IEC 60904-3:2016

Overview

IEC 60904-3:2016 - "Photovoltaic devices - Part 3: Measurement principles for terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) solar devices with reference spectral irradiance data" defines the basic measurement principles to determine the electrical output of PV devices and to relate those measurements to a common reference terrestrial solar spectral irradiance. The standard provides the reference spectral distributions (AM1.5 global and direct) used to classify solar simulators and to correct measured PV performance for spectral effects. It applies to solar cells, sub-assemblies, modules and systems tested in natural or simulated sunlight.

Key topics and requirements

• Reference spectral irradiance distributions: Tabulated global (direct + diffuse) and direct spectra are provided (AM1.5-type) for use in performance rating and simulator classification.
• Measurement principles: Procedures to measure I–V characteristics under stable irradiance and known device temperature; measurements are then corrected to standard test conditions (STC) as applicable.
• Spectral mismatch and corrections: Users must account for spectral mismatch between test light and reference spectrum; IEC 60904-7 is referenced for spectral mismatch computation.
• Instruments and detectors: Guidance on using PV reference devices (with known spectral responsivity) or thermopile radiometers (pyranometers) for irradiance measurement; reference devices should meet IEC 60904-2.
• Spectral responsivity: Measurement of device spectral response is covered in IEC 60904-8 and is essential for accurate spectral corrections.
• Solar simulator classification: Reference spectra are used to classify solar simulators per IEC 60904-9 spectral requirements.
• Modelling and data: The standard’s reference spectra were generated using the SMARTS spectral model (version cited) under specified atmospheric conditions; the standard includes an accompanying spreadsheet with spectral data.
• Edition changes: This edition adds the direct-beam spectrum corresponding to the global spectrum and updates terminology (e.g., “global photon flux”).

Practical applications and users

• PV manufacturers - to rate modules and cells to STC and to validate product datasheets.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies - to perform repeatable electrical measurements and to classify solar simulators.
• Solar simulator and test-equipment manufacturers - to design and verify spectral performance.
• Researchers and system designers - to model real-world performance accounting for spectral effects and to compute spectral mismatch corrections.

Related standards (IEC 60904 series)

• IEC 60904-1 (I–V measurement procedures)
• IEC 60904-2 (reference solar devices)
• IEC 60904-7 (spectral mismatch computation)
• IEC 60904-8 (spectral responsivity)
• IEC 60904-9 (solar simulator performance)
• IEC 60891 (temperature & irradiance corrections)

Keywords: IEC 60904-3:2016, photovoltaic measurement, reference spectral irradiance, AM1.5, solar simulators, spectral mismatch, SMARTS model, PV testing, I–V characteristics.