Comparison of primary high altitude and synthetic calibration methods of solar cells for space applications in view of an updated AM0 spectrum

Most recent findings reported in literature suggest a revision of the AM0 spectra as they are currently specified in several standards. This has considerable consequences on the validity of calibration values established by the so-called synthetic calibration methods of primary reference solar cells as e.g. the differential spectral responsivity (DSR) method. With the updated AM0 spectrum the agreement in calibration values between the DSR method and the high altitude balloon calibration method is proven to be excellent. This demonstrates the equivalence between synthetic and high altitude balloon methods but also the strong dependence of synthetic methods on the correct AM0 spectrum.