ASTM E927-19 (2025) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Classification for Solar Simulators for Electrical Performance Testing of Photovoltaic Devices (ASTM E927-19). Provides a classification system and performance requirements for both pulsed and steady-state solar simulators used for indoor electrical testing of photovoltaic cells and modules, covering spectral match, spatial irradiance uniformity, and temporal stability of irradiance.

Abstract

This specification establishes performance parameters and class definitions (A, B, C, U) for solar simulators intended for measurement of current–voltage characteristics of photovoltaic devices under artificial illumination. Classification is based on spectral match to a reference irradiance, spatial non-uniformity across the test plane, and temporal instability of irradiance; it applies to a range of simulator sizes and to both pulsed and steady-state sources, while excluding concentrator-type simulators and light sources intended for durability/weathering testing.

General information

• Status: Active; E927-19 reissued/reconfirmed as E927-19(2025).
• Publication date: Original adoption/revision 2019 (designation E927-19); reapproval/reconfirmation dated 01 June 2025 (E927-19(2025)).
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee E44 — Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources).
• ICS / categories: 27.160 (Solar energy engineering / Photovoltaic testing).
• Edition / version: E927-19 (Edition 2019), referenced as E927-19(2025) after reapproval.
• Number of pages: 8 pages.

Scope

The classification provides means to assess suitability of solar simulators for indoor electrical performance testing of photovoltaic cells and modules by specifying criteria for spectral reproduction of a reference irradiance, spatial uniformity across a defined test plane, and temporal stability over the measurement interval. The standard applies to pulsed and steady-state simulators and is not intended for concentrator PV device testing or light sources used for weathering/durability conditioning.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification metrics: spectral match to reference spectrum, spatial non-uniformity of irradiance, and temporal instability of irradiance (classified into A, B, C, or U classes by metric and test area).
• Minimum measurement procedures and test-plane sampling requirements (including recommended measurement grid density and detector sizing relative to test-area cells).
• Applicability to both pulsed and steady-state solar simulators and specification of test-plane sizing for classification.
• Exclusions: concentrator-type solar simulators and light sources intended primarily for weathering or durability testing.
• References and harmonization with related documents such as ASTM E490 (reference solar spectra) and international standards (e.g., IEC 60904-9) for comparable classification schemes.

Typical use and users

Used by photovoltaic test laboratories, research institutions, solar simulator manufacturers, module and cell manufacturers, and calibration facilities to classify and verify simulator performance for electrical testing. Also used by procurement and quality teams to specify minimum simulator performance for PV characterization.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards include ASTM E490 (reference solar constant and zero air mass solar spectra), IEC 60904-9 (solar simulator classification for PV testing), and JIS standards for solar simulators; the standard also cross-references test and measurement practice documents and committee guidance from ASTM E44.

Keywords

solar simulator, photovoltaic testing, spectral match, spatial uniformity, temporal stability, ASTM E927-19, solar simulator classification, PV test plane, IEC 60904-9, E490.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E927-19 is a classification standard that defines performance criteria and classes for solar simulators used in the indoor electrical performance testing of photovoltaic cells and modules.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers classification requirements based on spectral match to a reference irradiance, spatial non-uniformity across a test plane, and temporal instability of irradiance; it applies to both pulsed and steady-state simulators and specifies measurement approaches for assigning class designations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Photovoltaic test labs, research centers, module and cell manufacturers, solar simulator vendors, and accreditation/calibration laboratories use this standard to verify and classify simulator performance for electrical testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation E927-19 is the 2019 revision; it was reconfirmed/reissued as E927-19(2025) (reapproval/confirmation dated 01 June 2025), and the standard is considered active.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the ASTM E44 committee work on solar and alternative energy standards and is commonly used alongside related standards such as ASTM E490 and international standards like IEC 60904-9 for comprehensive PV test specification.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Solar simulator, spectral match, non-uniformity, temporal instability, photovoltaic testing, test plane, classification, ASTM E927-19.