GB/T 6495.9-2025Photovoltaic devices - Part 9: Classification of solar simulator characteristics (English PDF)

Foreword

This document complies with the provisions of GB/T 1.1-2020 "Standardization Work Guidelines Part 1: Structure and Drafting Rules of Standardization Documents".

Drafting.

This document is Part 9 of GB/T 6495 "Photovoltaic Devices". GB/T 6495 has already published the following parts.

---Part 1: Measurement of Photovoltaic Current-Voltage Characteristics;

---Part 1-1.Measurement of Current-Voltage Characteristics of Multijunction Photovoltaic Devices;

---Part 2: Requirements for Standard Photovoltaic Devices;

---Part 3: Measurement Principle of Ground-Based Photovoltaic Devices Based on Standard Spectral Irradiance Data;

---Part 5: Determining the Equivalent Cell Temperature (ECT) of Photovoltaic Devices Using the Open-Circuit Voltage Method;

---Part 7: Calculation Method for Spectral Mismatch Correction in Photovoltaic Device Measurements;

---Part 8: Measurement of the Spectral Response of Photovoltaic Devices;

---Part 8-1.Measurement of the Spectral Response of Multijunction Photovoltaic Devices;

---Part 9: Characteristic Classification of Solar Simulators;

---Part 10: Methods for measuring linear correlation and linearity;

---Part 11: Initial light-induced degradation test method for crystalline silicon solar cells.

This document supersedes GB/T 6495.9-2006 "Photovoltaic Devices - Part 9: Performance Requirements for Solar Simulators". (The last part, "and GB/T 6495.9-", appears to be a standard version of GB/T 6495.9 and is not directly related to the document's standard.) Compared to 2006, aside from structural adjustments and editorial changes, the main technical changes are as follows.

a) The scope has been changed (see Chapter 1, 2006 edition);

b) A "Terms and Definitions" section has been added (see Chapter 3);

c) Combine the chapters "Simulator Types" and "Simulator Requirements" into "Classification of Solar Simulator Characteristics" (see Chapter 4, 2006 edition, page 3).

Chapter 4);

d) A "Test Procedure" has been added (see Chapter 5);

e) The term "data sheet" was changed to "nameplate and data sheet" (see Chapter 6, Chapter 5 of the 2006 edition).

This document is equivalent to IEC 60904-9:2020 "Photovoltaic devices - Part 9: Characteristic classification of solar simulators".

The following minimal editorial changes have been made to this document.

--- "This document is the second edition" has been changed to "IEC 60904-9:2007".

Please note that some content in this document may involve patents. The issuing organization of this document assumes no responsibility for identifying patents.

This document was proposed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China.

This document is under the jurisdiction of the National Technical Committee on Standardization of Solar Photovoltaic Energy Systems (SAC/TC90).

Introduction

GB/T 6495 proposes methods for measuring the performance of photovoltaic devices, as well as standards, value transfer, and result correction related to performance measurement.

The requirements for the classification of testing equipment, etc., have positive guiding significance for the performance measurement of photovoltaic devices such as photovoltaic cells and photovoltaic modules.

GB/T 6495 is proposed to consist of the following parts.

---Part 1: Measurement of Photovoltaic Current-Voltage Characteristics. The purpose is to define the basic requirements for measuring the IV curve of photovoltaic devices.

---Part 1-1.Measurement of Current-Voltage Characteristics of Multijunction Photovoltaic Devices. The purpose is to specify the measurement of the IV characteristics of multijunction photovoltaic devices.

Quantification method.

---Part 1-2.Measurement of Current-Voltage Characteristics of Bifacial Photovoltaic Devices. The purpose is to specify the IV characteristic measurement of bifacial photovoltaic modules.

Quantification method.

---Parts 1-3.Measurement of Current-Voltage Characteristics of Curved Photovoltaic Devices. The purpose is to specify the measurement of the IV characteristics of curved photovoltaic devices.

Quantification method.

---Part 2: Requirements for Standard Photovoltaic Devices. The purpose is to specify the requirements for standard photovoltaic devices.

