PV systems photoelectric parameters determining for field conditions and real

operation conditions
Olga V. Shepovalova

Citation: AIP Conference Proceedings 1968, 030002 (2018); doi: 10.1063/1.5039189

View online: https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5039189
View Table of Contents: http://aip.scitation.org/toc/apc/1968/1
Published by the American Institute of Physics
PV Systems Photoelectric Parameters Determining for Field
Conditions and Real Operation Conditions

Olga V. Shepovalovaа)

«VIESH-RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES» (VIESH-RES)

1-st Veshnyakovsky proezd, 2, Moscow 109456, Russia

a)
Corresponding author: shepovalovaolga@mail.ru

Abstract. In this work, research experience and reference documentation have been generalized related to PV systems
photoelectric parameters (PV array output parameters) determining. The basic method has been presented that makes it
possible to determine photoelectric parameters with the state-of-the-art reliability and repeatability. This method provides
an effective tool for PV systems comparison and evaluation of PV system parameters that the end-user will have in the
course of its real operation for compliance with those stipulated in reference documentation. The method takes in
consideration all parameters that may possibly affect photoelectric performance and that are supported by sufficiently
valid procedures for their values testing. Test conditions, requirements for equipment subject to tests and test preparations
have been established and the test procedure for fully equipped PV system in field tests and in real operation conditions
has been described.

1. INTRODUCTION
This work is dedicated to test procedure designed for the entire complete set of photoelectric system. Values of
system output parameters and characteristic specified in technical documentation have to be determined based on
results of tests in field conditions. Tests of completely arranged system directly on the operation site are also
obligatory.
Adequate definition of external (input) parameters that affect output parameters and performance of PV system
and the related system photoelectric parameters is the most complicated part of PV system tests. It determines
validity, repeatable accuracy and reproducibility of PV system tests results, as well as the reliability of its output
characteristics specified in technical documentation and the possibility to compare output characteristics of different
PV systems. These conditions, in their turn, provide a basis to adequately evaluate system parameters that will be
obtained after its installation on the operation site.
Practical experience shows that a general approach has not yet developed for definition of PV array output
parameters while determining those of other PV system components and, therefore, for determining output
parameters of the entire PV system. Very often, while describing PV system tests procedure and results, issues
related to definition of photoelectric characteristics are either simply ignored or mentioned in passing [1].
Importance of this problem can be clearly demonstrated taking IEC documentation, as an example. This
documentation is a result of generalization of scientific research and experience of PV system manufacture operation
and maintenance. Requirements stipulated in IEC, on the system level, are just disembodied data and do not contain
any coherent method for output characteristics definition.
In this work, the specificity of tests is described related to defining output characteristics (photoelectric
parameters) of PV arrays within photoelectric systems and their correlation with those of photoelectric systems.
These specific aspects relate to any kind of tests of any system in field conditions and conditions of real operation.

Technologies and Materials for Renewable Energy, Environment and Sustainability

AIP Conf. Proc. 1968, 030002-1–030002-9; https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5039189
Published by AIP Publishing. 978-0-7354-1675-8/$30.00

030002-1
 The requirements for test devices, test conditions and test results processing have to be also applied to
monitoring characteristics, in the course of operation and maintenance which is essentially important for obtaining
valid information on PV system operation. Nonadherence to these requirements may result in 30% to 40%
disagreement between real and documented parameter values [2].
In this work, methods described in IEC documents [3–18] and PV system design experience are generalized,
particularly those of [19–22].

2. GENERAL
Generally, photoelectric system can be described with the help of diagram shown in Fig. 1. Apart from electric
consuming equipment (loads), application circuit may comprise various devices for conversion and accumulation of
energy generated by PV array. Photoelectric parameters of PV system have to be measured on the output of PV array.

