IEC 63387-1:2026 – Hybrid CPV/PV modules: General characteristics and measurement procedures

IEC 63387-1:2026 defines how the performance of hybrid CPV/PV modules is measured and rated. It sets out standard reporting conditions, measurement procedures for power as a function of angle of incidence, irradiance and temperature, and a method for deriving characterization parameters for the module field of view. The concept of effective nominal power allows fair comparison between hybrid modules whose output is discontinuous and time-dependent.

Standard Information

IEC 63387-1:2026 addresses a niche but growing product family: photovoltaic modules that combine concentrator cells with conventional flat-plate cells in one device. Because the two cell arrays respond to different components of incident light, conventional power-rating methods do not transfer directly. This standard gives the industry a common measurement and rating language for such hybrids. The following record facts summarize the publication.
- Designation: IEC 63387-1:2026
- Full title: Hybrid CPV/PV modules: General characteristics and measurement procedures - Part 1: Performance measurements and power rating - Irradiance and temperature
- Status: Current
- Publication date: 2026-08-20
- ICS classification: 27, 27.160
- Technical committee: TC 82

Scope and Application

The standard specifies methods for evaluating the performance of CPV/PV hybrid modules in terms of power rating. It describes the standard conditions under which the power produced by the module is assessed, together with the procedures used to measure power as a function of angle of incidence (AOI), irradiance and temperature. These three variables govern how a hybrid module behaves in real service, since its concentrator and flat-plate cell arrays respond differently to each.
A methodology for determining a set of characterization parameter values, identified as the module FoV, is also included. This characterization captures how the hybrid module accepts light arriving from different directions, which is essential information for system design and energy-yield modelling.
To allow comparison between different hybrid modules whose electrical output is discontinuous and time-dependent, the standard introduces the concept of effective nominal power. This single figure lets procurement specialists and engineers compare products on a consistent basis rather than relying on peak values recorded under differing conditions.

Products and Materials Covered

The document applies to CPV/PV hybrid modules that integrate two cell arrays in one product: solar cells designed to collect concentrated light (the CPV cells array) and solar cells designed to collect diffuse or global light (the PV cells array). The PV cells array may operate with either bifacial or monofacial illumination, so products with rear-side light collection fall within scope alongside monofacial designs.
A boundary condition defines applicability: the hybrid module must have a geometrical concentration ratio greater than 3x for its CPV cells. Where the geometrical concentration ratio is 3x or lower, other measurement approaches apply instead of this standard. Under the ICS classification 27.160, the product family sits within solar energy engineering, which places the standard alongside other photovoltaic measurement and performance documents rather than general electrical equipment standards.

Testing and Compliance Considerations

Laboratories working with performance standards of this type typically begin by reviewing the manufacturer's module construction data, including cell array layout and declared concentration ratio, to confirm that the product falls within the stated applicability boundary. Characterization then proceeds under controlled irradiance and temperature conditions, with AOI varied according to the measurement procedures the standard describes. Results are compiled into a test report documenting the measured power values, the derived characterization parameter set and the effective nominal power.
For quality managers, such a report serves as the reference for acceptance verification against supplier datasheets and for tender comparisons. Retesting is generally warranted when the module design changes in ways that could alter optical or thermal behaviour — for example modifications to the concentrating optics, cell types or encapsulation. Keeping traceable records of test conditions and instrument calibration is standard laboratory practice for this class of work.

Related Standards and Series Context

The designation IEC 63387-1:2026 carries structural information in itself. The numeral 63387 identifies the standard series devoted to hybrid CPV/PV modules, and the suffix "-1" marks this document as Part 1 of that series, covering general characteristics and measurement procedures with a focus on performance measurements and power rating under irradiance and temperature. The year 2026 in the designation indicates the edition year of this publication, which currently holds the status "Current". Where a hybrid module's geometrical concentration ratio is at or below the stated threshold, the abstract directs users to other measurement standards outside this series; the designation itself gives no further information about additional parts.