IEC 60904-9:2020 PDF Download

The properties of solar simulators used in the testing and calibration of photovoltaic devices are categorized under the IEC 60904-9:2020 standard. It focuses particularly on measurements made indoors by terrestrial solar devices and offers standards for assessing spectral distribution match, irradiance non-uniformity, and temporal instability of irradiance.

Solar simulators are divided into four groups according to the standard: A+, A, B, and C. Based on how closely the simulators adhere to the given standards, they are categorized. According to this paper, a solar simulator cannot be classified if it does not meet the prerequisites for class C.

Technical updates in this third edition of the standard include the definition of additional parameters for spectrum irradiance evaluation, the addition of a new A+ class, and an expanded wavelength range for spectral match categorization. Additionally, it contains updated techniques for classifying spectral matches and measuring irradiance uniformity in space. For sensitivity analysis of spectral mismatch errors related to solar simulator spectral irradiance, an instructional annex is offered.