ASTM E2527-09
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Electrical Performance of Concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Systems Under Natural Sunlight
Standard Test Method for Electrical Performance of Concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Systems Under Natural Sunlight
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
It is the intent of this test method to provide a recognized procedure for testing and reporting the electrical performance of a photovoltaic concentrator module or system.
If an inverter is used as part of the system, this test method can provide a dc or ac rating or both. The dc or ac rating depends on whether the inverter input or output is monitored.
The test results may be used for comparison among a group of modules or systems 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 system may be used for the study of changes in device performance over a long period of time or as a result of stress testing.
The test method is limited to modules and systems where the concentrated irradiance on the component cells is greater than 5000 Wm-2 at Eo. This limitation is necessary because the total irradiance is measured with a radiometer with a field of view less than 6° and because the correlation between the direct irradiance and the power produced decreases with increasing concentrator field of view.
This test method assumes that the regression equation accurately predicts the concentrator performance as a function of total irradiance with a fixed spectral irradiance, wind speed, and air temperature. The spectral distribution will be seasonal and site specific because of optical air mass, water vapor, aerosols, and other meteorological variables.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the electrical performance of photovoltaic concentrator modules and systems under natural sunlight using a normal incidence pyrheliometer.
1.2 The test method is limited to module assemblies and systems where the geometric concentration ratio specified by the manufacturer is greater than 5.
1.3 This test method applies to concentrators that use passive cooling where the cell temperature is related to the air temperature.
1.4 Measurements under a variety of conditions are allowed; results are reported under a select set of concentrator reporting conditions to facilitate comparison of results.
1.5 This test method applies only to concentrator terrestrial modules and systems.
1.6 This test method assumes that the module or system electrical performance characteristics do not change during the period of test.
1.7 The performance rating determined by this test method applies only at the period of the test, and implies no past or future performance level.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: E2527 − 09
StandardTest Method for
Electrical Performance of Concentrator Terrestrial
1
Photovoltaic Modules and Systems Under Natural Sunlight
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2527; 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 D6176 Practice for Measuring Surface Atmospheric Tem-
perature with Electrical Resistance Temperature Sensors
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the elec-
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
trical performance of photovoltaic concentrator modules and
E816 Test Method for Calibration of Pyrheliometers by
systems under natural sunlight using a normal incidence
Comparison to Reference Pyrheliometers
pyrheliometer.
E1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Noncon-
1.2 The test method is limited to module assemblies and
centrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays
systems where the geometric concentration ratio specified by
Using Reference Cells
the manufacturer is greater than 5.
E1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy
3
Conversion (Withdrawn 2012)
1.3 This test method applies to concentrators that use
passive cooling where the cell temperature is related to the air
2.2 IEEE Standard:
temperature.
IEEE 929-2000 Recommended Practice for Utility Interface
1.4 Measurements under a variety of conditions are al- of Photovoltaic (PV) Power Systems
lowed; results are reported under a select set of concentrator
reporting conditions to facilitate comparison of results. 3. Terminology
1.5 This test method applies only to concentrator terrestrial 3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this test
modules and systems. method may be found in Terminology E772, Terminology
E1328, and IEEE Standard 929.
1.6 This test method assumes that the module or system
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
electrical performance characteristics do not change during the
3.2.1 Concentrator Reporting Conditions, n— the ambient
period of test.
temperature, wind speed, and direct normal solar irradiance to
1.7 The performance rating determined by this test method
which concentrator module or system performance data are
applies only at the period of the test, and implies no past or
corrected.
future performance level.
3.2.2 system, n—a photovoltaic module or array connected
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
to an inverter.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.3 Symbols:The following symbols and units are used in
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
this test method:
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
-2
E = direct normal irradiance, Wm
-2
E = reporting direct normal irradiance of 850 Wm
o
2. Referenced Documents
P = maximum power, W
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
P = maximum power at concentrator reporting conditions
o
(E , T , and V ), W
o o o
T = ambient temperature, °C
a
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar, T = reporting ambient temperature of 20°C
o
-1
Geothermal and OtherAlternative Energy Sources and is the direct responsibility of
v = wind speed, ms
-1
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.
v = reporting wind speed of 4 ms
o
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2009. Published February 2009. Originally
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as E2527-06. DOI:
10.1520/E2527-09.
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 ----------------------
E2527 − 09
4. Summary of Test Method dence angle, the manufacturer’s specifications should be fol-
lowed. Concentrator systems shall be tested as installed.
4.1 Determining the performance of a photovoltaic module
or system under natural sunlight consists of measuring the
6.2 Air Temperature Measurement Equipment—The instru-
maximum power over a range of irradiance and air tempera-
ment or instruments used to measure the temperature of the air
ture.
shall have a resolution of at least 0.1°C, and shall have a total
error of less than 61°C of reading. The instrument sensor
4.2 Amultiplelinearregressionisusedtora
...
This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM 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:E2527–06 Designation:E2527–09
Standard Test Method for
Rating Electrical Performance of Concentrator Terrestrial
1
Photovoltaic Modules and Systems Under Natural Sunlight
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 2527; 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 covers the determination of the electrical performance of photovoltaic concentrator modules and systems
under natural sunlight using a normal incidence pyrheliometer.
