This part of IEC 60904 describes procedures for the measurement of the current-voltage characteristics of multi-junction photovoltaic devices in natural or simulated sunlight. It is applicable to single PV cells, sub-assemblies of such cells or entire PV modules. It is principally intended for non-concentrating devices, but parts may be applicable also to concentrating multi-junction PV devices. An essential prerequisite is the spectral responsivity of the multi-junction devices, whose measurement is covered by IEC 60904‑8‑1.

The requirements for measurement of current-voltage characteristics of single-junction PV devices are covered by IEC 60904‑1 whereas this document describes the additional requirements for the measurement of current-voltage characteristics of multi-junction PV devices.

This document may 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 spectral irradiance distribution is performed. The reference spectral irradiance distribution is provided in IEC 60904‑3