Radiometric Instrumentation and Measurements Guide for Photovoltaic Performance Testing

    Research output: NRELTechnical Report

    Abstract

    The Photovoltaic Module and Systems Performance Engineering Project at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory performs indoor and outdoor standardization, testing, and monitoring of the performance of a wide range of photovoltaic (PV) energy-conversion devices and systems. The PV Radiometric Measurements and Evaluations Team within that project is responsible for measurement andcharacterization of natural and artificial optical radiation that stimulates the PV effect. The purpose of this document is to address the practical and engineering needs of optical and solar radiometric instrument performance, selection, calibration, installation, and maintenance applicable to indoor and outdoor radiometric measurements for PV calibration, performance, and testing applications.The introduction addresses radiometric concepts and definitions. Next, concepts essential to spectral radiometric measurements are discussed. Broadband radiometric instrumentation and measurement concepts are then discussed. Specific applications and examples of spectroradiometry and broadband radiometry applied to photovoltaic performance evaluation are described. In each case, the need formeasurement, calibration and reference standards, and instrument performance and applications (installation, maintenance, and quality assurance) is addressed.
    Original languageAmerican English
    Number of pages148
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 1997

    NREL Publication Number

    • NREL/TP-560-21774

    Keywords

    • calibrating
    • guides
    • photovoltaic performance testing
    • photovoltaics (PV)
    • radiometric instruments
    • standardization
    • testing

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