The electrical output of a photovoltaic device is dependent on the spectral content of the illumination source, its intensity, and the device temperature. To make standardized, accurate measurements of the performance of photovoltaic devices under a variety of light sources, it is necessary to account for the error in the short-circuit current that occurs if the relative spectral response of the reference cell is not identical to the spectral response of the device to be tested. A similar error occurs if the spectral irradiance distribution of the test light source is not identical to the desired reference spectral irradiance distribution. These errors are accounted for by the spectral mismatch parameter (described in Test Method E 973), a quantitative measure of the error in the short-circuit current measurement. It is the intent of this test method to provide a recognized procedure for calibrating, characterizing, and reporting the calibration data for primary photovoltaic reference cells using a tabular reference spectrum.

The calibration of a reference cell is specific to a particular spectral irradiance distribution. It is the responsibility of the user to specify the applicable irradiance distribution, for example Tables G 173. This test method allows calibration with respect to any tabular spectrum.

A reference cell should be recalibrated at yearly intervals, or every six months if the cell is in continuous use outdoors.

Recommended physical characteristics of reference cells can be found in Specification E 1040.

Because silicon solar cells made on p-type substrates are susceptible to a loss of I_sc upon initial exposure to light, it is required that newly manufactured reference cells be light soaked at an irradiance level greater than 850 W/m² for 2 h prior to initial characterization in Section 7.

1.1 This test method is intended to be used for calibration and characterization of primary terrestrial photovoltaic reference cells to a desired reference spectral irradiance distribution, such as Tables G 173. The recommended physical requirements for these reference cells are described in Specification E 1040. Reference cells are principally used in the determination of the electrical performance of photovoltaic devices.

1.2 Primary photovoltaic reference cells are calibrated in natural sunlight using the relative spectral response of the cell, the relative spectral distribution of the sunlight, and a tabulated reference spectral irradiance distribution.

1.3 This test method requires the use of a pyranometer that is calibrated according to Test Method E 816, which requires the use of a pyrheliometer that is traceable to the World Radiometric Reference (WRR). Therefore, reference cells calibrated according to this test method are traceable to the WRR.

1.4 This test method is a technique that may be used instead of the procedures found in Test Method E 1362. This test method offers convenience in its ability to characterize a reference cell under any spectrum for which tabulated data are available. The selection of the specific reference spectrum is left to the user.

1.5 This test method applies only to the calibration of a photovoltaic cell that shows a linear dependence of its short-circuit current on irradiance over its intended range of use, as defined in Test Method E 1143.

1.6 This test method applies only to the calibration of a reference cell fabricated with a single photovoltaic junction.

1.7 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.