Input parameters
of PV array Input parameters
G, v, Тamb, others of application circuit
Internal parameters,
PV parameters
(PV array
Internal parameters, Output
Тarray output parameters)
Parameters of application circuit parameters
PV array
Application circuit

FIGURE 1. Generalized diagram of photoelectric system

All environmental parameters, as well as photoelectric modules installation conditions, specific conditions of the
site and specificity of PV array design (first of all, that of PV modules) define output parameters of array, i. e. the
amount of electric power that enters application circuit.
In the long run, the influence of all external (input) parameters on photoelectric parameters of PV system can be
reduced to the change of photoelectric cells’ temperature and the level of irradiance coming onto PV modules
operating surfaces (or into the input aperture of CPV modules), as well as on the radiation spectral composition.
The most ambiguous parameter that is difficult to define is temperature that can adequately describe PV array
[23]. Today, it is advisable to apply the, so called, cell temperature of the array (junction temperature of the array)
and its value for Standard Test Conditions, STC (25±2) ºС. Alternatively, two temperature values for cell
temperature of the array can be regarded: those for STC and for HTC (High Temperature Condition) (75±2) ºС [5].
Although for PV array, particularly in case of large number of PV modules, this is a conditional parameter there is
no reliable method to use any other temperature that would comply with the generality requirement, today.
Temperature value specified for HTC causes many arguments [23]. Nevertheless, specifying PV system output
characteristic values for HTC temperature would be reasonable, particularly because, in real conditions, cell
temperature is much closer to 75 ºС than to 25 ºС, in the majority of cases.
The accuracy of definition of irradiance coming onto photoelectric module’s operating surfaces, as well as that
of PV array temperature (cell temperature of the array), is essentially important for validity and comparability of test
results. Accuracy of PV array temperature definition, in its turn, depends on the measuring method. PV array
temperature definition method based on determining equivalent cell temperature in accordance with [10] (and with
[11] and [3]) can be regarded as a preferred one. The most important aspect is definition of PV array output capacity
in identical test conditions, i. e. correction values have to be minimized owing to measurements carried out for
identical temperature values and values of irradiance. Correction procedures for measured values of temperature and
irradiance have to be made similarly to the method described in [3–5, 12], if necessary. Measurements results are
influenced by angle- and spectrum-dependent properties of photoelectric modules output parameters and,
correspondently, on those of PV array. This influence has to be defined, taken into account and recorded.

030002-2
 3. TEST CONDITIONS
Two variants of test conditions are considered:
1) Tests under conditions when irradiance and other environmental parameters naturally change during daylight hours.
2) Accelerated tests. In this case, the intensity of solar irradiation falling onto PV array can be varied by
changing photoelectric module tilt angle or using other methods.
Tests shall be performed in cloudless days when the value of irradiance in sunny midday Gmax equals or exceeds
that of the stipulated maximal operating value of irradiance (Gmax sys) of the PV system under tests. Otherwise,
irradiance in the course of tests shall be, at least, as high as to provide reliable results extrapolation to Gmax sys value.
Irradiance diffusion component shall not exceed 30% (excluding the case that the system is designed to operate in
conditions of large share of diffusion radiation).
Wind speed shall not exceed 2 m/s.
Essential condition is stability of input parameters, first of all that of irradiance, temperature and wind speed,
within established limits. During one and the same measurement, PV array temperature, as well as that of reference
device shall remain constant with the tolerance of 1 С, while global solar irradiance and wind speed shall remain
constant with the tolerance of 0,5 % and 2 %, respectively. Within a period of, at least, 10 min before
measurements, no wind blast with the speed of 10 m/s and higher shall occur. Within a period of, at least, 10 min
before measurements no sharp irradiance change (30% and more or 20% and more, for thin-film modules) shall occur.
There exist different opinions concerning irradiance value tolerance. Even in IEC standards different valued are
specified, namely: 2% and 0,5% [4], and 1% [6]. Taking into account the accuracy of up-to-date devices for
irradiance measurements, technological means to provide identical characteristics of manufactured photoelectric
modules within a PV array, as well as substantial influence of measurement uncertainty for each parameter on final
results, the most stringent requirement (0,5%) is advisable.
During tests, operating surfaces of photoelectric modules shall not be shaded by any object like buildings, plants
etc., i. e. clear solar radiation incidence shall be provided. During tests directly at the operation site, solar radiation
shading and reflection from surrounding objects shall correspond to real operation conditions.
To obtain sufficiently large data massive in a wide range of environmental conditions and to enhance
measurements accuracy, data shall be sampled during three clear days, at least.
During accelerated tests, measurements are allowed in intermittent clouds conditions provided that data are
sampled in intervals when clouds are, at least 15° of the Sun.

