Outdoor Exposure Test System with Operating Temperature Measurement and Solar Simulator

Outdoor Exposure Test System with Operating Temperature Measurement and Solar Simulator is a professional testing system designed for electrical performance evaluation of photovoltaic modules under standard solar irradiance conditions. By generating a solar spectrum and irradiance intensity compliant with international standards, the system measures the current–voltage (I-V) characteristics of photovoltaic modules under Standard Test Conditions (STC) and Nominal Operating Cell Temperature (NOCT). The system is used to assess photovoltaic module electrical performance under conditions representative of real outdoor operation.

Application

This system is widely applied in photovoltaic performance testing and research, including but not limited to:

Electrical performance testing of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules (monocrystalline and polycrystalline)

Standard operating condition performance measurement of thin-film photovoltaic modules such as CdTe, CIGS, and amorphous silicon

I-V characteristic testing of photovoltaic modules under Standard Test Conditions (STC)

Performance evaluation of photovoltaic modules under Nominal Operating Cell Temperature (NOCT) conditions

Performance comparison and parameter calibration during photovoltaic module research and development

Factory inspection and consistency quality control of photovoltaic modules

Type testing in third-party inspection and certification laboratories

Photovoltaic device testing and research in universities and scientific research institutions

Standards

(1)GB/T 6495.3 Photovoltaic Devices – Part 3: Measurement Principles for Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Devices with Reference Spectral Irradiance Data

(2)GB/T 9535 Crystalline Silicon Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules – Design Qualification and Type Approval

(3)IEC 61215 Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules – Design Qualification and Type Approval

(4)IEC 60904-1 Photovoltaic Devices – Part 1: Measurement of Photovoltaic Current-Voltage Characteristics

(5)IEC 60904-2 Photovoltaic Devices – Part 2: Requirements for Reference Solar Devices

(6)IEC 60904-6 Photovoltaic Devices – Part 6: Requirements for Reference Solar Modules

Parameters

Features

Solar simulator compliant with IEC 60904 series standards, ensuring high result comparability

Spectral distribution strictly aligned with GB/T 6495.3 requirements for accurate measurement

Supports both STC and NOCT testing, covering key photovoltaic performance conditions

Test samples and reference devices positioned in the same plane perpendicular to incident light, reducing systematic measurement errors

High-precision temperature monitoring meets stringent photovoltaic standard requirements

Simple and flexible system configuration suitable for both laboratory and outdoor testing environments

Accessories

(1)Class B solar simulator compliant with IEC 60904-6

(2)Reference photovoltaic device compliant with IEC 60904-2 or IEC 60904-6

(3)Test sample mounting frame ensuring coplanar alignment with reference device

(4)Temperature measurement system with ±1 ℃ accuracy

(5)Irradiance monitoring device for real-time light intensity measurement

(6)Consumable temperature sensors for periodic calibration or replacement

(7)Consumable light source lamps replaced according to service life

Test Procedures

Calibrate the solar simulator and reference photovoltaic device before testing

Install the test module and reference device on the mounting frame, ensuring both are perpendicular to the incident light and in the same plane

Attach the temperature sensor firmly to the specified position on the back of the module

Set irradiance and temperature parameters according to the selected test condition

Avoid shading, reflection, or external light interference during testing

Measure and record the current–voltage (I-V) characteristics under defined conditions

Maintenance Information

Periodically calibrate the solar simulator to maintain spectral and irradiance accuracy

Inspect and recalibrate temperature sensors to ensure reliable temperature measurement

Replace light source lamps according to usage hours to maintain output stability

Keep optical and mechanical components clean to prevent measurement deviation

Regularly verify reference device performance to ensure long-term test consistency

Conclusion

The Outdoor Exposure Test System with Operating Temperature Measurement and Solar Simulator provides a standardized and reliable solution for photovoltaic module electrical performance evaluation under controlled solar irradiance conditions. By supporting both STC and NOCT testing with precise spectral control and temperature measurement, the system enables accurate assessment of module I-V characteristics and performance behavior close to real outdoor operating conditions. It is an essential testing platform for photovoltaic development, certification, and quality assurance.

FAQ

What is the main function of the Outdoor Exposure Test System with Operating Temperature Measurement and Solar Simulator?

The system is designed to measure the electrical performance of photovoltaic modules by evaluating their current–voltage (I-V) characteristics under standardized solar irradiance conditions. By simulating a solar spectrum compliant with international standards and accurately controlling irradiance and temperature, the system allows performance assessment under both Standard Test Conditions (STC) and Nominal Operating Cell Temperature (NOCT). This enables comparison of laboratory results with expected outdoor performance behavior.

Why are both STC and NOCT test conditions supported in this system?

STC represents ideal laboratory conditions used for performance rating and comparison, while NOCT reflects operating conditions closer to real outdoor environments. Supporting both conditions allows comprehensive evaluation of photovoltaic module behavior, showing how electrical performance changes from standardized reference conditions to practical operating temperatures under solar exposure.

How does the system ensure measurement accuracy during I-V testing?

Accuracy is ensured through the use of a solar simulator compliant with IEC 60904 standards, spectral distribution aligned with GB/T 6495.3. and a reference photovoltaic device for calibration. Additionally, test samples and reference devices are positioned in the same plane perpendicular to incident light, minimizing geometric errors, while high-precision temperature monitoring ensures compliance with standard temperature requirements.

Can the system operate using natural sunlight instead of a solar simulator?

Yes. The system supports both natural sunlight and solar simulator operation. When natural sunlight is used, irradiance and temperature are monitored and controlled according to applicable standards to ensure valid and comparable I-V measurement results.