This part of IEC 60904 applies to the following photovoltaic devices for terrestrial applications:
– solar cells with or without a protective cover;
– sub-assemblies of solar cells;
– modules;
– systems.
NOTE The term “test specimen” is used to denote any of these devices.
The principles contained in this standard cover testing in both natural and simulated sunlight.
This standard is not applicable to solar cells designed for operation in concentrated sunlight
or to modules embodying concentrators.
Photovoltaic conversion is spectrally selective due to the nature of the semiconductor
materials used in PV solar cells and modules. To compare the relative performance of
different PV devices and materials a reference standard solar spectral distribution is
necessary. This standard includes such a reference solar spectral irradiance distribution.
This standard also describes basic measurement principles for determining the electrical
output of PV devices. The principles given in this standard are designed to relate the
performance rating of PV devices to a common reference terrestrial solar spectral irradiance
distribution.
The reference terrestrial solar spectral irradiance distribution given in this standard is required
in order to classify solar simulators according to the spectral performance requirements
contained in IEC 60904-9.