STC
Standard Test Conditions (STC) are standardized operating conditions used for testing PV modules. They are defined as:
| 1000 W/m² | Irradiance (global when in outdoor conditions). |
| 25°C | Module temperature |
| AM 1.5 | Spectrum—a standardized solar spectrum corresponding to a path through 1.5 times the "normal" atmosphere (air mass at sea level). |
For CPV (concentrating modules), the reference irradiance is specified in terms of DNI value (direct component).
Prior to spring 2011, the standard was typically 800 or 850 W/m² (not always clearly defined).
The current convention has standardized it at 1000 W/m².