ASTM E948-09

It is the intent of this test method to provide a recognized method for testing and reporting the electrical performance of photovoltaic cells.

The test results may be used for comparison of cells among a group of similar cells or to compare diverse designs, such as different manufacturers' products. Repeated measurements of the same cell may be used to study changes in device performance.

This test method determines the electrical performance of a cell based upon the output power at a single instant of time. It does not provide for integrating the output power over a given period of time and conditions to predict an energy output.

This test method requires a reference cell calibrated with respect to an appropriate reference spectral irradiance distribution, such as Tables E 490, or G 173. It is the responsibility of the user to determine which reference spectral irradiance distribution is appropriate for a particular application.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the electrical performance of a photovoltaic cell under simulated sunlight by means of a calibrated reference cell procedure.

1.2 Electrical performance measurements are reported with respect to a select set of standard reporting conditions (SRC) (see Table 1) or to user-specified conditions.

1.2.1 The SRC or user-specified conditions include the cell temperature, the total irradiance, and the reference spectral irradiance distribution.

1.3 This test method is applicable only to photovoltaic cells with a linear response over the range of interest.

1.4 The cell parameters determined by this test method apply only at the time of test, and imply no past or future performance level.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 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.

TABLE 1 Standard Reporting Conditions