IEC standards for photovoltaic devices require the use of specific classes of solar simulators
deemed appropriate for specific tests. Solar simulators can be either used for performance
measurements of PV devices or endurance irradiation tests. This part of IEC 60904 provides
the definitions of and means for determining simulator classifications. In the case of PV
performance measurements, using a solar simulator of high class does not eliminate the need
to quantify the influence of the simulator on the measurement by making spectral mismatch
corrections and analyzing the influences of uniformity of irradiance of the test plane and
temporal stability on that measurement. Test reports for devices tested with the simulator
shall list the class of simulator used for the measurement and the method used to quantify the
simulator’s effect on the results.
The purpose of this standard is to define classifications of solar simulators for use in indoor
measurements of terrestrial photovoltaic devices, solar simulators are classified as A, B or C
for each of the three categories based on criteria of spectral distribution match, irradiance
non-uniformity on the test plane and temporal instability. This standard provides the required
methodologies for determining the rating achieved by a solar simulator in each of the
categories.
This standard is referred to by other IEC standards in which class requirements are laid down
for the use of solar simulators. Solar simulators for irradiance exposure should at least fulfil
class CCC requirements where the third letter is related to long term instability. In the case of
use for PV performance measurements, classification CBA is demanded where the third letter
is related to the short term instability.