Accurate performance characterization, reporting, and benchmarking for indoor photovoltaics

Abstract

Indoor photovoltaics (IPVs) are promising for powering smart devices. However, diverse lighting scenarios pose significant accuracy challenges in IPV characterization, reporting, and benchmarking. This study comprehensively and quantitatively investigates these challenges through the experimental characterization of IPVs covering a broad performance space. We reveal that many challenges can cause unacceptable characterization errors—with the angular interplay among the test light source, measuring device, and IPV being particularly detrimental under diffuse indoor illumination—and evaluate practical protocols to mitigate them. From a benchmarking perspective, we expand the understanding of the strengths of the IPV reference-cell method and reveal the fundamental inaccuracies of benchmarking based on correlated color temperature and indoor spectral coincidence. To support implementation, we provide comprehensive characterization, reporting, and benchmarking checklists, alongside recommendations for future standardization efforts. By enabling reliable performance evaluation and benchmarking, we anticipate that our findings will stimulate further advancements in IPVs, helping to realize their full potential.