification requirements in Section 4; and (3) the
limitations prior to use.
necessary controls to operate the simulator, adjust irradiance,
1.12 This international standard was developed in accor-
etc.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.5 A light source that does not meet all of the defined
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
requirements for classification presented in this document may
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
not be referred to as a solar simulator.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.6 Spectral irradiance classifications are provided for Air
Mass 1.5 direct and global (as defined in Tables G173), or Air
2. Referenced Documents
Mass 0 (AM0, as defined in Standard E490).
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.7 The classification of a solar simulator is based on the
E490 Standard Solar Constant and Zero Air Mass Solar
size of the test plane; simulators with smaller test plane areas
Spectral Irradiance Tables
have tighter specifications for non-uniformity of spatial irradi-
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
ance.
E948 Test Method for Electrical Performance of Photovol-
taic Cells Using Reference Cells Under Simulated Sun-
1.8 The data acquisition system may affect the ability to
light
synchronize electrical measurements with variations in irradi-
E1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Noncon-
ance and therefore may be included in this specification. In all
centrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays
cases, the manufacturer must specify with the temporal insta-
Using Reference Cells
E1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar,
Geothermal and OtherAlternative Energy Sources and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2015. Published November 2015. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as E927 –10. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0927-10R15. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E927−10 (2015)
Conversion (Withdrawn 2012) 3.2.9 time of data acquisition—the time required to obtain
E1362 Test Methods for Calibration of Non-Concentrator one data point (irradiance, current, and voltage) if there is a
Photovoltaic Non-Primary Reference Cells
simultaneous measurement of irradiance at each current-
G138 Test Method for Calibration of a Spectroradiometer
voltage data point. If no simultaneous measurement of the
Using a Standard Source of Irradiance
irradiance is made during the test, the time of data acquisition
G173 TablesforReferenceSolarSpectralIrradiances:Direct
is the time to obtain the entire current-voltage (I-V) curve.
Normal and Hemispherical on 37° Tilted Surface
3.2.10 solar spectrum—the spectral distribution of sunlight
2.2 IEC Standard:
at Air Mass 1.5 Direct (as defined in Tables G173), Air Mass
IEC 60904-9 Photovoltaic Devices—Part 9: Solar Simulator
1.5 Global (as defined in Tables G173), or Air Mass 0 (as
Performance Requirements
defined in Standard E490).
3. Terminology
3.2.11 spectral match—ratio of the actual percentage of
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this specifica- total irradiance to the required percentage specified in Table 3
tion may be found in Terminologies E772 and E1328.
for each wavelength interval.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.12 spatial non-uniformity of irradiance (in percent):
3.2.1 solar simulator—equipment used to simulate solar
E 2 E
max min
radiation. Solar simulators shall be labeled by their mode of
S 5 100% 3 (1)
NE
E 1E
max min
operation during a test cycle (steady state, single pulse or
multi-pulse) and by the size of the test plane area. A solar
where E and E are measured with the detector(s) over
max min
simulator must fall into at least the C classification.
the test plane area.
3.2.2 simulator classification—a solar simulator may be one
3.2.13 temporal instability of irradiance (in percent):
of three classes (A, B, or C) for each of three categories:
E 2 E
max min
spectral match, spatial non-uniformity, and temporal instabil-
T 5 100% 3 (2)
IE
E 1E
max min
ity. The simulator is rated with three letters in order of spectral
match, spatial non-uniformity and temporal instability (for
where E and E are measured with the detector at any
max min
example:ClassABA).Largeareaandsmallareasimulatorsare
particular point on the test plane during the time of data
classified according to the appropriate table. The simulator
acquisition.
classification may be abbreviated by a single letter character-
3.2.14 field of view—the maximum angle between any two
ization.Asimulatorcharacterizedbyasingleletterisindicative
incident irradiance rays from the simulator at an arbitrary point
of a simulator with all three classes being the same (for
in the test plane.
example: a Class A simulator is the same as a Class AAA
simulator).
4. Significance and Use
3.2.3 test plane area, A—the area of the plane intended to
contain the device under test.