4. TEST EQUIPMENT
Nomenclature and requirements for test equipment set to be used for measuring photoelectric parameters of PV
system are as follows:
a) Reference photoelectric device (devices) or pyrometer(s) whose characteristics are in good compliance with
those of photoelectric modules of PV array under tests, in relevant value ranges of irradiance, spectral distribution of
radiation and temperature.
Reference device shall be manufactured and precalibrated in accordance with [13]. Spectral response of
reference device shall correspond to that of photoelectric modules. Otherwise, corrections for spectral sensitivity
misfit according to [15, 16] have to be made. Reference device shall have linear dependence of short-circuit current
on irradiance, in the range for which tests are performed. Linearity shall be checked in accordance with [17].
In the case that spectral measurements are not expedient, values of irradiance shall be defined with the account
of short-circuit current/power measuring error/tolerance of reference device that shall be indicated in the test report.
Reference device shall be qualified as one that fits spectral characteristics of photoelectric module of PV array if
technology of its manufacture (that of its cells), design features and evacuation techniques are identical to those of
photoelectricого module. Compliance with the requirement of spectral characteristics’ identity is essentially
important for thin-film photoelectric modules. It is advisable to use reference photoelectric module either of the
same size as that under tests or a multi-cell assembly comprising reference photoelectric cell surrounded with other
photoelectric cells (active ones or dummies). In the later case, casing, design and evacuation technique, shape, size
and clearings shall be similar to those of photoelectric modules included in PV array of the system under tests.
If reference device has a strong open-circuit voltage dependence on radiation spectral composition spectral
radiometer in accordance with the following clause b) shall be also applied to obtain reliable measurements results.
b) Spectral radiometer providing the possibility to measure irradiance spectral distribution in the range of

030002-3
spectral response of photoelectric modules of the system under tests, as well as of that of reference device, in the
case that either corrections have to be made with regard to the misfit of their spectral characteristics in accordance
with [15] or if a pyranometer is used.
c) Equipment needed to measure spectral sensitivity of photoelectric modules according to [16] with the
repeatability of measurement indications within the limits of ±2 %, if necessary.
d) Two radiometers for measuring the illumination uniformity and that of irradiance income onto all operating
surfaces of photoelectric modules whose spectral characteristics are identical to those of photoelectric modules.
e) Measuring tools to check operating surfaces coplanarity of reference device and photoelectric modules with
accuracy within  2.
f) Tools to measure photoelectric module surface temperature and that of reference device, if necessary, with
accuracy of ±1 ºС and repeatability of ±0,5 ºС. It is advisable to use temperature sensors with thin conductive leads.
It is allowed to apply optical thermometer only in the case that reflectance of the module’s rear side is determined
with an accuracy insuring measurement error within 1 °C. In the case that reference device is equipped with internal
temperature correction function, and if a pyranometer with temperature coefficient lower than 0.02%/°С is used,
reference device temperature measurements and temperature corrections of output signal can be skipped.
g) Temperature regulation tolls to control photoelectric modules’ temperature with accuracy of ±1 ºС and
repeatability of ±0.5 ºС or protective shield(s) or any other appliances/equipment to maintain required temperature
values of all photoelectric modules whose temperature has to be controlled, if necessary.
h) Tools for measuring voltage and current of PV array and those of reference device(s), if necessary, with
accuracy of ±1 % of the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current values, as well as those for measuring array
capacity, if necessary, with accuracy of ±1 % to measured values. This equipment shall be carefully sized to fit the
range of measured values variations. All connections have to be made using separate conductors of possibly minimal
length. Four-wire connection is recommended, and measuring circuits shall be connected to their dedicated
connection terminals/contacts.
i) Switching device (changer) designed to provide measuring both open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current
of the reference photoelectric device, if necessary.
j) Tools to define orientation.
k) Equipment to change tilt angle of photoelectric modules or other tools to change irradiance incoming onto
photoelectric module’s operating surfaces providing, at the same time, spatial uniformity and unchangeable
irradiance’s relative spectral distribution (applies to accelerated tests and/or when checks of PV array output
characteristics linearity are required and are technically implementable).
j) Device designed to measure ambient temperature with instrumental error within the range of 1 С.
n) Airflow meter with instrumental relative error within the range of 2 %.
k) Timer or other chronometer, if necessary.
n) Cables of appropriate type, length and cross-section specified by manufacturer. Full length prefabricated
cables shall be applied if they have been delivered with the system subject to tests.
q) Technical appliances or automated data sampling system to register and record measured parameter values.
l) Auxiliary devices for measuring output parameters of PV array comprising bifacial photoelectric modules
provided that such modules are a part of PV array.
m) Coolant flow measuring devices, as well as those designed to measure coolant temperature in both input and
output, in case that PV system subject to tests comprises photoelectric modules/devices with radiation concentrators
in which forced cooling is normally provided.

