IEC TS 60904-13-2018 PDF

Full title and description

Photovoltaic devices - Part 13: Electroluminescence of photovoltaic modules (IEC TS 60904-13:2018). This Technical Specification defines methods for capturing electroluminescence (EL) images of PV modules, processing those images to obtain quantitative metrics and guidance for qualitative interpretation of observed features in the images.

Abstract

IEC TS 60904-13:2018 specifies procedures and apparatus recommendations for electroluminescence imaging of photovoltaic modules, describes image-capture and correction methods (including dark-current/stray-light removal and vignetting correction), defines image quality criteria such as signal‑to‑noise ratio and sharpness classification, and provides approaches for histogram‑based and feature‑based interpretation and reporting of EL images. The document is applicable to modules driven into forward bias for EL acquisition.

General information

• Status: Published / Valid.
• Publication date: 29 August 2018.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 27.160 (Solar energy engineering).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2018).
• Number of pages: 40 pages.

Scope

The specification covers apparatus requirements (EL cameras, dark-room environment, power-supply arrangements, computer interfaces and software), recommended imaging procedures (camera settings, positioning, sharpness assessment), image correction techniques and criteria for image signal‑to‑noise ratio, quantitative image-analysis methods (histogram/statistical metrics, pixel- or area-weighted EL relative to an ideal module) and guidance on interpretation of EL features (series/shunt resistance effects, minority‑carrier lifetime/diffusion length indications) and reporting of results. It applies to PV modules measured with a power supply that places the cells in forward bias for EL imaging.

Key topics and requirements

• Requirements for EL imaging equipment and dark-room/studio conditions.
• Power-supply conditions and safe procedures for forward-bias EL acquisition.
• Camera settings, positioning and sharpness classification to ensure repeatable imaging.
• Image correction methods (dark-current/stray-light removal, vignetting correction) and annexed procedures for correction.
• Image quality metrics including signal‑to‑noise ratio criteria and recommended measurement procedures.
• Quantitative image-analysis methods: histogram statistics (variance, kurtosis, skewness), pixel/area weighting and bias-current effects.
• Guidance for interpreting EL features (identifying series/shunt issues, cracks, cell‑to‑cell variability and degradation indicators) and for assigning likely root causes.
• Reporting requirements and recommended content for EL test reports.

Typical use and users

Used by PV module manufacturers and production test engineers, third‑party test laboratories, research and development groups studying cell/module defects, field inspection teams performing factory or post‑install diagnostics, certification bodies and quality‑assurance personnel implementing or auditing EL‑based inspection processes.

Related standards

This TS is part of the IEC 60904 series on photovoltaic devices. Related parts commonly referenced include IEC 60904‑1, IEC 60904‑2, IEC 60904‑3, IEC 60904‑4, IEC 60904‑5, IEC 60904‑7, IEC 60904‑8, IEC 60904‑9, IEC 60904‑10 and companion technical reports such as IEC TR 60904‑14; the IEC 60904 series bundles list these parts together. These related documents cover electrical measurement methods, reference cells, spectral responsivity, and other PV test methods that complement EL imaging.

Keywords

electroluminescence, EL imaging, photovoltaic modules, PV testing, image correction, signal‑to‑noise ratio, histogram analysis, defect detection, forward bias, IEC 60904, TC 82.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TS 60904‑13:2018 is a Technical Specification that provides methods and guidance for electroluminescence imaging of photovoltaic modules, including capture, correction, quantitative analysis and interpretation of EL images.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers apparatus and environment requirements, imaging procedures and camera settings, image correction techniques, image‑quality metrics (e.g., SNR and sharpness), histogram‑based and other quantitative analyses, interpretation of EL features and reporting content. It is applicable to modules driven in forward bias for EL acquisition.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, test labs, R&D teams, field inspectors, certification and QA bodies that perform EL inspection of PV modules use this TS to ensure consistent, comparable imaging and interpretation practices.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document was published on 29 August 2018 and is the first edition (2018). It is published and listed as the IEC TS 60904‑13:2018 edition; users should check the IEC catalogue or national standards bodies for any later amendments or a possible ED2 project that may update it.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it belongs to the IEC 60904 series (Photovoltaic devices), which includes multiple parts and related TR/TS documents addressing measurement methods, reference devices and other PV test procedures.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Electroluminescence, EL imaging, photovoltaic modules, image processing, defect detection, forward bias, image SNR, TC 82, IEC 60904.