4.1 In any photovoltaic measurement, the choice of simula-
tor Class should be based on the needs of that particular
3.2.4 small area solar simulator—a simulator whose test
measurement. For example, the spectral distribution require-
plane is equal to or less than 30 cm by 30 cm or a diameter of
less than 30 cm if the test area is circular. ments need not be stringent if devices of identical spectral
response from an assembly line are being sorted according to
3.2.5 large area solar simulator—a simulator whose test
current at maximum power, which is not a strong function of
plane is greater than 30 cm by 30 cm or a diameter of greater
spectral distribution.
than 30 cm if the test area is circular.
3.2.6 steady-state simulator—a simulator whose irradiance
4.2 Classifications of simulators are based on the size of the
output at the test plane area does not vary more than 5 % for
test area and the probable size of the device being measured. It
time periods of greater than 100 ms.
has been shown that when measuring modules or other larger
3.2.7 single-pulse simulator—a simulator whose irradiance devices the spatial non-uniformity is less important, and up to
output at the test plane area consists of a short duration light 3 % non-uniformity may not introduce unacceptable error for
pulse of 100 ms or less.
3.2.8 multi-pulse simulator—a simulator whose irradiance
output at the test plane area consists of a series of short
TABLE 1 Classification of Small Area Simulator Performance
duration, periodic light pulses. Note that the light pulses do not
necessarily have to go to zero irradiance between pulses; a Characteristics
Temporal
steady-state simulator that fails the 5 % requirement in 3.2.6
Spectral
Classification
Spatial Non-uniformity Instability
can be classified as a multi-pulse simulator if the irradiance
Match
of Irradiance of
to all Intervals
variations are periodic.
Irradiance
Class A 0.75 to 1.25 2 % 2 %
Class B 0.6 to 1.4 5 % 5 %
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on Class C 0.4 to 2.0 10 % 10 %
www.astm.org.
E927−10 (2015)
TABLE 2 Classification of Large Area Simulator Performance
some calibration procedures. Accurate measurements of
smaller area devices, such as cells, may require a tighter Characteristics
specification on non-uniformity or characterization of the Temporal
Spectral
Classification
Spatial Non-uniformity Instability
non-uniformity by the user. When measuring product it is
Match
of Irradiance of
to all Intervals
recommended that the irradiance be measured with a reference
Irradiance
devicesimilartothedevicesthatwillbetestedonthesimulator
Class A 0.75 to 1.25 3 % 2 %
to minimize spatial non-uniformity errors. Class B 0.6 to 1.4 5 % 5 %
Class C 0.4 to 2.0 10 % 10 %
4.3 It is the intent of this specification to provide guidance
on the required data to be taken, and the required locations for
this data to be taken. It is not the intent to define the possible
TABLE 3 Spectral Distribution of Irradiance Performance
methods to measure the simulator spectrum or the irradiance at Requirements (Small and Large Area Simulators)
every location on the test plane.
Percent of Total Irradiance
Wavelength
Direct Global
4.4 Notethattheletterclassificationscheme(see3.2.2)does interval, µm
AM 0
AM 1.5 AM 1.5
not include a number of important properties, especially the
0.3 to 0.4 Not Specified Not Specified 8.0
test plane size, the field of view, nor the steady state or the
0.4 to 0.5 16.9 18.4 16.4
pulsed classifications (see 3.2.3 through 3.2.8, and 3.2.14).
0.5 to 0.6 19.7 19.9 16.3
0.6 to 0.7 18.5 18.4 13.9
These additional properties are included in the reporting
0.7 to 0.8 15.2 14.9 11.2
requirements (see Section 9). It is also recommended that they
0.8 to 0.9 12.9 12.5 9.0
be included in product specification sheets or advertising. 0.9 to 1.1 16.8 15.9 13.1
1.1 to 1.4 Not Specified Not Specified 12.2
4.5 Because of the transient nature of pulsed solar
simulators, considerations must be given to possible problems
such as the response time of the device under test versus the
time of data acquisition and the rise time of the pulsed
intervals and compared with the reference spectrum. All
irradiance. If a pulsed solar simulator includes a data acquisi-
intervals must agree within the spectral match ratio in Table 1
tion system, the simulator manufacturer should provide guid-
to obtain the respective Class.
ance concerning such possible problems that may affect mea-
5.3 A reference device should be used for determining the
surement results on certain test devices.
spatial uniformity of the simulator. The reference device must
4.6 The simulator manufacturer should provide I-V data
have a spectral response appropriate for the simulator; a silicon
showing the repeatability of multiple measurements of a single
device is typically a good choice. A map of simulator spatial
device. This data should include a description of how the
uniformity must be supplied with the simulator to assist the
repeatability was determined.
user in simulator operation and to clearly define different areas
in the test plane that may have different classifications.