---Part 3: Measurement Principles of Ground-Based Photovoltaic Devices Based on Standard Spectral Irradiance Data. The aim is to provide standard photovoltaic irradiance data.

Degree data.

---Part 4: Procedures for Establishing Standard Photovoltaic Device Calibration Traceability. The purpose is to establish traceability for photovoltaic device calibration.

program.

---Part 5: Determining the Equivalent Cell Temperature (ECT) of Photovoltaic Devices Using the Open-Circuit Voltage Method. The aim is to define the equivalent cell temperature (ECT) of photovoltaic devices.

Method for testing the open-circuit voltage of battery temperature.

---Part 7: Calculation Method for Spectral Mismatch Correction in Photovoltaic Device Measurements. The purpose is to specify the calculation method for spectral mismatch correction.

---Part 8: Measurement of the Spectral Response of Photovoltaic Devices. The purpose is to specify the methods for measuring the spectral response.

---Part 8-1.Measurement of the Spectral Response of Multijunction Photovoltaic Devices. The purpose is to specify the measurement method for the spectral response of multijunction photovoltaic devices.

method.

---Part 9: Classification of Solar Simulator Characteristics. The purpose is to specify the classification requirements for solar simulators used to measure photovoltaic devices.

---Part 10: Methods for Measuring Linear Correlation and Linearity Characteristics. The aim is to define the linearity characteristics of photovoltaic devices and their testing.

method.

---Part 11: Test Method for Initial Light-Induced Degradation of Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells. The purpose is to specify the initial light-induced degradation test method for crystalline silicon solar cells.

Attenuation test method.

---Part 12: Measurement methods for the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of perovskite photovoltaic cells and modules. The purpose is to specify the measurement methods for the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of perovskite photovoltaic cells and modules.

Methods for measuring the IV characteristics of voltage-voltage devices.

---Part 13: Electroluminescence of Photovoltaic Modules. The purpose is to specify the testing methods for the electroluminescence of photovoltaic modules.

Note. The correspondence between each part and the IEC 60904 series of international standards is as follows.

---Part 1 corresponds to IEC 60904-1;

---Part 1-1 corresponds to IEC 60904-1-1;

---Parts 1-2 correspond to IEC 60904-1-2;

---Parts 1-3 correspond to IEC 60904-1-3;

---Part 2 corresponds to IEC 60904-2;

---Part 3 corresponds to IEC 60904-3;

---Part 4 corresponds to IEC 60904-4;

---Part 5 corresponds to IEC 60904-5;

---Part 7 corresponds to IEC 60904-7;

---Part 8 corresponds to IEC 60904-8;

---Part 8-1 corresponds to IEC 60904-8-1;

---Part 9 corresponds to IEC 60904-9;

---Part 10 corresponds to IEC 60904-10;

---Part 13 corresponds to IEC 60904-13.

Photovoltaic device standards require the use of specific grades of solar simulators to ensure suitability for specific testing needs. Solar simulators can be...

Used for performance testing or irradiation durability testing of photovoltaic devices.

In the performance testing of photovoltaic devices, it is necessary to quantify the impact of simulators on the test, through spectral mismatch correction and uniform irradiation of the test surface.

Quantification is achieved through analysis of uniformity and stability. Even when using solar simulators of specific grades, this effect still needs to be quantified.

When testing photovoltaic devices using a solar simulator, the test report lists the solar simulator grade used in the test and quantifies the impact of the solar simulator on the test results.

The method used will affect the outcome.

The purpose of this document is to classify solar simulators used for indoor testing of terrestrial photovoltaic devices, based on spectral matching and testing...

Based on in-plane irradiance nonuniformity and irradiance instability, solar simulators are classified into four levels. Level A, Level B, and Level C. This document proposes...

A method for determining the classification of solar simulators has been developed, applicable to photovoltaic device testing and calibration laboratories, as well as photovoltaic cell and module manufacturing plants.

The solar simulator used in the production line. Class A is primarily used in calibration laboratories for power testing and qualification in photovoltaic device production lines.

Testing is not necessary. Grade A is introduced because it reduces the uncertainty of calibration of secondary standard devices, which is typically performed in calibration laboratories.