5. PREPARATIONS FOR TESTS

a) Photoelectric modules have to be installed and oriented to comply with manufacturer technical documentation.
For photoelectric modules designed to operate in conditions of stationary/seasonal orientation, deviation from required
orientation angle shall not exceed ±5°.
If orientation is not specified in technical documentation of the system under tests, or it is not conditioned by the
specificity of the site where photoelectric modules are to be installed, they shall be mounted with their operating
surfaces towards the South at a tilt angle insuring maximal possible irradiance income onto operating surfaces of
photoelectric modules with inaccuracy not exceeding 10°. In case of photoelectric modules stationary or seasonal
orientation, tilt angle shall be determined with the required accuracy using analytical calculations, with regard to site
latitude on the basis of long-term observations. In this context, terms ‘horizon’ and ‘tilt angle’ have mathematical

030002-4
meaning. In case that such orientation can not be applied, for example due to shading from surrounding objects, etc.
photoelectric modules shall be oriented in a as close compliance with the above requirements as possible.
b) Operating surfaces of photoelectric modules have to be checked for shading that has to be eliminated, if
possible. If shading of fully-equipped PV array can not be eliminated a detailed description of shading conditions
shall be made. In the course of tests on the operation site, both shading and reflection from surrounding objects shall
comply with the requirements to operation conditions.
c) Uniformity of the in-plane irradiance incoming on the entire surface of parallel operating surfaces of
photoelectric modules of PV array (each part of array) has to be checked with the use of radiometers, and a
photoelectric module (modules) has to be chosen, for each orientation option, for which irradiance on the operating
surface has a typical value, as close to its average value as possible. If necessary, select several modules for a given
orientation. The choice of these selected modules is based on the principle and example indicated in Fig. 2.
d) Reference device shall be mounted as close as possible to the photoelectric module chosen in accordance with
the step described above so that reference device’s operating surface is co-planar with that of photoelectric module
mentioned above with an angle adjustment accuracy of ±2°. Otherwise, a pyranometer shall be installed in the plane of
photoelectric modules’ operating surfaces, not further then 0,3 m apart. Shading of operating surfaces shall be avoided.
For each orientation option, photoelectric modules and/or parts of PV array with parallel operating surfaces shall
be provided with a separate reference device or pyranometer. In case that PV array consists of non-coplanar
photoelectric modules, in which case it is not expedient to install reference devices in the plane of each operating surface,
it is permitted to install reference device(s) in another plane of measurement, provided that arising measurement
results uncertainty can be determined with an accuracy ensuring the required accuracy of irradiance value
determination. In this case, measurement plane and arising measurements uncertainty shall be specified in test reports.
e) Operating surfaces of photoelectric modules shall be carefully cleaned (see also [4, 5.2]), and the current state
of surfaces has to be recorded. In case that tests are aimed especially to evaluate output performance of system
whose photoelectric modules have become dirty during operation cleaning procedure shall be skipped. In this case,
contamination state of photoelectric modules has to be described, for instance, photos have to be made and
description of the latest precipitations has to be recorded.
f) One or more modules (central and extreme) whose operating temperatures are representative of the array under
test have to be chosen for array temperature measurements. Selecting method is shown in Fig. 2. PV modules have
to be selected, the following measurements having been made [4]:
a) at minimally one centrally located module;
b) at minimally one module that has been identified as one of the coolest because of being upstream in the wind
or because of being near the ground with the best cooling caused by convection;
c) at minimally one module that has been identified as one of the hottest because of being downstream in the
wind, because of being at the top of the array when cooling is caused by convection, or because of being in a
location that has little circulation.
сунок 1 – Примеры центральных и периферийных модулей