5. Classification
5.4 For the evaluation of temporal instability, the data
5.1 A solar simulator may be either steady state or pulsed,
acquisition system may be considered an integral part of the
and its performance for each of three determined categories
solar simulator. When the data acquisition system of the solar
(spectral match, spatial non-uniformity, and temporal instabil-
simulator measures data simultaneously (irradiance, voltage,
ity) may be one of three Classes (A, B, or C).Asimulator may
and current data measured within 10 nanoseconds of each
be classified to multiple Classes, depending on its characteris-
other), then the temporal instability may be rated A for this
tics in each of the performance categories. For example, a
classification but the range of irradiance variation during an
simulator may be Class A related to spatial uniformity and
entire I-V measurement, including times between points, must
Class B related to spectral distribution. Classification for all
be reported and less than 5 %. If a solar simulator does not
threeperformancecharacteristicsmustbedefinedandprovided
include the data acquisition system, then the simulator manu-
by the manufacturer.
facturer must specify the time of data acquisition as related to
5.2 The manufacturer shall provide test area information to the reported temporal instability classification.
5.4.1 For a steady-state simulator without an integral data
assist in proper usage of the simulator. Tables 1 and 2 give
performance requirements for small and large area simulators acquisition system this rating must be given for a period of 1
second, and actual instability data must be reported for 100
for the three performance categories: spectral match to the
reference spectrum at all intervals, non-uniformity of milliseconds, 1 minute, and 1 hour.
5.4.2 In th
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM 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: E927 − 10 E927 − 10 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Specification for
Solar Simulation for Photovoltaic Testing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E927; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number 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 This specification provides means for classifying solar simulators intended for indoor testing of photovoltaic devices (solar
cells or modules), according to their spectral match to a reference spectral irradiance, non-uniformity of spatial irradiance, and
temporal instability of irradiance.
1.2 Testing of photovoltaic devices may require the use of solar simulators. Test Methods that require specific classification of
simulators as defined in this specification include Test Methods E948, E1036, and E1362.
1.3 This standard is applicable to both pulsed and steady state simulators and includes recommended test requirements used for
classifying such simulators.
1.4 A solar simulator usually consists of three major components: (1) light source(s) and associated power supply; (2) any optics
and filters required to modify the output beam to meet the classification requirements in Section 4; and (3) the necessary controls
to operate the simulator, adjust irradiance, etc.
1.5 A light source that does not meet all of the defined requirements for classification presented in this document may not be
referred to as a solar simulator.
1.6 Spectral irradiance classifications are provided for Air Mass 1.5 direct and global (as defined in Tables G173), or Air Mass
0 (AM0, as defined in Standard E490).
1.7 The classification of a solar simulator is based on the size of the test plane; simulators with smaller test plane areas have
tighter specifications for non-uniformity of spatial irradiance.
1.8 The data acquisition system may affect the ability to synchronize electrical measurements with variations in irradiance and
therefore may be included in this specification. In all cases, the manufacturer must specify with the temporal instability
classification: (1) how the classification was determined; and (2) the conditions under which the classification was determined.
1.9 The classification of a solar simulator does not provide any information about electrical measurement errors that are related
to photovoltaic performance measurements obtained with a classified solar simulator. Such errors are dependent on the actual
instrumentation and procedures used.
1.10 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
6, of this specification. This standard does
1.11 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the hazards portion, Section
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 requirements prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E490 Standard Solar Constant and Zero Air Mass Solar Spectral Irradiance Tables
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
E948 Test Method for Electrical Performance of Photovoltaic Cells Using Reference Cells Under Simulated Sunlight
E1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using
Reference Cells
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.
Current edition approved June 1, 2010Nov. 1, 2015. Published July 2010November 2015. Originally approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 20052010 as
E927 – 05.E927 –10. DOI: 10.1520/E0927-10.10.1520/E0927-10R15.