Degree. Because measurements on photovoltaic production lines are calibrated using secondary standard devices, measurement uncertainty on photovoltaic production lines will directly benefit from [the following].

Lower calibration uncertainty.

This document introduces a new procedure for grading spectral matching, designed to address the challenges posed by photovoltaic cell technologies (e.g., those below 400 nanometers).

The practical need for extended wavelength ranges is driven by advancements in spectral responsivity and solar simulator technology (such as the use of LED light source combinations).

The relevant procedures of IEC 60904-9:2007 are still valid, but only for applications requiring backward compatibility with existing and currently manufactured/sold solar panels.

This document is used when classifying simulators. It is referenced by other IEC standards, which set classification requirements for the use of solar simulators.

The solar simulator characteristics described in this document are not intended to indicate any specific solar simulator application (such as photovoltaic module power measurement).

Measurement uncertainty refers to the confidence level or measurement uncertainty of a quantity. Measurement uncertainty in various applications depends on many factors, some of which are not...

Within the scope of this document.

---May contain features of the solar simulator not covered in this document;

---Methods for calibrating and operating the solar simulator;

---Characteristics of the device under test (e.g., size and spectral responsivity);

---Batch measurements of the device under test, including the equipment and methods used for measurement;

--- Corrections that may be made to the measured quantity.

When an application requires specifying solar simulator characteristics, it is advisable to specify a numerical value rather than a letter rating (e.g., "<=5% irradiance unevenness").

(Uniformity) rather than "Class B irradiance inhomogeneity"). If the application scenario does not clearly require a solar simulator, the required simulator should also be specified.

The correlation between characteristics and related measurements. Since photovoltaic module power measurement is one of the most common applications of solar simulators, this document...

Each solar simulator characteristic described herein includes brief instructions on power measurement. This document is in conjunction with IEC TR60904-14.

The latter provides best practice recommendations for production line measurement and reporting of the maximum power output of single-junction photovoltaic modules under standard test conditions.

Regarding the output power characteristics of photovoltaic devices, IEC TR60904-14 addresses the correlation between measurement uncertainty and (A, A, B, C) levels.

question.

Photovoltaic Devices Part 9: Characteristic Classification of Solar Simulators

1 Scope

This document specifies the classification of solar simulators that meet the irradiance levels required for photovoltaic devices to achieve electrical stability and characterization.

Determine the method.

This document applies to photovoltaic testing and calibration laboratories, as well as solar simulators used in photovoltaic cell and module production lines.

2 Normative references

The contents of the following documents, through normative references within the text, constitute essential provisions of this document. Dated citations are not included.

For references to documents, only the version corresponding to that date applies to this document; for undated references, the latest version (including all amendments) applies.

This document.

Note. GB/T 6495.1-2025 Photovoltaic devices - Part 1: Measurement of photovoltaic current-voltage characteristics (IEC 60904-1:2020, IDT) IEC 60904-3 Photovoltaic devices – Part 3: Measurement principles of terrestrial photovoltaic devices based on standard spectral irradiance data (Photo-Note. GB/T 6495.3-2025 Photovoltaic devices - Part 3: Measurement principles of terrestrial photovoltaic devices based on standard spectral irradiance data (IEC 60904-3) 2019, IDT) IEC TR60904-14 Photovoltaic devices - Part 14: Production line measurement of maximum output power of single-junction photovoltaic modules under standard test conditions Note. GB/T 2297-2025 Terminology for Solar Photovoltaic Energy Systems (IEC TS61836:2025, NEQ)

3 Terms and Definitions

The terms and definitions defined in IEC TS61836 and the following terms and definitions apply to this document.

The URLs for the terminology databases maintained by ISO and IEC for standardization are as follows.

solar simulator

A device that uses a light source with a spectral distribution similar to that of natural sunlight to evaluate the characteristics of photovoltaic devices.

Note 1.A simulator typically consists of three main parts.

a) Light source and related power supply;

b) Any optical components and filters required to modify the output beam to meet grading requirements;

c) The control components necessary for operating the simulator. If the system is used to determine the maximum power of the photovoltaic modules, then the IV data acquisition system should also be included.