Extreme
modules

Central
modules

FIGURE 2. Examples of extreme and central modules [1, 2]

030002-5
 On selected modules, temperature measuring tools have to be installed (temperature sensors or other equipment
have to be mounted in an appropriate way). Tools to measure temperature of reference device(s) shall be also
installed, if necessary (see clause 4 f).
Temperature has to be measured on the rear (not illuminated by the Sun) surface of photoelectric module directly
behind the cells in four or three points as shown in Fig. 3. If PV array of the system under tests comprises a large
number of modules and, therefore, simultaneous registration of extensive massive of temperature values is
impossible or makes the test procedure unacceptably complicated it shall be allowed to measure temperature of only
central part of photoelectric modules. Points of measurement shall be located in the distance of, at least, 10 cm from
connection box. sensors have to be mounted with the use of thermo-conductive paste and have to be covered with
thermal isolation and reflective foil. Temperature sensor mounting method shall not affect the accuracy of
photoelectric module’s temperature indications which can be checked, for example, with the use of infrared camera
by watching infrared images of module’s operating surface. In case that photoelectric module subject to tests
includes solar cells of type other than planar one or comprises bifacial cells [8] some alternative position of
temperature sensor in relation to cell’s surfaces may be regarded. In some cases it may be possible to recruit module
temperature measurements from permanently installed temperature sensors on module backsheets.
It has to be taken in account that measuring temperature only in one point of photoelectric module (in the
middle) may impair the accuracy of temperature measurements and definition of factual temperature value and
therefore that of PV array output performance.
In case that backs of the modules are not accessible, for instance, due to specifics of their installation on building
structures or in case of BIPV, it shall be allowed either to measure temperature directly on the operating surfaces or
to apply models for photoelectric module temperature that has been earlier verifies. In both cases, estimation
uncertainty/error shall be evaluated and reported.

FIGURE 3. Location of temperature measuring points on photoelectric module behind the cells [5]

It is advisable to measure temperature of reference device using the same method, with measuring points’
location similar to those of photoelectric modules of PV array.
g) Tools for measuring current and voltage of reference device and connection device, if necessary have to be
mounted and connected.
h) Equipment for measuring voltage and current values, as well as those for measuring PV array capacity, if
necessary, shall be mounted and connected. Parameters have to be measured on the output of PV array. Either the
point where PV array is connected to the input terminals of application circuit or the output side of disconnecting
device of PV array, in case that it is either integrated with that of application circuit or is installed within a common
connection box, has to be considered as PV array output.
i) If it is necessary to maintain fixed temperature values during the tests, for example, in case of stepwise change
of PV array output power, the following operations shall be performed:
– either temperature control equipment shall be installed to maintain temperature of photoelectric modules and of
reference device, if they are provided
– or temperature control equipment designed to control temperature of photoelectric modules and that of
reference device shall be put in initial position, provided that they have to be installed before tests.
j) In case of accelerated tests, tools to control the level of irradiance incoming onto the operating surfaces of
photoelectric modules shall be installed in their initial positions provided that they have to be installed before tests.
k) If array of the system subject to tests includes photoelectric devices with radiation concentrators the following
operations have to be performed:

030002-6
 – coolant flow control gauges and coolant temperature control devices in the cooling system’s input and output
shall be connected, in the case that forced cooling is provided. Cooling system has to be functional during all of the
test period,
– optical axes of samples have to be adjusted in relation to incident radiation [18, 10.2.2].
Airflow meter shall be mounted approximately 0,7 m above the plane of photoelectric modules’ operating
surfaces and 1,2 m to the east or west of them.
Ambient temperature sensor shall be mounted close to the airflow meter, under a shading shield enabling
appropriate ventilation conditions.
In case that in system subject to tests protective earthing, potential equalization and lightning protection are
provided, they have to be connected in accordance with manufacturer requirements.

