ASTM E1036-15

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

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 It is the intent of these procedures to provide recognized methods for testing and reporting the electrical performance of photovoltaic modules and arrays.  
5.2 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.  
5.3 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.    
5.3.1 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.  
5.3.2 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.4
5.3.2.1 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 a...
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 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2015
• ICS: 27.160 - Solar energy engineering
• Technical Committee: E44 - Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources
• Drafting Committee: E44.09 - Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1036-12 - Standard Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference Cells
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Replaced By: ASTM E1036-15(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference Cells
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Referred By: ASTM E1171-15(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Photovoltaic Modules in Cyclic Temperature and Humidity Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E1040-10(2020) - Standard Specification for Physical Characteristics of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E2848-13(2023) - Standard Test Method for Reporting Photovoltaic Non-Concentrator System Performance
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E2481-12(2023) - Standard Test Method for Hot Spot Protection Testing of Photovoltaic Modules
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• 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-Feb-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E1830-15(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Determining Mechanical Integrity of Photovoltaic Modules
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E1021-15(2019) - Standard Test Method for Spectral Responsivity Measurements of Photovoltaic Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• 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-Feb-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E772-15(2021) - Standard Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E927-19 - Standard Classification for Solar Simulators for Electrical Performance Testing of Photovoltaic Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• 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-Feb-2015
• 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-Feb-2015
• 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-Feb-2015

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 − 15 An American National Standard
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 2. Referenced Documents
2
1.1 These test methods cover the electrical performance of 2.1 ASTM Standards:
photovoltaic modules and arrays under natural or simulated E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
sunlight using a calibrated reference cell. Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.1.1 These test methods allow a reference module to be E772Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
used instead of a reference cell provided the reference module E927Specification for Solar Simulation for Photovoltaic
has been calibrated using these test methods against a cali- Testing
brated reference cell. E941Test Method for Calibration of Reference Pyranom-
etersWithAxisTiltedbytheShadingMethod(Withdrawn
1.2 Measurements under a variety of conditions are al-
3
2005)
lowed; results are reported under a select set of reporting
E948Test Method for Electrical Performance of Photovol-
conditions (RC) to facilitate comparison of results.
taic Cells Using Reference Cells Under Simulated Sun-
1.3 These test methods apply only to nonconcentrator ter-
light
restrial modules and arrays.
E973Test Method for Determination of the Spectral Mis-
1.4 The performance parameters determined by these test match Parameter Between a Photovoltaic Device and a
Photovoltaic Reference Cell
methodsapplyonlyatthetimeofthetest,andimplynopastor
future performance level. E1021TestMethodforSpectralResponsivityMeasurements
of Photovoltaic Devices
1.5 These test methods apply to photovoltaic modules and
E1040Specification for Physical Characteristics of Noncon-
arrays that do not contain series-connected photovoltaic mul-
centrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells
tijunction devices; such module and arrays should be tested
E1125 Test Method for Calibration of Primary Non-
according to Test Methods E2236.
Concentrator Terrestrial 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
E1362Test Methods for Calibration of Non-Concentrator
standard.
Photovoltaic Non-Primary Reference Cells
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the E2236Test Methods for Measurement of Electrical Perfor-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the mance and Spectral Response of Nonconcentrator Multi-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- junction Photovoltaic Cells and Modules
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- G173TablesforReferenceSolarSpectralIrradiances:Direct
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Normal and Hemispherical on 37° Tilted Surface
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 3. Terminology
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in these test
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
methods may be found in Terminology E772.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1 2
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources and are the direct contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
responsibility of Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2015. Published March 2015. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E1036–12. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/E1036-15. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1036 − 15
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
ambienttemp
...

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: E1036 − 12 E1036 − 15
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. 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 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 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 of Solar Energy Conversion
E927 Specification for Solar Simulation for Photovoltaic Testing
3
E941 Test Method for Calibration of Reference Pyranometers With Axis Tilted by the Shading Method (Withdrawn 2005)
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
3
(Withdrawn 2004)
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
E1362 Test Method for Calibration of Non-Concentrator Photovoltaic Secondary Reference Cells
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources and are the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2012Feb. 1, 2015. Published December 2012March 2015. Originally approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 20082012 as
E1036 – 08.E1036 – 12. DOI: 10.1520/E1036-12.10.1520/E1036-15.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1036 − 15
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 in Terminology E772.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 nominal operating cell temperature, NOCT, n—the temperature of a solar
...