1.2The test method is limited to modules and systems where the concentrated irradiance on the component cells is greater than
-2
5000 Wm at the direct normal rating irradiance.
1.2 The test method is limited to module assemblies and systems where the geometric concentration ratio specified by the
manufacturer is greater than 5.
1.3 Thistestmethodappliestoconcentratorsthatusepassivecoolingwherethecelltemperatureisrelatedtotheairtemperature.
1.4 Measurements under a variety of conditions are allowed; results are reported under a select set of concentrator reporting
conditions to facilitate comparison of results.
1.5 This test method applies only to concentrator terrestrial modules and systems.
1.6 This test method assumes that the module or system electrical performance characteristics do not change during the period
of test.
1.7 The performance rating determined by this test method applies only at the period of the test, and implies no past or future
performance level.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 6176 Practice for Measuring Surface Atmospheric Temperature with Electrical Resistance Temperature Sensors
E 772 Terminology Relating to Solar Energy Conversion
E 816 Test Method for Calibration of Pyrheliometers by Comparison to Reference Pyrheliometers
E 1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using
Reference Cells
E 1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion
2.2 IEEE Standard:
IEEE 929-2000 Recommended Practice for Utility Interface of Photovoltaic (PV) Power Systems
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this test method may be found in Terminology E 772, Terminology E 1328, and
IEEE Standard 929.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 Concentrator Reporting Conditions, n—theambienttemperature,windspeed,anddirectnormalsolarirradiancetowhich
concentrator module or system performance data are corrected.
3.2.2 system, n—a photovoltaic module or array connected to an inverter.
3.3 Symbols: The following symbols and units are used in this test method:
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 Nov. 1, 2006. Published December 2006.
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2009. Published February 2009. Originally approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as E 2527-06.
2
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM 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 ----------------------
E2527–09
-2
E = direct normal irradiance, Wm
-2
E = ratingreporting direct normal irradiance of 850 Wm
o
P = maximum power, W
P = maximum power at concentrator reporting conditions (E , T , and V ), W
o o o o
T = ambient temperature, °C
a
T = ratingreporting ambient temperature of 20°C
o
-1
v = wind speed, ms
-1
v = ratingreporting wind speed of 4 ms
o
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Determiningtheperformanceofaphotovoltaicmoduleorsystemundernaturalsunlightconsistsofmeasuringthemaximum
power over a range of irradiance and air temperature.
3
4.2 A mul
...
This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM 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:E2527–06 Designation:E2527–09
Standard Test Method for
Rating Electrical Performance of Concentrator Terrestrial
1
Photovoltaic Modules and Systems Under Natural Sunlight
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 2527; 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 covers the determination of the electrical performance of photovoltaic concentrator modules and systems
under natural sunlight using a normal incidence pyrheliometer.
1.2The test method is limited to modules and systems where the concentrated irradiance on the component cells is greater than
-2
5000 Wm at the direct normal rating irradiance.
1.2 The test method is limited to module assemblies and systems where the geometric concentration ratio specified by the
manufacturer is greater than 5.
1.3 Thistestmethodappliestoconcentratorsthatusepassivecoolingwherethecelltemperatureisrelatedtotheairtemperature.
1.4 Measurements under a variety of conditions are allowed; results are reported under a select set of concentrator reporting
conditions to facilitate comparison of results.
1.5 This test method applies only to concentrator terrestrial modules and systems.
1.6 This test method assumes that the module or system electrical performance characteristics do not change during the period
of test.
1.7 The performance rating determined by this test method applies only at the period of the test, and implies no past or future
performance level.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 6176 Practice for Measuring Surface Atmospheric Temperature with Electrical Resistance Temperature Sensors
E 772 Terminology Relating to Solar Energy Conversion
E 816 Test Method for Calibration of Pyrheliometers by Comparison to Reference Pyrheliometers
E 1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using
Reference Cells
E 1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion
2.2 IEEE Standard:
IEEE 929-2000 Recommended Practice for Utility Interface of Photovoltaic (PV) Power Systems
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this test method may be found in Terminology E 772, Terminology E 1328, and
IEEE Standard 929.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 Concentrator Reporting Conditions, n—theambienttemperature,windspeed,anddirectnormalsolarirradiancetowhich
concentrator module or system performance data are corrected.
3.2.2 system, n—a photovoltaic module or array connected to an inverter.
3.3 Symbols: The following symbols and units are used in this test method:
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 Nov. 1, 2006. Published December 2006.
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2009. Published February 2009. Originally approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as E 2527-06.
2
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM 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 ----------------------
E2527–09
-2
E = direct normal irradiance, Wm
-2
E = ratingreporting direct normal irradiance of 850 Wm
o
P = maximum power, W
P = maximum power at concentrator reporting conditions (E , T , and V ), W
o o o o
T = ambient temperature, °C
a
T = ratingreporting ambient temperature of 20°C
o
-1
v = wind speed, ms
-1
v = ratingreporting wind speed of 4 ms
o
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Determiningtheperformanceofaphotovoltaicmoduleorsystemundernaturalsunlightconsistsofmeasuringthemaximum
power over a range of irradiance and air temperature.
3
4.2 A mul
...
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