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ASTM E1021-15

(Test Method)

Standard Test Method for Spectral Responsivity Measurements of Photovoltaic Devices

Standard Test Method for Spectral Responsivity Measurements of Photovoltaic Devices

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The spectral responsivity of a photovoltaic device is necessary for computing spectral mismatch parameter (see Test Method E973). Spectral mismatch is used in Test Method E948 to measure the performance of photovoltaic cells in simulated sunlight, in Test Methods E1036 to measure the performance of photovoltaic modules and arrays, in Test Method E1125 to calibrate photovoltaic primary reference cells using a tabular spectrum, and in Test Method E1362 to calibrate photovoltaic secondary reference cells. The spectral mismatch parameter can be computed using absolute or relative spectral responsivity data.  
5.2 This test method measures the differential spectral responsivity of a photovoltaic device. The procedure requires the use of white-light bias to enable the user to evaluate the dependence of the differential spectral responsivity on the intensity of light reaching the device. When such dependence exists, the overall spectral responsivity should be equivalent to the differential spectral responsivity at a light bias level somewhere between zero and the intended operating conditions of the device. Depending on the linearity response of the DUT over the intensity range up to the intended operating conditions, it may not be necessary to set up a very high light bias level.  
5.3 The spectral responsivity of a photovoltaic device is useful for understanding device performance and material characteristics.  
5.4 The procedure described herein is appropriate for use in either research and development applications or in product quality control by manufacturers.  
5.5 The reference photodetector’s calibration must be traceable to SI units through a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) spectral responsivity scale or other relevant radiometric scale.3 ,4 The calibration mode of the photodetector (irradiance or power) will affect the procedures used and the kinds of measurements that can be performed.  
5.6 This test method does not address issues...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is to be used to determine either the absolute or relative spectral responsivity response of a single-junction photovoltaic device.  
1.2 Because quantum efficiency is directly related to spectral responsivity, this test method may be used to determine the quantum efficiency of a single-junction photovoltaic device (see 10.10).  
1.3 This test method requires the use of a bias light.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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 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
Current Stage
Ref Project

Relations

Replaces
ASTM E1021-12 - Standard Test Method for Spectral Responsivity Measurements of Photovoltaic Devices
Effective Date
01-Feb-2015
Replaced By
ASTM E1021-15(2019) - Standard Test Method for Spectral Responsivity Measurements of Photovoltaic Devices
Effective Date
01-Apr-2019
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 E973-16(2020) - Standard Test Method for Determination of the Spectral Mismatch Parameter Between a Photovoltaic Device and a Photovoltaic Reference Cell
Effective Date
01-Feb-2015
Referred By
ASTM E772-15(2021) - Standard Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
Effective Date
01-Feb-2015
Referred By
ASTM E1036-15(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference Cells
Effective Date
01-Feb-2015
Referred By
ASTM E1125-16(2020) - Standard Test Method for Calibration of Primary Non-Concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells Using a Tabular Spectrum
Effective Date
01-Feb-2015
Referred By
ASTM E1362-15(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Calibration of Non-Concentrator Photovoltaic Non-Primary Reference Cells
Effective Date
01-Feb-2015

