ASTM E948 Electrical Performance Testing for PV Cells Under Simulated Sunlight
ASTM E948 is a standardized method that determines the electrical performance of a photovoltaic cell under simulated sunlight using calibrated reference cell procedure, with values reported in SI units.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
Overview
ASTM E 948 Electrical Performance Testing is a standardized test procedure for evaluating the electrical performance characteristics of PV cells under simulated sunlight conditions, including current-voltage characteristics, maximum power output, efficiency, and other PV cell performance parameters. ASTM E 948 describes the solar simulator requirements, measurement methods, and reference conditions necessary for accurately evaluating the electrical performance characteristics of PV cells – an essential tool for solar cell R&D scientists, PV industry manufacturers, and test engineers who require reliable electrical performance characteristics for PV cells.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM E 948 specifies a test for evaluating the electrical performance of PV cells in terms of the current-voltage curve of photovoltaic cells upon illumination by a simulated AM1.5 solar spectrum light source at a flux of 1000 W/m² and a cell temperature of 25°C.
ASTM E 948 electrical performance testing evaluates:
- Current-voltage characteristics and maximum power output of photovoltaic cells
- Short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, and fill factor under AM1.5 reference conditions
- Photovoltaic cell conversion efficiency at 1000 W/m² and 25°C standard test conditions
- Spectral response and irradiance dependence of PV cell electrical performance
- Compliance with electrical performance requirements for PV cell specifications
Applications
- Silicon, thin film, and multi-junction photovoltaic cell electrical performance assessment
- PV cell research and development programs requiring standard test condition performance data
- Solar cell production line, electrical performance screening, and product approval programs
- PV module component cell performance verification for module assembly programs
- Research institutions and PV manufacturers requiring ASTM E 948 performance test data
Benefits
- Provides reliable PV cell electrical performance data under standard reference conditions
- Supports PV cell specification compliance and supplier assessment programs
- Identifies PV cell performance deficiencies before module assembly and production
- Delivers traceable electrical performance test records for engineering and research submissions
- Reduces production risk by verifying PV cell electrical performance early in the approval cycle
Test Process
Sample Preparation
PV cell specimens prepared, contacted, and temperature-stabilized at 25°C per ASTM E 948 requirements.
1Solar Simulator Irradiance Setup
Solar simulator calibrated to 1000 W/m² AM1.5 spectrum using reference cell per ASTM E 948.
2I-V Curve Measurement
Current-voltage sweep performed from short-circuit to open-circuit recording full I-V characteristics.
3Data Analysis & Reporting
PV performance parameters calculated from I-V data and assessed for test compliance result.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Silicon, thin film, multi-junction, and emerging photovoltaic cell technologies |
| Reference Irradiance | 1000 W/m² total irradiance per ASTM E 948 standard test conditions |
| Reference Spectrum | AM1.5 global solar spectrum per ASTM E 490 spectral distribution requirements |
| Cell Temperature | 25°C ± 1°C cell temperature per ASTM E 948 standard test conditions |
| Measured Parameters | Short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, maximum power, fill factor, and conversion efficiency |
| Measured Outputs | I-V curve, Isc, Voc, Pmax, fill factor, efficiency values, and test compliance result |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Calibrated solar simulator with AM1.5 spectral output and 1000 W/m² irradiance capability
- Reference photovoltaic cell for solar simulator irradiance calibration and verification
- Precision I-V curve measurement system with defined voltage sweep capability
- Temperature-controlled cell chuck or stage for 25°C cell temperature stabilization
- Four-wire electrical contact probes for accurate cell resistance-free measurement
- Data acquisition and I-V curve analysis software system
- Full current-voltage I-V curve data under AM1.5 1000 W/m² standard test conditions
- Short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, and maximum power point values per ASTM E 948
- Fill factor and photovoltaic cell conversion efficiency calculations
- Test compliance result assessed against PV cell electrical performance specification requirements
- ASTM E 948 electrical performance test report
Why Choose Infinita Lab for ASTM E 948?
Infinita Lab is a leading provider of ASTM E948 and streamlined material testing services, addressing the critical challenges faced by emerging businesses and established enterprises. With access to a vast network of over 2,000+ accredited partner labs across the United States, Infinita Lab ensures rapid, accurate, and cost-effective testing solutions. The company’s unique value proposition includes comprehensive project management, confidentiality assurance, and seamless communication through a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) model. By eliminating inefficiencies in traditional material testing workflows, Infinita Lab accelerates research and development (R&D) processes.
Looking for a trusted partner to achieve your research goals? Schedule a meeting with us, send us a request, or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you. Request a Quote
Frequently Asked Questions
The simulated sunlight in ASTM E948 includes an intensity of 1000 W/m², a spectral distribution similar to that of the sun, cell temperature control at about 25°C, and measurement of the cell’s current-voltage characteristics.
ASTM E948 measures open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, maximum power output, fill factor, and efficiency. It provides a clear evaluation of how photovoltaic cells perform under simulated sunlight conditions.
ASTM E948 maintains a steady light output, temperature, and spectral conditions with solar simulators. This setup allows for reliable and uniform testing of the electrical characteristics of photovoltaic cells.
ASTM E948 requires a solar simulator, a calibrated reference cell, a temperature control system, and electrical measurement tools to record current-voltage characteristics correctly.
ASTM E948 tests how well photovoltaic systems perform in a lab setting. It may not show the complete picture of how they work outdoors. In real environments, factors like temperature changes, shading, and weather conditions can affect solar cell performance.
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