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ASTM E973-16

(Test Method)

Standard Test Method for Determination of the Spectral Mismatch Parameter Between a Photovoltaic Device and a Photovoltaic Reference Cell

Standard Test Method for Determination of the Spectral Mismatch Parameter Between a Photovoltaic Device and a Photovoltaic Reference Cell

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The calculated error in the photovoltaic device current determined from the spectral mismatch parameter can be used to determine if a measurement will be within specified limits before the actual measurement is performed.  
5.2 The spectral mismatch parameter also provides a means of correcting the error in the measured device current due to spectral mismatch.  
5.2.1 The spectral mismatch parameter is formulated as the fractional error in the short-circuit current due to spectral and temperature differences.  
5.2.2 Error due to spectral mismatch is corrected by multiplying a reference cell’s measured short-circuit current by M , a technique used in Test Methods E948 and E1036.  
5.3 Because all spectral quantities appear in both the numerator and the denominator in the calculation of the spectral mismatch parameter (see 8.1), multiplicative calibration errors cancel, and therefore only relative quantities are needed (although absolute spectral quantities may be used if available).  
5.4 Temperature-dependent spectral mismatch is a more accurate method to correct photovoltaic current measurements compared with fixed-value temperature coefficients.3
SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides a procedure for the determination of a spectral mismatch parameter used in performance testing of photovoltaic devices.  
1.2 The spectral mismatch parameter is a measure of the error introduced in the testing of a photovoltaic device that is caused by the photovoltaic device under test and the photovoltaic reference cell having non-identical quantum efficiencies, as well as mismatch between the test light source and the reference spectral irradiance distribution to which the photovoltaic reference cell was calibrated.  
1.2.1 Examples of reference spectral irradiance distributions are Tables E490 or G173.  
1.3 The spectral mismatch parameter can be used to correct photovoltaic performance data for spectral mismatch error.  
1.4 Temperature-dependent quantum efficiencies are used to quantify the effects of temperature differences between test conditions and reporting conditions.  
1.5 This test method is intended for use with linear photovoltaic devices in which short-circuit is directly proportional to incident irradiance.  
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.

General Information

Status
Historical
Publication Date
30-Jun-2016
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 E973-15 - Standard Test Method for Determination of the Spectral Mismatch Parameter Between a Photovoltaic Device and a Photovoltaic Reference Cell
Effective Date
01-Jul-2016
Replaced 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-Jun-2020
Referred By
ASTM E948-16(2020) - Standard Test Method for Electrical Performance of Photovoltaic Cells Using Reference Cells Under Simulated Sunlight
Effective Date
01-Jul-2016
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-Jul-2016
Referred By
ASTM G113-22 - Standard Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
Effective Date
01-Jul-2016
Referred By
ASTM E927-19 - Standard Classification for Solar Simulators for Electrical Performance Testing of Photovoltaic Devices
Effective Date
01-Jul-2016
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-Jul-2016
Referred By
ASTM G214-23 - Standard Test Method for Integration of Digital Spectral Data for Weathering and Durability Applications
Effective Date
01-Jul-2016
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-Jul-2016
Referred By
ASTM E2848-13(2023) - Standard Test Method for Reporting Photovoltaic Non-Concentrator System Performance
Effective Date
01-Jul-2016
Referred By
ASTM E1362-15(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Calibration of Non-Concentrator Photovoltaic Non-Primary Reference Cells
Effective Date
01-Jul-2016
Referred By
ASTM E1021-15(2019) - Standard Test Method for Spectral Responsivity Measurements of Photovoltaic Devices
Effective Date
01-Jul-2016
Referred By
ASTM G130-12(2020) - Standard Test Method for Calibration of Narrow- and Broad-Band Ultraviolet Radiometers Using a Spectroradiometer
Effective Date
01-Jul-2016

