ASTM E927-19
(Classification)Standard Classification for Solar Simulators for Electrical Performance Testing of Photovoltaic Devices
Standard Classification for Solar Simulators for Electrical Performance Testing of Photovoltaic Devices
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 classification provides means for assessing the suitability of solar simulators for indoor electrical performance testing of photovoltaic cells and modules, that is, for measurement current-voltage curves under artificial illumination.
1.2 Solar simulators are classified according to their ability to reproduce a reference spectral irradiance distribution (see Tables G138 and E490), the uniformity of total irradiance across the test plane, and the stability of total irradiance over time.
1.3 A solar simulator usually consists of three major components: (1) light source(s) and associated power supplies; (2) optics and filters required to modify the irradiance at the test plane; and (3) controls to operate the simulator, including irradiance adjustment.
1.4 This classification is applicable to both pulsed and steady-state solar simulators.
1.5 Many solar simulators also include integral data acquisition systems for photovoltaic performance testing; these data acquisition systems are outside of the scope of this classification.
1.6 Light sources for weathering, durability, or conditioning of photovoltaic devices are outside of the scope of this classification.
1.7 This classification is not applicable to solar simulators intended for testing photovoltaic concentrator devices.
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 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the hazards portion, Section 6, of this classification. 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.
1.10 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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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:E927 −19 An American National Standard
Standard Classification for
Solar Simulators for Electrical Performance Testing of
1
Photovoltaic Devices
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.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environ-
mental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
1.1 This classification provides means for assessing the
limitations prior to use.
suitabilityofsolarsimulatorsforindoorelectricalperformance
1.10 This international standard was developed in accor-
testing of photovoltaic cells and modules, that is, for measure-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ment current-voltage curves under artificial illumination.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.2 Solar simulators are classified according to their ability
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
to reproduce a reference spectral irradiance distribution (see
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Tables G138 and E490), the uniformity of total irradiance
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
across the test plane, and the stability of total irradiance over
time.
2. Referenced Documents
2
1.3 A solar simulator usually consists of three major com-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ponents: (1) light source(s) and associated power supplies; (2)
E490Standard Solar Constant and Zero Air Mass Solar
optics and filters required to modify the irradiance at the test
Spectral Irradiance Tables
plane; and (3) controls to operate the simulator, including
E491Practice for Solar Simulation for Thermal Balance
irradiance adjustment.
Testing of Spacecraft
1.4 This classification is applicable to both pulsed and E772Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
E948Test Method for Electrical Performance of Photovol-
steady-state solar simulators.
taic Cells Using Reference Cells Under Simulated Sun-
1.5 Many solar simulators also include integral data acqui-
light
sition systems for photovoltaic performance testing; these data
E973Test Method for Determination of the Spectral Mis-
acquisition systems are outside of the scope of this classifica-
match Parameter Between a Photovoltaic Device and a
tion.
Photovoltaic Reference Cell
1.6 Lightsourcesforweathering,durability,orconditioning
E1036Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Noncon-
of photovoltaic devices are outside of the scope of this
centrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays
classification.
Using Reference Cells
1.7 This classification is not applicable to solar simulators E1362Test Methods for Calibration of Non-Concentrator
Photovoltaic Non-Primary Reference Cells
intended for testing photovoltaic concentrator devices.
E2236Test Methods for Measurement of Electrical Perfor-
1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
mance and Spectral Response of Nonconcentrator Multi-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
junction Photovoltaic Cells and Modules
standard.
G113Terminology Relating to Natural andArtificialWeath-
1.9 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
ering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
hazards portion, Section 6, of this classification. This standard
G138Test Method for Calibration of a Spectroradiometer
does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
Using a Standard Source of Irradiance
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
G173TablesforReferenceSolarSpectralIrradiances:Direct
Normal and Hemispherical on 37° Tilted Surface
1
This classification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E44 on Solar,
GeothermalandOtherAlternativeEnergySourcesandisthedirectresponsibilityof
2
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2019. Published March 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approvedin1983.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2015asE927–10(2015).DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0927-19. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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E927−19
3. Terminology 3.2.14 time period of dat
...
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 (Reapproved 2015) E927 − 19 An American National Standard
Standard SpecificationClassification for
Solar Simulation for Photovoltaic TestingSimulators for
1
Electrical Performance Testing of Photovoltaic Devices
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.
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior
to use.
1.12 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:
E490 Standard Solar Constant and Zero Air Mass Solar Spectral Irradiance Tables
1
This specificationclassification 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 Nov. 1, 2015Feb. 1, 2019. Published November 2015March 2019. Originally approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 20102015 as
E927 –10. –10 (2015). DOI: 10.1520/E0927-10R15.10.1520/E0927-19.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959
...
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