6. SPECIFICS OF TEST PROCEDURE AND TEST RESULTS PROCESSING

General requirements
By the moment of measurements start, the value of global irradiance shall be not lower than the level that would
insure sufficient power generation by PV array which means that output power shall correspond to its either required
value or rated value (maximum value for STC) indicated in technical specifications of PV system. Otherwise,
generated power value shall be as close to the required one as to enable extrapolation of test results with an
appropriate accuracy.
During tests, the values of the following parameters shall be measured and registered continuously or in each
measurement point: PV array output current and voltage or output power, ambient temperature, temperature on the
rear side of photoelectric modules, wind speed, reference device short-circuit current or irradiance, if pyranometer is
used, and spectral distribution of irradiance with the use of spectral radiometer. Also temperature and voltage of
reference device have to be measured, if necessary. In moments of data sampling, it is advisable to make photos of
clouds surrounding the Sun and to record time.
If PV array of the system subject to tests comprises photoelectric equipment with radiation concentrators in
which forced cooling is applied coolant flow rate and temperature in the input and output of the cooling system shall
also be measured, during PV array tests. Change of coolant flow rate shall not exceed 2% within any 5 minute
interval while temperature shall not deviate by more than 1 °С.
In case of stepwise PV array power measurements:
– The aggregate solar radiation incoming onto PV array shall be decreased by changing tilt angle of photoelectric
modules or using some alternative method as described, for example, in [5, 8.3.7] or [17, 5.1.6] (for accelerated tests) or
– changing irradiance shall be monitored and, when its value gets close to that of the next corresponding selected
PV array’s maximum power measurement point, preparations to measurements and measurements have to be made
as follows.
In case that irradiance is measured with the use of special appliances, variations of relative spectral distribution
due to irradiance change shall not affect the values of short-circuit current of reference device by a more than 0,5%
[15, 16]. If checks of characteristic’s linearity are necessary, test equipment and validity of irradiance measurement
procedure shall be qualified using radiometers.
For stepwise PV array power measurement procedure, at least five measurements have to be made within the
range between the initial and final PV array capacity values at equal intervals between the two consequent PV array
capacity measuring points.
PV array temperature (cell temperature of the array) shall be determined as described in [3] with regard to [4].
Therefore, temperatures of all selected photoelectric modules have to be first defined as the average temperature
value in all measuring points. If measurements are made for four points (see Fig. 3) and temperature value for one of
the measuring points differs by more than 5 °С from the average temperature value of the remaining three points this
measurement result shall be ignored.
Irradiance shall be defined from the measured value of reference device short-circuit current and from its
reference value measured in STC related power values as specified in [6, 5.4] and [5, 8.3.6], or from pyranometer
indications. If reference device temperature differs from the value obtained during calibration procedure by more
than 2 °С correction value shall be adjusted in accordance with the measured temperature value. In case that
pyranometer has to be applied, effective value of irradiance in each measurement point shall be defined, in

030002-7
accordance with [6, 5.6].
All values of irradiance, dependences of PV array capacity and output parameter (parameters) of PV system on
irradiance have to be defined for one and the same temperature value, that is for cell temperature of the array
corresponding to STC (25±2) °С (or for both STC and НТС (75±2) °С). That is why corrections have to be made in
irradiance values to take account of the difference between measured value of cell temperature of the array and
value (25±2) °С (or also (75±2) °С).
Validity of obtained temperature measurement results can be checked by comparison of hourly average
temperature values of PV modules for average irradiance, within the same time period, with permissible temperature
range, for these irradiance values that are specific for PV modules of this type, according to manufacturer
specifications, as it is assumed in [7]. However, these data may not consider the influence of all factors of the actual
operation site, as a rule.

