ASTM E1040-10(2020)

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.
Designation: E1040 −10 (Reapproved 2020) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Physical Characteristics of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial
Photovoltaic Reference Cells
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1040; 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 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification describes the physical requirements 2.1 ASTM Standards:
for primary and secondary terrestrial nonconcentrator photo- E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
voltaic reference cells. A reference cell is defined as a device E948 Test Method for Electrical Performance of Photovol-
that meets the requirements of this specification and is cali- taic Cells Using Reference Cells Under Simulated Sun-
brated in accordance with Test Method E1125 or Test Method light
E1362. E1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Noncon-
centrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays
1.2 Reference cells are used in the determination of the
Using Reference Cells
electricalperformanceofphotovoltaicdevices,asstatedinTest
E1125 Test Method for Calibration of Primary Non-
Methods E948 and E1036.
Concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells Us-
1.3 Two reference cell physical specifications are described:
ing a Tabular Spectrum
1.3.1 Small-Cell Package Design—A small, durable pack-
E1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy
age with a low thermal mass, wide optical field-of-view, and
Conversion (Withdrawn 2012)
standardized dimensions intended for photovoltaic devices up
E1362 Test Methods for Calibration of Non-Concentrator
to 20 by 20 mm, and
Photovoltaic Non-Primary Reference Cells
1.3.2 Module-Package Design—A package intended to
2.2 Military Specification Sheet:
simulate the optical and thermal properties of a photovoltaic
MS3106C Connector, Plug, Electric, Straight, Solder
module design, but electric connections are made to only one
Contracts, AN Type
photovoltaic cell in order to eliminate problems with calibrat-
ing series and parallel connections of cells. Physical dimen-
3. Terminology
sions are not standardized.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
specification, see Terminologies E772 and E1328.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
4. Classification
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 Two types of reference cells are used in the evaluation
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
of the electrical performance of photovoltaic terrestrial de-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
vices:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.1.1 Primary Reference Cells—Reference cells calibrated
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
directly in sunlight in accordance with Test Method E1125.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1.2 Secondary Reference Cells—Reference cells cali-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
brated against a primary reference cell in accordance with Test
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Method E1362.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar, Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Geothermal and OtherAlternative Energy Sources and is the direct responsibility of the ASTM website.
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2020.PublishedJuly2020.Originallyapproved www.astm.org.
in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as E1040 – 10 (2016). DOI: Available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
10.1520/E1040-10R20. Office, N. Capital and H Streets, NW, Washington, DC 20401.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1040 − 10 (2020)
4.2 Thetwotypesarenotphysicallyorelectricallydifferent, are (1) an electrically and thermally conductive body with a
butaredifferentintheirmannerofcalibration.Hereafterinthis lowthermalmass, (2)standardizedmountingholes, (3)detach-
specification, both types of reference cells will be considered ablecablesusingstandardizedfemaleconnectorsonthesideof
alike and referred to only as reference cells. the package, (4) standardized temperature sensors, (5) a flat
rear surface without protrusions, (6) permanent identification
5. Materials and Manufacture
markings, and (7) standardized internal wiring.
5.2.2 Reference Cell Material—The WPVS design specifies
5.1 Requirements for Both Reference Cell Designs:
a monocrystalline float-zone Si solar cell because device
5.1.1 Product Marking— A label, identification mark, or
stability and quality are desirable for the primary reference
serial number shall be permanently stamped or scribed on the
cells that constitute the WPVS. For other applications, addi-
reference-cell holder. This product marking shall identify the
tional considerations may be more important and therefore the
device for reference to other documentation containing elec-
float-zone Si solar cell can be replaced with alternative device
trical and mechanical data, including information such as the
types as required, such as polycrystalline Si or GaAs.
cell material and manufacturer.
5.2.3 Window—The WPVS specifies a “durable, sm
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