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 Standards
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
E927 − 10 (2015)
E1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion (Withdrawn 2012)
E1362 Test Method for Calibration of Non-Concentrator Photovoltaic Secondary Reference Cells
G138 Test Method for Calibration of a Spectroradiometer Using a Standard Source of Irradiance
G173 Tables for Reference Solar Spectral Irradiances: Direct Normal and Hemispherical on 37° Tilted Surface
2.2 IEC Standard:
IEC 60904-9 Photovoltaic Devices—Part 9: Solar Simulator Performance Requirements
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this specification may be found in Terminologies E772 and E1328.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 solar simulator—equipment used to simulate solar radiation. Solar simulators shall be labeled by their mode of operation
during a test cycle (steady state, single pulse or multi-pulse) and by the size of the test plane area. A solar simulator must fall into
at least the C classification.
3.2.2 simulator classification—a solar simulator may be one of three classes (A, B, or C) for each of three categories: spectral
match, spatial non-uniformity, and temporal instability. The simulator is rated with three letters in order of spectral match, spatial
non-uniformity and temporal instability (for example: Class ABA). Large area and small area simulators are classified according
to the appropriate table. The simulator classification may be abbreviated by a single letter characterization. A simulator
characterized by a single letter is indicative of a simulator with all three classes being the same (for example: a Class A simulator
is the same as a Class AAA simulator).
3.2.3 test plane area, A—the area of the plane intended to contain the device under test.
3.2.4 small area solar simulator—a simulator whose test plane is equal to or less than 30 cm by 30 cm or a diameter of less
than 30 cm if the test area is circular.
3.2.5 large area solar simulator—a simulator whose test plane is greater than 30 cm by 30 cm or a diameter of greater than 30
cm if the test area is circular.
3.2.6 steady-state simulator—a simulator whose irradiance output at the test plane area does not vary more than 5 % for time
periods of greater than 100 ms.
3.2.7 single-pulse simulator—a simulator whose irradiance output at the test plane area consists of a short duration light pulse
of 100 ms or less.
3.2.8 multi-pulse simulator—a simulator whose irradiance output at the test plane area consists of a series of short duration,
periodic light pulses. Note that the light pulses do not necessarily have to go to zero irradiance between pulses; a steady-state
simulator that fails the 5 % requirement in 3.2.6 can be classified as a multi-pulse simulator if the irradiance variations are periodic.
3.2.9 time of data acquisition—the time required to obtain one data point (irradiance, current, and voltage) if there is a
simultaneous measurement of irradiance at each current-voltage data point. If no simultaneous measurement of the irradiance is
made during the test, the time of data acquisition is the time to obtain the entire current-voltage (I-V) curve.
3.2.10 solar spectrum—the spectral distribution of sunlight at Air Mass 1.5 Direct (as defined in Tables G173), Air Mass 1.5
Global (as defined in Tables G173), or Air Mass 0 (as defined in Standard E490).
3.2.11 spectral match—ratio of the actual percentage of total irradiance to the required percentage specified in Table 3 for each
wavelength interval.
3.2.12 spatial non-uniformity of irradiance (in percent):
E 2 E
max min
S 5 100 %3 (1)
NE
E 1E
max min
where E and E are measured with the detector(s) over the test plane area.
max min
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
TABLE 1 Classification of Small Area Simulator Performance
Characteristics
Temporal
Spectral
Classification
Spatial Non-uniformity Instability
Match
of Irradiance of
to all Intervals
Irradiance
Class A 0.75 to 1.25 2 % 2 %
Class B 0.6 to 1.4 5 % 5 %
Class C 0.4 to 2.0 10 % 10 %
E927 − 10 (2015)
3.2.13 temporal instability of irradiance (in percent):
E 2 E
max min
T 5 100 %3 (2)
IE
E 1E
max min
where E and E are measured with the detector at any particular point on the test plane during the time of data acquisition.
max min
3.2.14 field of view—the maximum angle between any two incident irradiance rays from the simulator at an arbitrary point in
the test plane.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 In any photovoltaic measurement, the choice of simulator Class should be based on the needs of that particular
measurement. For example, the spectral distribution requirements need not be stringent if devices of identical spectral response
from an assembly line are being sorted according to current at maximum power, which is not a strong function of spectral
distribution.
4.2 Classifications of simulators are based on the size of the test area and the probable size of the device being measured. It
has been shown that when measuring modules or other larger devices the spatial non-uniformity is less important, and up to 3 %
non-uniformity may not introduce unacceptable error for some calibration procedures. Accurate measurements of smaller area
devices, such as cells, may require a tighter specification on non-uniformity or characterization of the non-uniformity by the user.
