What is BS EN 60904-8-1-Multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) devices?
IEC 60904 is a European standard that covers various requirements of Photovoltaic (PV) devices. BS EN 60904-8-1 is one of the parts of a multi-series standard that provides guidance for the measurement of the spectral responsivity (SR) of multi-junction photovoltaic devices. It is principally intended for non-concentrating devices, but parts may be applicable also to concentrating multi-junction PV devices. The SR is required for the analysis of measured current-voltage characteristics of multi-junction PV devices as described in IEC 60904-1-1.
The requirements for measurement of SR of single-junction PV devices are covered by IEC 60904-8, whereas BS EN 60904-8-1 describes the additional requirements for the measurement of SR of multi-junction PV devices. BS EN 60904-8-1 only considers the measurement of SR of individual junction layers within a two-terminal multi-junction device.
BS EN 60904-8-1may be applicable to PV devices designed for use under concentrated irradiation if they are measured without the optics for concentration.
Who is BS EN 60904-8-1-Multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) devices for?
BS EN 60904-8-1 on multi-junction PV devices is relevant to:
- Multi-junction PV devices manufacturers
- Energy technology providers
- Solar energy engineering industry
- Product design engineers
- Quality control and testing authorities
Why should you use BS EN 60904-8-1-Multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) devices?
Multi-junction photovoltaic devices are capable of absorbing different wavelengths of incoming sunlight by using different layers, making them more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity than single-junction cells.
The procedure for measurement of the SR of a multi-junction PV device requires the same basic principles as those for single-junction PV devices, but is more complex, in particular with respect to requirements for bias light and bias voltage. BS EN 60904-8-1 describes the additional considerations, requirements and procedures for the measurement of the SR of multi-junction PV devices based on the measurement principles of single-junction PV devices.
The procedures in BS EN 60904-8-1 describe the measurement of the SR of two-terminal multijunction PV devices, i.e. devices which have two or more series-connected junctions with only two external electrical connections. The measurement procedures allow the successive measurement of the SR of each of these junctions by appropriately setting the measurement conditions using the correct bias light and bias voltage.
Guidance for the measurement of the spectral responsivity in BS EN 60904-8-1 can help you demonstrate the reliability and operational efficiency of multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) devices assemblies.