Definition of parameters related to PV system starting and switching off

For the majority of PV systems, it is important to define parameters related to operation, starting and switching
of consuming equipment. At least, system startup capacity (capacity in the moment when consuming equipment are
connected) and the corresponding value of irradiance have to be specified, for nominal values of all other output
parameters of the system. Definition of dependence of startup capacity and the corresponding irradiance value on
system’s significant output parameter (parameters) is more meaningful, at least, on all stages of system
implementation. In this case, more complete information can be acquired related to PV system operation
performance.
Tests in conditions of natural change of environmental parameters during daylight hours have to be performed in
the morning and evening. This test option is preferable. However, such tests have to be performed only in case that
there is a possibility to maintain constant value of PV system output parameters. Later on, operation of system under
tests has to be observed from the moment of its auto-startup, in the morning, till its complete shutdown, in the
evening. Parameters specified above have to be also measured in moments of system shutdown (or in moments of
both startup and shutdown), within a possibly short time period. If within the starting operation period or just before
its shutdown, in the end of daylight period, system has started and shut down several times, within 15 minutes
interval without sharp irradiance change the average value of all capacity values in moments of startups and
shutdowns have to be measured. All startups and shutdowns of system under tests caused by irradiance sharp
fluctuations have to be ignored during tests. System can be switched off one to two hours after it startup, in the
morning, and switched on in the second part of daylight hours period when irradiance value is 10 % higher than that
corresponding to the maximal PV array output capacity value measured after system startup, in morning hours.
In case that PV array capacity is intended to be changed in step-wise way, irradiance coming onto PV modules
has to be changed with intervals of 3 min to 5 min, for constant values of system output parameters. PV array
capacity has to be increased until system operation time exceeds the specified time period, after its startup.
Correspondently, PV array capacity has to be decreased by steps until the system will not start up, at all, or will not
operate for longer than the specified protective shutdown time period, after its startup. In case that consuming
equipment requires a certain time period to recover its operability breaks have to be made in tests of corresponding
duration, after system shutdown, for each step of PV array measuring procedure.
Measurements described above have to be repeated for, at least, three times. Thereafter, the average PV array
capacity values have to be defined corresponding to the startup and shutdown conditions of system under tests along
with the corresponding values of minimal required irradiance. The limits of confidence range shall be determined, as
well. Values of startup capacity and those of corresponding minimal required irradiance have to be found for cell
temperature of the array of (25±2) °С (or for both (25±2) °С and (75±2) °С).

7. CONCLUSIONS
Adequate definition of external (input) parameters that affect output parameters and performance of PV system
and the related system photoelectric parameters is the most complicated part of PV system tests. It determines
validity, repeatable accuracy and reproducibility of PV system tests results, as well as the reliability of its output
characteristics specified in technical documentation.
The method takes in consideration all parameters that may possibly affect photoelectric performance and that are

030002-8
supported by sufficiently valid procedures for their values testing. In this work, methods described in IEC
documents and PV system design experience are generalized. The basic method has been presented that makes it
possible to determine photoelectric parameters with the state-of-the-art reliability and repeatability.
In this work, the specificity of tests is described related to defining output characteristics (photoelectric
parameters) of PV arrays within photoelectric systems and their correlation with those of photoelectric systems.
These specific aspects relate to any kind of tests of any system in field conditions and conditions of real operation.
This method provides an effective tool for PV systems comparison and evaluation of PV system parameters that the
end-user will have in the course of its real operation for compliance with those stipulated in reference
documentation.

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11. IEC 61215 (all parts) Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval.
12. IEC 60891 (2009) Photovoltaic devices - Procedures for temperature and irradiance corrections to measured I-
V characteristics.
13. IEC 60904-2 (2015) Photovoltaic devices - Part 2: Requirements for photovoltaic reference devices.
14. IEC 60904-3 (2016) Photovoltaic devices - Part 3: Measurement principles for terrestrial photovoltaic (PV)
solar devices with reference spectral irradiance data.
15. IEC 60904-7 (2008) Photovoltaic devices - Part 7: Computation of the spectral mismatch correction for
measurements of photovoltaic devices.
16. IEC 60904-8 (2014) Photovoltaic devices - Part 8: Measurement of spectral responsivity of a photovoltaic (PV)
device.
17. IEC 60904-10 (2009) Photovoltaic devices - Part 10: Methods of linearity measurement.
18. IEC 62108 (2007) Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies - Design qualification and type
approval.
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