1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the electrical performance of photovoltaic concentrator modules and systems under natural sunlight using a normal incidence pyrheliometer.

1.2 The test method is limited to modules and systems where the concentrated irradiance on the component cells is greater than 5000 Wm ^-2 at the direct normal rating irradiance.

1.3 This test method applies to concentrators that use passive cooling where the cell temperature is related to the air temperature.

1.4 Measurements under a variety of conditions are allowed; results are reported under a select set of concentrator reporting conditions to facilitate comparison of results.

1.5 This test method applies only to concentrator terrestrial modules and systems.

1.6 This test method assumes that the module or system electrical performance characteristics do not change during the period of test.

1.7 The performance rating determined by this test method applies only at the period of the test, and implies no past or future performance level.

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.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D6176 Practice for Measuring Surface Atmospheric Temperature with Electrical Resistance Temperature Sensors

E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion

E816 Test Method for Calibration of Pyrheliometers by Comparison to Reference Pyrheliometers

E1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using Reference Cells

E1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion

IEEE Standard

Keywords

concentrator; modules; performance; photovoltaic; rating; reporting; systems; testing; Electrical performance; Photovoltaic (PV) power systems; Solar energy;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 27.160 (Solar energy engineering)

DOI: 10.1520/E2527-06

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