IEC EN 60904-9 Photovoltaic Devices - Part 9: Standard Test Method for Classification of Solar Simulator Properties

EUROLAB, with its state-of-the-art accredited laboratories and expert team, provides precise and fast testing services within the scope of IEC EN 60904-9 testing. IEC EN 60904-9 applies to solar simulators used in PV test and calibration laboratories and production lines of solar cells and PV modules. This standard defines classifications of solar simulators for use in indoor measurements of terrestrial photovoltaic devices.

Solar simulators are classified as A+, A, B or C according to the criteria of spectral distribution matching, radiation disorder in the test plane and temporal instability of radiation. This standard provides the necessary methodologies to determine the classification of solar simulators in each of the categories. A solar simulator that does not meet the minimum requirements of class C cannot be classified according to this standard.

This edition includes the following important technical changes from the previous edition:

• Changed title;
• Added spectral match classification over an extended wavelength range;
• Introduction of the new A+ class;
• Definition of additional parameters for spectral radiation evaluation;
• Added apparatus sections for spectral radiation measurement and spatial uniformity measurement;
• Revised procedure for spectral match classification (at least 4 measurement locations);
• Revised measurement procedure for spatial uniformity of radiation;

IEC standards for photovoltaic devices require the use of certain classes of solar simulators deemed suitable for certain tests. Solar simulators can be used for performance measurements or endurance irradiation tests of PV devices. This part of IEC EN 60904 provides definitions and tools for determining simulator classifications. In the case of PV performance measurements, using a high-class solar simulator does not eliminate the need to measure the effect of the simulator on the measurement by making spectral mismatch corrections and analyzing the effects of test plane radiative uniformity and temporal stability. on this measurement. Test reports of devices tested with the simulator will list the class of simulator used for measurement and the method used to measure the effect of the simulator on results.

This standard is referred to by other IEC standards where class requirements for the use of solar simulators are established. Solar simulators for irradiation must meet at least CCC class requirements where the third letter relates to long-term instability. If used for PV performance measurements, CBA classification is requested where the third letter relates to short-term instability.

EUROLAB assists manufacturers with IEC EN 60904-9 test compliance. Our test experts, with their professional working mission and principles, provide you, our manufacturers and suppliers, the best service and controlled testing process in our laboratories. Thanks to these services, businesses receive more effective, high-performance and quality testing services and provide safe, fast and uninterrupted service to their customers.