How to Assemble the Automated Solar Simulator

Solar irradiance varies depending on where you are in the world. This is because of a combination of local atmospheric conditions and geometric considerations.

The purpose of a solar simulator is to recreate the sunlight received on Earth. This is easier said than done as sunlight starts its journey in complex nuclear reactions in the sun's core, and is modified on it's journey to us through interactions with the Earth's atmosphere.

Light can be measured either photometrically (only light visible to the human eye is considered) or radiometrically (also considers the energy in the invisible parts of the electromagnetic spectrum).

A solar simulator has several components that help to simulate the solar spectrum uniformly for a defined test area. The most important part of the several components is the light source, however the other components ensure the light source outputs the solar spectrum correctly.

The solar simulator light source is compact, lightweight and can be easily installed in any lab using adjustable height stand provided with it.

This system was designed to be easy to use, and effortless to assemble. This video and subsequent guide will demonstrate how easy setting up your testing lab can be with the Ossila Automated Solar Cell Testing Kit.

It is important to ensure that your solar simulator is outputting a consistent spectral output. Different solar simulators will have different bulb lifetimes.

Solar simulators must be evaluated according to one of the three standards, and comply with the specifications set out within.

Solar Simulator Irradiance and Spectral Mismatch

Solar simulators generally attempt to replicate the standard AM1.5G spectrum which has a total integrated irradiance of 1000.4 W/m2 over the wavelength range of 280 nm – 4000 nm.

One main application of solar simulators is to test solar cell devices and modules. To characterize how solar cells will perform in the real world, it is vital that you use a solar source that mimics the suns spectrum well. You could of course use actual sunlight, but this is an uncontrollable variable.

When it comes to testing the performance of solar cells, accurate measurements and reliable equipment are essential. If you are conducting research into PV materials, understanding how to measure and interpret J-V curves is crucial in assessing device performance.

Anaylzing key device metrics such as fill factor (FF), open-circuit voltage (V_OC), and power conversion efficiency (PCE), can help you find potential issues with your solar cell devices

Choosing the right light source for your solar simulator is one the most important decisions to make when setting up a PV testing laboratory.