1.1 This specification describes solar simulation to be used for indoor testing of terrestrial flat plate (nonconcentrating) photovoltaic devices in conjunction with a spectrally matched reference cell. Solar simulators are used to supply irradiance to photovoltaic devices during a controlled indoor test. The output of a solar cell is a strong function of the wavelength of incident irradiance. Hence, the measured efficiency of a cell can vary as the spectral content of the incident irradiance changes. To reduce such measurement errors, the light source for the solar simulator is limited to those which offer an acceptable match to the solar spectrum, as defined in this specification. Specifications for simulators matched to either a direct spectrum (as defined in Standard E891) or a global spectrum (as defined in Standard E892) are included in this specification. This specification covers both pulsed and steady-state simulators.

1.2 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the hazards portion, Section 6, of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.