When measuring product it is recommended that the irradiance be measured with a reference device similar to the devices that will
be tested on the simulator to minimize spatial non-uniformity errors.
4.3 It is the intent of this specification to provide guidance on the required data to be taken, and the required locations for this
data to be taken. It is not the intent to define the possible methods to measure the simulator spectrum or the irradiance at every
location on the test plane.
4.4 Note that the letter classification scheme (see 3.2.2) does not include a number of important properties, especially the test
plane size, the field of view, nor the steady state or the pulsed classifications (see 3.2.3 through 3.2.8, and 3.2.14). These additional
properties are included in the reporting requirements (see Section 9). It is also recommended that they be included in product
specification sheets or advertising.
4.5 Because of the transient nature of pulsed solar simulators, considerations must be given to possible problems such as the
response time of the device under test versus the time of data acquisition and the rise time of the pulsed irradiance. If a pulsed
solar simulator includes a data acquisition system, the simulator manufacturer should provide guidance concerning such possible
problems that may affect measurement results on certain test devices.
4.6 The simulator manufacturer should provide I-V data showing the repeatability of multiple measurements of a single device.
This data should include a description of how the repeatability was determined.
5. Classification
5.1 A solar simulator may be either steady state or pulsed, and its performance for each of three determined categories (spectral
match, spatial non-uniformity, and temporal instability) may be one of three Classes (A, B, or C). A simulator may be classified
to multiple Classes, depending on its characteristics in each of the performance categories. For example, a simulator may be Class
A related to spatial uniformity and Class B related to spectral distribution. Classification for all three performance characteristics
must be defined and provided by the manufacturer.
5.2 The manufacturer shall provide test area information to assist in proper usage of the simulator. Tables 1 and 2 give
performance requirements for small and large area simulators for the three performance categories: spectral match to the reference
spectrum at all intervals, non-uniformity of irradiance, and temporal instability of irradiance. Table 3 gives the spectral match
requirements for spectral distribution of irradiance for Direct AM1.5, Global AM1.5, and AM0. The simulator irradiance is divided
Herrman, W., and Wiesner, W., “Modelling of PV Modules—The Effects of Non-Uniform Irradiance on Performance Measurements with Solar Simulators,” Proc. 16th
European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conf., European Commission, Glasgow, UK, 2000.
TABLE 2 Classification of Large Area Simulator Performance
Characteristics
Temporal
Spectral
Classification
Spatial Non-uniformity Instability
Match
of Irradiance of
to all Intervals
Irradiance
Class A 0.75 to 1.25 3 % 2 %
Class B 0.6 to 1.4 5 % 5 %
Class C 0.4 to 2.0 10 % 10 %
E927 − 10 (2015)
TABLE 3 Spectral Distribution of Irradiance Performance
Requirements (Small and Large Area Simulators)
Percent of Total Irradiance
Wavelength
Direct Global
interval, μm
AM 0
AM 1.5 AM 1.5
0.3 to 0.4 Not Specified Not Specified 8.0
0.4 to 0.5 16.9 18.4 16.4
0.5 to 0.6 19.7 19.9 16.3
0.6 to 0.7 18.5 18.4 13.9
0.7 to 0.8 15.2 14.9 11.2
0.8 to 0.9 12.9 12.5 9.0
0.9 to 1.1 16.8 15.9 13.1
1.1 to 1.4 Not Specified Not Specified 12.2
into the same wavelength intervals and compared with the reference spectrum. All intervals must agree within the spectral match
ratio in Table 1 to obtain the respective Class.
5.3 A reference device should be used for determining the spatial uniformity of the simulator. The reference device must have
a spectral response appropriate for the simulator; a silicon device is typically a good choice. A map of simulator spatial uniformity
must be supplied with the simulator to assist the user in simulator operation and to clearly define different areas in the test plane
that may have different classifications.
5.4 For the evaluation of temporal instability, the data acquisition system may be considered an integral part of the solar
simulator. When the data acquisition system of the solar simulator measures data simultaneously (irradiance, voltage, and current
data measured within 10 nanoseconds of each other), then the temporal instability may be rated A for this classification but the
range of irradiance va
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