International

5.3.2 
Apparatus 
5.3.2.1 
General 
Encapsulated crystalline silicon cells are recommended for use as irradiance detectors for 
determining the non-uniformity of irradiance in the test area of the simulator by measuring 
their short-circuit current. 
The time response of the irradiance detector shall conform to the characteristics of the 
simulator being measured. 
In the presence of diffuse light in the designated test area, care should be taken that the 
angular response of the irradiance detector is comparable with the PV device to be measured. 
The technology of the irradiance detector shall be reported. Care should be taken that the 
irradiance detector is not affected by micro-cracks as these can result in electrical instability. 
Technology specific particularities for different PV technologies and cell geometries are 
discussed in IEC TR 60904-14. 
If the intended solar simulator application involves multi-junction PV devices, non-uniformity 
of irradiance should be measured separately for each junction. Such characterization requires 
matching the spectral responsivity of the irradiance detector(s) to the spectral responsivity of 
each junction in the device under test; this may be accomplished by using multiple detectors 
with different spectral responsivities, by using a single detector with optical filters to modify its 
spectral responsivity, or by a combination of both methods. Non-uniformity of irradiance 
should be reported for each junction, and should include the spectral responsivity of the 
detector(s) used for measurement. 
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IEC 60904-9:2020 © IEC 2020 
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