This part of ISO 9022 specifies methods for the testing of optical instruments and instruments containing optical components, under equivalent conditions, for their ability to resist the effects of simulated solar radiation. It is applicable to instruments that may be exposed to sunlight during operation or unsheltered storage on the earth's surface, or in the lower atmosphere.

The purpose of testing is to investigate to what extent the optical, thermal, mechanical, chemical and electrical performance characteristics of the specimen are affected by solar radiation.