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ASTM E1021-15 - Standard Test Method for Spectral Responsivity Measurements of Photovoltaic Devices
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Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E1021 − 15 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Spectral Responsivity Measurements of Photovoltaic
1
Devices
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1021; 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 E948Test Method for Electrical Performance of Photovol-
taic Cells Using Reference Cells Under Simulated Sun-
1.1 This test method is to be used to determine either the
light
absolute or relative spectral responsivity response of a single-
E973Test Method for Determination of the Spectral Mis-
junction photovoltaic device.
match Parameter Between a Photovoltaic Device and a
1.2 Because quantum efficiency is directly related to spec-
Photovoltaic Reference Cell
tralresponsivity,thistestmethodmaybeusedtodeterminethe
E1036Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Noncon-
quantum efficiency of a single-junction photovoltaic device
centrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays
(see 10.10).
Using Reference Cells
E1125 Test Method for Calibration of Primary Non-
1.3 This test method requires the use of a bias light.
ConcentratorTerrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells Us-
1.4 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
1.5 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
1.6 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 this test
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
method 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.
3.2.1 chopper, n—a rotating blade or other device used to
modulate a light source.
2. Referenced Documents
2
3.2.2 device under test (DUT), n—aphotovoltaicdevicethat
2.1 ASTM Standards:
is subjected to a spectral responsivity measurement.
E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3.2.3 irradiance mode calibration, n—a calibration method
E772Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
in which the reference photodetector measures the irradiance
E927Specification for Solar Simulation for Photovoltaic
produced by the monochromatic beam.
Testing
3.2.4 monitor photodetector, n—a photodetector incorpo-
rated into the optical system to monitor the amount of light
reaching the device under test, enabling adjustments to be
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar,
made to accommodate varying light intensity.
GeothermalandOtherAlternativeEnergySourcesandisthedirectresponsibilityof
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.
3.2.5 monochromatic beam, n—choppedlightfromamono-
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2015. Published April 2015. Originally
chromatic source reaching the reference photodetector or
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E1021–12. DOI:
device under test.
10.1520/E1021-15.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3.2.6 monochromator, n—an optical device that allows a
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
selected wavelength of light to pass while blocking other
Standardsvolume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. wavelengths.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1021 − 15
3.2.7 power mode calibration, n—a calibration method in φ—power of the monochromatic beam or irradiance of the
–2
which the reference photodetector measures the power in the monochromatic beam, W or W·m ,
–19
monochromatic beam. q—elementary charge, 1.602176565×10 C,
Q—ex
...

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: E1021 − 12 E1021 − 15
Standard Test Method for
Spectral Responsivity Measurements of Photovoltaic
1
Devices
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1021; 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 test method is to be used to determine either the absolute or relative spectral responsivity response of a single-junction
photovoltaic device.
1.2 Because quantum efficiency is directly related to spectral responsivity, this test method may be used to determine the
quantum efficiency of a single-junction photovoltaic device (see 10.10).
1.3 This test method requires the use of a bias light.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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 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
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
E1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using
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
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 this test method may be found in Terminology E772.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 chopper, n—a rotating blade or other device used to modulate a light source.
3.2.2 device under test (DUT), n—a photovoltaic device that is subjected to a spectral responsivity measurement.
3.2.3 irradiance mode calibration, n—a calibration method in which the reference photodetector measures the irradiance
produced by the monochromatic beam.
1
This test method 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 March 1, 2012Feb. 1, 2015. Published April 2012April 2015. Originally approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 20062012 as
E1021 – 06.E1021 – 12. DOI: 10.1520/E1021-12.10.1520/E1021-15.
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. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1021 − 15
3.2.4 monitor photodetector, n—a photodetector incorporated into the optical system to monitor the amount of light reaching
the device under test, enabling adjustments to be made to accommodate varying light intensity.
3.2.5 monochromatic beam, n—chopped light from a monochromatic source reaching the reference photodetector or device
under test.
3.2.6 monochromator, n—an optical device that allows a selected wavelength of light to pass while blocking other wavelengths.
3.2.7 power mode calibration, n—a calibration method in which the reference photodetector measures the power in the
monochromatic beam.
3.2.8 reference photodetector, n—a photodetector calibrated photodetector with a known spectral responsivity over a
wavelength range and used to
...

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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The design of a photovoltaic module or system intended to provide safe conversion of the sun's radiant energy into useful electricity must take into consideration the possibility of partial shadowing of the module(s) during operation. This test method describes a procedure for verifying that the design and construction of the module provides adequate protection against the potential harmful effects of hot spots during normal installation and use.  
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FIG. 1 Hot Spot Effect  
4.5 Bypass diodes, if present, as shown in Fig. 2, begin conducting when a series-connected string in a module is in reverse bias, thereby limiting the power dissipation in the reduced-output cell.  
FIG. 2 Bypass Diode Effect  
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
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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.  
1.4 In this test method, photovoltaic system power is reported with respect to a set of reporting conditions (RC) including solar irradiance in the plane of the modules, ambient temperature, and wind speed (see Section 6). Measurements under a variety of reporting conditions are allowed to facilitate testing and comparison of results.  
1.5 This test method assumes that the solar cell temperature is directly influenced by ambient temperature and wind speed; if not the regression results may be less meaningful.  
1.6 The capacity measured according to this test method should not be used to make representations about the energy generation capabilities of the system.  
1.7 This test method is not applicable to concentrator photovoltaic systems; as an alternative, Test Method E2527 should be considered for such systems.  
1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user...

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

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

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