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ASTM E3006-20

(Practice)

Standard Practice for Ultraviolet Conditioning of Photovoltaic Modules or Mini-Modules Using a Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus

Standard Practice for Ultraviolet Conditioning of Photovoltaic Modules or Mini-Modules Using a Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Photovoltaic modules and components must be resistant to prolonged exposure to solar radiation, moisture and heat. Degradation of polymeric components, delamination at the encapsulant and other interfaces, and moisture ingress are among the degradation modes known to decrease the output of photovoltaic modules. IEC qualification standards for PV modules include tests intended to uncover whether solar ultraviolet radiation induced degradation may cause early-life failures. This practice provides general and specific guidance on performing tests that meet the requirements of the ultraviolet radiation conditioning exposures in the IEC qualification standards.4 Other protocols exist that may also conform to the IEC test requirements.  
5.2 In the qualification test sequence, this UV preconditioning exposure is conducted prior to the thermal cycling and humidity freeze tests. These tests were included to replicate a delamination failure observed in modules.5  
5.3 IEC exposure methods should not be considered as long-term weathering tests. Exposure to moisture in the form of condensation or water spray is not a requirement of the UV exposure tests in IEC PV module qualification standards. Inclusion of moisture is typically a consideration in weathering tests.  
5.4 Variation in test results may be expected when operating conditions are varied within the acceptable limits of this standard. In particular, reciprocity of degradation among varying irradiance levels should not be assumed. Consequently, no reference to this practice should be made without an accompanying report prepared in accordance with Section 9 that describes the specific operating conditions used.  
5.5 Correlation between this practice and long term performance of PV modules in real-world installations has not been determined. Although experience has shown these methods are effective in screening for unstable materials and systems, it is unknown at this time if degradation due to prolonged solar...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers specific procedures and test conditions for performing ultraviolet conditioning exposures on photovoltaic modules or mini-modules using fluorescent ultraviolet lamps in accordance with Practices G151 and G154. This practice covers test conditions that meet the requirements for UV preconditioning in initial qualification tests of photovoltaic modules or mini-modules as published in International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
14-Jan-2020
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

Refers
ASTM G130-12(2020) - Standard Test Method for Calibration of Narrow- and Broad-Band Ultraviolet Radiometers Using a Spectroradiometer
Effective Date
01-Jun-2020

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ASTM E3006-20 - Standard Practice for Ultraviolet Conditioning of Photovoltaic Modules or Mini-Modules Using a Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp ApparatusASTM E3006-20 - Standard Practice for Ultraviolet Conditioning of Photovoltaic Modules or Mini-Modules Using a Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus
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ASTM E3006-20 - Standard Practice for Ultraviolet Conditioning of Photovoltaic Modules or Mini-Modules Using a Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus
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REDLINE ASTM E3006-20 - Standard Practice for Ultraviolet Conditioning of Photovoltaic Modules or Mini-Modules Using a Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp ApparatusREDLINE ASTM E3006-20 - Standard Practice for Ultraviolet Conditioning of Photovoltaic Modules or Mini-Modules Using a Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus
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Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: E3006 − 20 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Ultraviolet Conditioning of Photovoltaic Modules or Mini-
Modules Using a Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp
1
Apparatus
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3006; 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 G151PracticeforExposingNonmetallicMaterialsinAccel-
erated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
1.1 This practice covers specific procedures and test condi-
G154Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV)
tions for performing ultraviolet conditioning exposures on
Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
photovoltaic modules or mini-modules using fluorescent ultra-
G177Tables for Reference Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Distri-
violet lamps in accordance with Practices G151 and G154.
butions: Hemispherical on 37° Tilted Surface
This practice covers test conditions that meet the requirements
3
2.2 IEC Standards:
for UV preconditioning in initial qualification tests of photo-
IEC 61215: 2005Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic
voltaic modules or mini-modules as published in International
(PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval,
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.
Second Edition (withdrawn)
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
IEC 61215-2: 2016Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules –
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
Design qualification and type approval, Part 2: Test
standard.
procedures, First Edition
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
IEC 61345: 1998UV test for photovoltaic (PV) modules,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
First Edition (withdrawn)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
IEC 61646: 2008Thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV)
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
modules–Designqualificationandtypeapproval,Edition
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2.0 (withdrawn)
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
IEC 61730-2: 2016Photovoltaic (PV) module safety quali-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- fication - Part 2: Requirements for testing, Edition 2.0
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
2.3 ISO Standards:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
ISO 4892-3Plastics – Method of exposure to laboratory
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
light sources—Part 3: Fluorescent UV lamps
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3. Terminology
2. Referenced Documents
3.1 The definitions given in Terminology G113 and Termi-
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
nology E772 are applicable to this practice.
E772Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
4. Summary of Practice
G113Terminology Relating to Natural andArtificialWeath-
ering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
4.1 Specimens are exposed to fluorescent ultraviolet lamps
G130Test Method for Calibration of Narrow- and Broad-
of types UVA-340 and UVB-313 as needed to achieve specific
Band Ultraviolet Radiometers Using a Spectroradiometer
dosagesofultravioletradiationasrequiredbyIECqualification
standards for photovoltaic modules and materials or by agree-
ment between contractual parties.
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar,
GeothermalandOtherAlternativeEnergySourcesandisthedirectresponsibilityof
5. Significance and Use
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2020. Published February 2020. Originally
5.1 Photovoltaic modules and components must be resistant
approved in 2015. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as E3006-15. DOI:
to prolonged exposure to solar radiation, moisture and heat.
10.1520/E3006-20
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 Available from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3, rue de
the ASTM website. Varembé, P.O. Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iec.ch.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E3006 − 20
Degradation of polymeric components, d
...

