This part of IEC 60904 describes procedures for the measurement of the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of single junction bifacial photovoltaic devices in natural or simulated sunlight. It is applicable to encapsulated solar cells, sub-assemblies of such cells or entire PV modules. For measurements of I-V characteristics of non-encapsulated solar cells, IEC TS 63202‑3 applies.

The requirements for measurement of I-V characteristics of standard (monofacial) PV devices are covered by IEC 60904‑1, whereas this document describes the additional requirements for the measurement of I-V characteristics of bifacial PV devices.

This document can be applicable to PV devices designed for use under concentrated irradiation if they are measured without the optics for concentration, and irradiated using direct normal irradiance and a mismatch correction with respect to a direct normal reference spectrum is performed.