Solar Simulator Spectrum and Measurement Uncertainties

Abstract

The qualification of solar simulators is specified in the IEC standard 60904-9:2007. However, this standard is a trade-off considering PV device performance, simulator design technology and measurement instrumentation at the time of its writing. Technological advances in all three sectors ask for a review of the standard. Based on the formula (IEC 60904-7) of the spectral mismatch correction factor (MM), a device independent formula of a solar simulator quality factor f1́ is proposed, similar to the quality factor of a photometer commonly used in photometry. This factor is calculated and discussed for the different solar simulator spectra of a LED light engine, a industry standard xenon light source and a high-end laboratory dual-lamp system consisting of xenon and halogen. With an analysis of the spectral contributions to the overall Jsc values of a typical Si solar cell and a sensitivity analysis of the MM, the relation of f1́ and the MM are investigated.