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: E3006 − 15 E3006 − 20 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Ultraviolet Conditioning of Photovoltaic Modules or Mini-
Modules Using a Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp
1
Apparatus
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3006; 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 practice covers specific procedures and test conditions for performing ultraviolet conditioning exposures on
photovoltaic modules or mini-modules using fluorescent ultraviolet lamps in accordance with Practices G151 and G154. This
practice covers test conditions that meet the requirements for UV preconditioning in initial qualification tests of photovoltaic
modules or mini-modules as published in International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 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.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
G113 Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
G130 Test Method for Calibration of Narrow- and Broad-Band Ultraviolet Radiometers Using a Spectroradiometer
G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
G154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
G177 Tables for Reference Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Distributions: Hemispherical on 37° Tilted Surface
3
2.2 IEC Standards:
IEC 6121561215: 2005 Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – designDesign qualification and type approval,
Second Edition (withdrawn)
IEC 61215-2: 2016 Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval, Part 2: Test procedures, First
Edition
IIEC 61345IEC 61345: 1998 UV test for photovoltaic (PV) modules, First Edition (withdrawn)
IEC 6164661646: 2008 Thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval, Edition 2.0
(withdrawn)
IEC 61730-2: 2016 Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification - Part 2: Requirements for testing, Edition 2.0
2.3 ISO Standards:
ISO 4892-3 Plastics – Method of exposure to laboratory light sources—Part 3: Fluorescent UV lamps
1
This practice 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 Feb. 1, 2015Jan. 15, 2020. Published April 2014February 2020. Originally approved in 2015. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as
E3006-15. DOI: 10.1520/E3006-1510.1520/E3006-20
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 Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3, rue de Varembé, P.O. Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iec.ch.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E3006 − 20
3. Terminology
3.1 The definitions given in Terminology G113 and Terminology E772 are applicable to this practice.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 Specimens are exposed to fluorescent ultraviolet lamps of types UVA-340 and UVB-313 as needed to achieve specific
dosages of ultraviolet radiation as required by IEC qualification standards for photovoltaic modules and materials or by ag
...

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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.  
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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.  
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5.1 This practice can be used to determine an expected capacity for an existing or a proposed photovoltaic system in a particular location during a specified period of time (see data collection period in Test Method E2848).  
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1.3.3 Testing of photovoltaic systems for the purpose of comparing the performance of photovoltaic systems located in different places.  
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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.  
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1.1 This practice covers procedures and criteria for visual inspections of photovoltaic modules.  
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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...
SCOPE
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
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 ...
SCOPE
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...
SCOPE
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 E744-07(2022)(Practice)
Standard Practice for Evaluating Solar Absorptive Materials for Thermal Applications

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The methods in this practice are intended to aid in the assessment of long-term performance by comparative testing of absorptive materials. The results of the methods, however, have not been shown to correlate to actual in-service performance.  
4.2 The testing methodology in this practice provides two testing methods, in accordance with Fig. 1.
FIG. 1 Outline of Test Method Options  
4.2.1 Method A, which aims at decreasing the time required for evaluation, uses a series of individual tests to simulate various exposure conditions.  
4.2.2 Method B utilizes a single test of actual outdoor exposure under conditions simulating thermal stagnation.  
4.2.3 Equivalency of the two methods has not yet been established.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers a testing methodology for evaluating absorptive materials used in flat plate or concentrating collectors, with concentrating ratios not to exceed five, for solar thermal applications. This practice is not intended to be used for the evaluation of absorptive surfaces that are (1) used in direct contact with, or suspended in, a heat-transfer liquid, (that is, trickle collectors, direct absorption fluids, etc.); (2) used in evacuated collectors; or (3) used in collectors without cover plate(s).  
1.2 Test methods included in this practice are property measurement tests and aging tests. Property measurement tests provide for the determination of various properties of absorptive materials, for example, absorptance, emittance, and appearance. Aging tests provide for exposure of absorptive materials to environments that may induce changes in the properties of test specimens. Measuring properties before and after an aging test provides a means of determining the effect of the exposure.  
1.3 The assumption is made that solar radiation, elevated temperature, temperature cycles, and moisture are the primary factors that cause degradation of absorptive materials. Aging tests are described for exposure of specimens to these factors.  
Note 1: For some geographic locations, other factors, such as salt spray and dust erosion, may be important. They are not evaluated by this practice.  
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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