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ASTM E973-16 - Standard Test Method for Determination of the Spectral Mismatch Parameter Between a Photovoltaic Device and a Photovoltaic Reference CellASTM E973-16 - Standard Test Method for Determination of the Spectral Mismatch Parameter Between a Photovoltaic Device and a Photovoltaic Reference Cell
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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: E973 − 16 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Determination of the Spectral Mismatch Parameter Between
1
a Photovoltaic Device and a Photovoltaic Reference Cell
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E973; 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 mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This test method provides a procedure for the determi-
nation of a spectral mismatch parameter used in performance
2. Referenced Documents
testing of photovoltaic devices.
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.2 The spectral mismatch parameter is a measure of the
E490 Standard Solar Constant and Zero Air Mass Solar
error introduced in the testing of a photovoltaic device that is
Spectral Irradiance Tables
caused by the photovoltaic device under test and the photovol-
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
taic reference cell having non-identical quantum efficiencies,
E948 Test Method for Electrical Performance of Photovol-
as well as mismatch between the test light source and the
taic Cells Using Reference Cells Under Simulated Sun-
reference spectral irradiance distribution to which the photo-
light
voltaic reference cell was calibrated.
E1021 TestMethodforSpectralResponsivityMeasurements
1.2.1 Examplesofreferencespectralirradiancedistributions
of Photovoltaic Devices
are Tables E490 or G173.
E1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Noncon-
centrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays
1.3 The spectral mismatch parameter can be used to correct
Using Reference Cells
photovoltaic performance data for spectral mismatch error.
E1125 Test Method for Calibration of Primary Non-
1.4 Temperature-dependent quantum efficiencies are used to
Concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells Us-
quantify the effects of temperature differences between test
ing a Tabular Spectrum
conditions and reporting conditions.
E1362 Test Methods for Calibration of Non-Concentrator
1.5 This test method is intended for use with linear photo-
Photovoltaic Non-Primary Reference Cells
voltaic devices in which short-circuit is directly proportional to G138 Test Method for Calibration of a Spectroradiometer
incident irradiance.
Using a Standard Source of Irradiance
G173 TablesforReferenceSolarSpectralIrradiances:Direct
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
Normal and Hemispherical on 37° Tilted Surface
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
SI10 Standard for Use of the International System of Units
standard.
(SI): The Modern Metric System
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3. Terminology
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this test
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
method may be found in Terminology E772.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.1 test light source, n—a source of illumination whose
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
spectral irradiance will be used for the spectral mismatch
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
calculation. The light source may be natural sunlight or a solar
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
simulator.
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 OtherAlternative Energy Sources and is the direct responsibility of
2
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 1, 2016. Published August 2016. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as E973 –15. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0973-16. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E973 − 16
3.3.1 λ—wavelength (µm or nm). be tested differ from one another; these quantum efficiencies
vary with temperature.
3.3.2 D—as a subscript, refers to the device to be tested.
4.3 Determination
...

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: E973 − 15 E973 − 16
Standard Test Method for
Determination of the Spectral Mismatch Parameter Between
1
a Photovoltaic Device and a Photovoltaic Reference Cell
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E973; 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 provides a procedure for the determination of a spectral mismatch parameter used in performance testing
of photovoltaic devices.
1.2 The spectral mismatch parameter is a measure of the error introduced in the testing of a photovoltaic device that is caused
by the photovoltaic device under test and the photovoltaic reference cell having non-identical quantum efficiencies, as well as
mismatch between the test light source and the reference spectral irradiance distribution to which the photovoltaic reference cell
was calibrated.
1.2.1 Examples of reference spectral irradiance distributions are Tables E490 or G173.
1.3 The spectral mismatch parameter can be used to correct photovoltaic performance data for spectral mismatch error.
1.4 Temperature-dependent quantum efficiencies are used to quantify the effects of temperature differences between test
conditions and reporting conditions.
1.5 This test method is intended for use with linear photovoltaic devices in which short-circuit is directly proportional to
incident irradiance.
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:
E490 Standard Solar Constant and Zero Air Mass Solar Spectral Irradiance Tables
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
E948 Test Method for Electrical Performance of Photovoltaic Cells Using Reference Cells Under Simulated Sunlight
E1021 Test Method for Spectral Responsivity Measurements of Photovoltaic Devices
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 Methods for Calibration of Non-Concentrator Photovoltaic Non-Primary Reference Cells
G138 Test Method for Calibration of a Spectroradiometer Using a Standard Source of Irradiance
G173 Tables for Reference Solar Spectral Irradiances: Direct Normal and Hemispherical on 37° Tilted Surface
SI10 Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
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:
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 Dec. 1, 2015July 1, 2016. Published January 2016August 2016. Originally approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as
E973 –10(2015). –15. DOI: 10.1520/E0973-15.10.1520/E0973-16.
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 ----------------------
E973 − 16
3.2.1 test light source, n—a source of illumination whose spectral irradiance will be used for the spectral mismatch calculation.
The light source may be natural sunlight or a solar simulator.
3.3 Symbols: The following symbols and units are used in this test method:
3.3.1 λ—wavelength (μm or nm).
3.3.2 D—as a subscript, refers to the device to be tested.
3.3.3 R—as a subscript, refers to the reference cell.
3.3.4 S—as a subscript, refers to the test light source.
3.3.5 0—as a subscript, refer
...

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5.3 The comparison of expected capacity and measured capacity can be used as a criterion for plant acceptance.  
5.4 The user of this practice must select the performance simulation period over which the reporting conditions and expected capacity will be derived. Seasonal variations will likely cause both of these to change with differing performance simulation periods.  
5.5 When this practice is used in conjunction with Test Method E2848, the performance simulation period and the data collection period must agree. If they do not agree, the comparison between expected and measured capacity will not be meaningful.  
5.6 Historical or measured5 plane-of-array irradiance, ambient air temperature, and wind speed data can be used to select reporting conditions and calculate expected capacity. If historical data are used, the data collection period should match the time period of the measured data in terms of season and length.  
5.7 The simulated power output that is used to calculate the expected capacity should be derived from a performance model designed to represent the photovoltaic system which will be reported per Test Method E2848.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides procedures for determining the expected capacity of a specific photovoltaic system in a specific geographical location that is in operation under natural sunlight during a specified period of time. The expected capacity is intended for comparison with the measured capacity determined by Test Method E2848.  
1.2 This practice is intended for use with Test Method E2848 as a procedure to select appropriate reporting conditions (RC), including solar irradiance in the plane of the modules, ambient temperature, and wind speed needed for the photovoltaic system capacity measurement.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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
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
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
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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ASTM
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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