BS EN IEC 60904-9:2020

What is BS EN IEC 60904‑9 about? 

BS EN IEC 60904‑9 is a part of multi-series standard IEC 60904 that provides the definitions of and means for determining simulator classifications at the required irradiance levels used for electrical stabilization and characterization of PV devices.  

BS EN IEC 60904‑9 is applicable for solar simulators used in PV test and calibration laboratories and in manufacturing lines of solar cells and PV modules. The A+ category is primarily intended for calibration laboratories and has been introduced because it allows for a reduction in the uncertainty of secondary reference device calibration. This is usually performed in a calibration laboratory. 

Note 1: The solar simulator characteristics described in BS EN IEC 60904‑9 are not used in isolation to imply any level of measurement confidence or measurement uncertainty for a solar simulator application (for example, PV module power measurement). 

Note 2: Measurement uncertainties in each application depend on many factors, several of which are outside the scope of BS EN IEC 60904‑9, which are: 

• Characteristics of the solar simulator, possibly including characteristics  
• Methods used to calibrate and operate the solar simulator 
• Characteristics of the device(s) under test (for example, size and spectral responsivity) 
• Quantities measured from the device(s) under test, including equipment and methods used for measurement 
• Possible corrections applied to measured quantities 

Who is BS EN IEC 60904‑9 for? 

BS EN IEC 60904‑9 on the classification of solar simulator characteristics is useful for: 

• Manufacturers and suppliers of photovoltaic (PV) devices 
• Dealers and importers of photovoltaic (PV) devices 
• Testing houses/ service providers of photovoltaic (PV) devices 
• Entities dealing with photovoltaic (PV) devices 

Why should you use BS EN IEC 60904‑9? 

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.  

BS EN IEC 60904‑9 serves the purpose to define classifications of solar simulators for use in indoor measurements of terrestrial photovoltaic devices. Solar simulators are classified as A+, A, B, or C based on criteria of spectral distribution match, irradiance non-uniformity in the test plane, and temporal instability of irradiance.  

BS EN IEC 60904‑9 provides you with the required methodologies for determining the classification of solar simulators in each of the categories. It states that a solar simulator that does not meet the minimum requirements of class C cannot be classified according to this document.  

Users of BS EN IEC 60904‑9 can enjoy the perks of a new procedure for spectral match classification that addresses the actual need for an extended wavelength range, which is arising from advances in solar cell technology (such as increased spectral responsivity below 400 nm) as well as solar simulator technology (use of component LEDs). 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN IEC 60904‑9:2020 supersedes BS EN 60904‑9:2007, which is withdrawn. 

BS EN IEC 60904‑9:2020 includes the following changes: 

• Changed title 
• Added spectral match classification in an extended wavelength range 
• Introduction of new A+ class 
• Definition of additional parameters for spectral irradiance evaluation 
• Added apparatus sections for spectral irradiance measurement and spatial uniformity measurement