ASTM E1036-12
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference Cells
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. TABLE 1 Reporting Conditions
Total Irradiance, Wm−2
Spectral Irradiance
Device Temperature,
°C
Standard reporting conditions
1000
G173
25
Nominal operating conditions
800
...
NOCT
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 t...
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.
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Designation: E1036 − 12
StandardTest 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 E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.1 These test methods cover the electrical performance of
E772Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
photovoltaic modules and arrays under natural or simulated
E927Specification for Solar Simulation for Photovoltaic
sunlight using a calibrated reference cell.
Testing
1.1.1 These test methods allow a reference module to be
E941Test Method for Calibration of Reference Pyranom-
used instead of a reference cell provided the reference module
etersWithAxisTiltedbytheShadingMethod(Withdrawn
has been calibrated using these test methods against a cali-
3
2005)
brated reference cell.
E948Test Method for Electrical Performance of Photovol-
1.2 Measurements under a variety of conditions are al-
taic Cells Using Reference Cells Under Simulated Sun-
lowed; results are reported under a select set of reporting
light
conditions (RC) to facilitate comparison of results.
E973Test Method for Determination of the Spectral Mis-
1.3 These test methods apply only to nonconcentrator ter- match Parameter Between a Photovoltaic Device and a
Photovoltaic Reference Cell
restrial modules and arrays.
E1021TestMethodforSpectralResponsivityMeasurements
1.4 The performance parameters determined by these test
of Photovoltaic Devices
methodsapplyonlyatthetimeofthetest,andimplynopastor
E1039 Test Method for Calibration of Silicon Non-
future performance level.
ConcentratorPhotovoltaicPrimaryReferenceCellsUnder
3
1.5 These test methods apply to photovoltaic modules and
Global Irradiation (Withdrawn 2004)
arrays that do not contain series-connected photovoltaic mul-
E1040Specification for Physical Characteristics of Noncon-
tijunction devices; such module and arrays should be tested
centrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells
according to Test Methods E2236.
E1125 Test Method for Calibration of Primary Non-
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 Method for Calibration of Non-Concentrator
standard.
Photovoltaic Secondary 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 and health practices and determine the applica-
G173TablesforReferenceSolarSpectralIrradiances:Direct
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Normal and Hemispherical on 37° Tilted Surface
2. Referenced Documents
3. Terminology
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in these test
methods may be found in Terminology E772.
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources and are the direct
3.2.1 nominal operating cell temperature, NOCT, n—the
responsibility of Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.
temperature of a solar cell inside a module operating at an
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2012. Published December 2012. Originally
−2
approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as E1036–08. DOI: ambienttemperatureof20°C,anirradianceof800Wm ,and
−1
10.1520/E1036-12.
an average wind speed of 1 ms .
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 The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1036 − 12
3.2.2 reporting conditions, RC, n—the device temperature, 4.3 Testing the performance of a photovoltaic device in-
total irradiance, and reference spectral irradiance conditions volves the use of a calibrated photovoltaic reference cell to
th
...
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 − 08 E1036 − 12
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
3
E1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion (Withdrawn 2012)
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 Nov. 1, 2008Dec. 1, 2012. Published December 2008December 2012. Originally approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 20072008
as E1036 – 02E1036 – 08.(2007). DOI: 10.1520/E1036-08.10.1520/E1036-12.
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
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 − 12
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 and Terminology E1328.
3.2 Defini
...
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