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U.S. Department of Energy
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U. S. terrestrial solar cell calibration and measurement procedures

Conference ·

In the fall of 1976, a workshop was held to evaluate and revise interim terrestrial solar cell calibration and measurement procedures. This paper describes the revisions made to the interim testing procedures. The calibration of reference cells and the design of their holders is covered. Considerations include view angle and optical and thermal matching. The atmospheric factors which affect the calibration and performance of solar cells are discussed. The most critical atmospheric parameter appears to be water vapor. Techniques for matching reference cells to cells or arrays under test are described. Data showing errors in performance under artificial sunlight simulators due to mismatch of reference and test cells is presented. Finally, measurement procedures and data transformations needed to obtain the performance of solar cells and arrays in outdoor natural sunlight are described.

Research Organization:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (USA). Lewis Research Center
DOE Contract Number:
EX-76-A-29-1022
OSTI ID:
5266979
Report Number(s):
ERDA/NASA/1022-77/20; NASA-TM-73788; CONF-770922-4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English