What is the test method for solar panels

Solar Panel Test

AM1.5 refers to the spectrum. Since solar panels are generally different in efficiency under different light intensity or spectral conditions, AM0 spectrum (1.367 KW/m2) is generally used for space solar panels, and AM1.5 spectrum is generally used for ground applications.
(ie, the ground at noon, clear sunlight, 1.000 KW/m2) as a standard source for testing the efficiency of solar panels. The solar panel’s spectral efficiency in AM0 is generally 2 to 4 percentage points lower than the AM1.5 spectral efficiency. For example, a Si solar cell with an AMO efficiency of 16% has an AM1.5 efficiency of about 19%.

Solar Panel Power Test
Test conditions: AM1.5, 1000W/m2, 25°C Output power Tolerance: ±5%
Standard test conditions: AM1.5, 1000W/m2, 25°C interpretation

AM1.5, 1000W/m2, 25°C is the test standard for IEC61646–Design and finalization of thin film photovoltaic modules for the ground (GB/T18911-2002). It is also the general test standard for GB/T11011-1989–Amorphous silicon solar cell electrical performance test.

AM means air-mass, defined as: path-length through the atmosphere relative to vertical thickness of the atmosphere, which is the vertical distance of the actual distance of light passing through the atmosphere from the upper atmosphere. AM1.5 is the actual distance of light passing through the atmosphere to 1.5 times the vertical thickness of the atmosphere.

1000W/m2 is the irradiance of the light of the standard test solar cell.

25 ° C is working at a temperature of 25 ° C. The efficiency of the solar cell will decrease with the increase of temperature. When it is used, the temperature will rise, and then the temperature coefficient will give the voltage and current and output power of his work.

Test Methods
If you don’t have a special instrument, you can buy one or several 500W metal halide lamps. Other heat sources are also available. When the area of ​​the solar panel is large, it can be arranged according to the illumination range of the lamp, and then equipped with a voltage regulator, the distance is about 15-20CM, and the data is measured by the light meter: 40,000 LUX, which is the currently recognized international standard test methods. Then put the solar panels to test.