Uncertainty of solar cell calibration using a high-altitude balloon

By considering that a spectral and radiation environment similar to space can be obtained at an altitude of 35 km and above, as well as the convenience, economy, and accuracy of solar cell calibration using high-altitude balloons, a high-altitude balloon calibration method for solar cells at 35 km altitude is regarded as the best in-situ calibration method for space solar cells at present. Aiming at the poor consistency in calibration results caused by variations in calibration conditions for each group of data in the actual tests of solar cells using the high-altitude balloon calibration method, this paper analyzed the influence of solar cell temperature, irradiance, solar incidence angle, spectral mismatch, and other factors on high-altitude balloon calibration. A data correction model for this calibration method was proposed and validated using the data obtained from the flight calibration test. Moreover, the uncertainty of the calibration data of solar cells using a high-altitude balloon was analyzed, and a relative expanded uncertainty of 1.4% (k = 2) was achieved for short-circuit current. This paper can provide theoretical support for the subsequent data correction of high-altitude balloon calibration tests for solar cells. Additionally, it verified the feasibility of the high-altitude balloon calibration test proposed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences from the perspective of measurement uncertainty.