Solar Simulator
Reliable and intuitive PC software, designed to help speed up your research, is provided at no extra cost. The latest versions are always available to download via our website.
Ossila Solar Simulator Console 1.5.1
The latest version of the control software for the Solar Simulator. Click here to read the End-User License Agreement.
Download (58 MB)
Minimum System Requirements
Operating System Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
CPU Dual Core 2 GHz
RAM 4 GB
Available Drive Space 152 MB
Monitor Resolution 1440 x 960
Connectivity USB 2.0
Class AAA Solar Simulator for Small-Area Solar Cells
Reliable LED light source for fast and consistent solar cell testing
Overview | Specifications | Features | Gallery | Software | In the Box | Resources and Support
Compact and low price, Ossila solar simulator systems are ideal for characterizing small-area solar cells. An array of powerful LEDs accurately simulate the AM1.5G spectrum over a wavelength of 350 – 1050 nm. The system has excellent AAA spectral distribution over a 15 mm diameter area and ABA classification over a 25 mm diameter area (according to IEC 60904-9:2020 international standard).
The stable and reliable output easily achieve Class A temporal stability. Plus, with zero maintenance and minimal warm-up time, you can streamline your research processes. Just plug it in, turn it on, and start measuring.
Using our free software, you have the ability to control the intensity of each individual LED. This gives you maximum control over the output of your solar simulator lamp. Our solar simulator is also available within our solar cell testing kit to equip your laboratory with a fully integrated PV characterization system.
Two-Year Warranty
Buy with confidence
Long Lifetime
10,000 operating hours
Minimal Warm-up Time
Ready to use and measure
Cheap to Run
Highly efficient LED bulb
Spectral Tunability
Tune with powerful software
Compact Size
Portable and modular design
Zero Maintenance
No high maintenance fee
No Explosion Risk
LED-based, steady state
Specifications
| Spectral match | A |
|---|---|
| Spatial uniformity over 15 mm diameter area | A |
| Spatial uniformity over 25 mm diameter area | B |
| Spatial uniformity over 32 mm diameter area | C |
| Temporal instability | A |
| Type | LED-based, steady state |
|---|---|
| Spectral deviation | <70% |
| Spectral coverage | >80% |
| Working distance | 8.5 cm (3.35") |
| Irradiance (at working distance) | 1000 W/m2 |
| Maximum Lamp Time | 10000 hours |
| Lamp Dimensions L x W x H | 10.5 cm x 9.0 cm x 8.0 cm (4.13" x 3.54" x 3.15") |
| Weight | 600 g (1.32 lbs) |
How are Solar Simulators Classified?
There are several different recognized standards for classifying solar simulators, each of which is published by a different standards organization (IEC, ATSM, or JIS). Although there are slight differences between the standards, they all classify solar simulators based upon their performance in three key areas. These areas are:
- Spectral match to a standardized solar spectrum
- Spatial Non-uniformity
- Temporal instability
Solar simulators receive a grade A to C in each of these areas. The better the performance, the higher the rating. The latest IEC 60904-9:2020 standard, and the one which we follow, also allows for an A+ classification in each field.
Spectral Irradiance Graphs
The programmed spectral irradiance of the Ossila Solar Simulator is shown in the graph above. The Ossila light source is initially calibrated so that it emits a total integrated power of 100 mW/cm2 (1 Sun) over the wavelength range 350 nm – 1000 nm. The Ossila Solar Simulator achieves a Class A rating for each wavelength range defined by solar simulator standard guidelines. This calibrated Class AAA spectrum is emitted only a few seconds after powering up.
The Ossila Solar Simulator also allows you to adapt the output spectrum of your lamp as you desire. The above graph shows a spectral distribution at 0.7 Suns to demonstrate AM1.5G spectral match more clearly to the AM1.5G spectrum. Whether you value spectral match or total power irradiance, the Ossila Solar Simulator can adapt to meet your needs. For more information on how we present our solar simulator spectral data here, read our guide on interpreting spectral irradiance graphs.
Spectral Irradiance
The spectral match classification measures how well a solar simulator replicates the solar spectrum in terms of wavelength distribution. At 1 Sun irradiance at 8.5 cm, the Ossila Solar Simulator achieves Class A output in all wavelength categories. At this irradiance, the Ossila Solar Simulator achieves a Class A classification for spectral irradiance.
Spatial Uniformity
Solar simulators aim to distribute light uniformly across a sample, replicating sunlight. The spatial uniformity rating gives a measure of how uniform a solar simulator's distribution is.
At the working distance of 8.5 cm and output power of 1 sun, the Ossila Solar Simulator achieves a spatial non-uniformity class A rating over a 15 mm diameter, making it ideal for testing small area devices. It also achieves a class B rating over 25 mm diameter, and a class C rating at 32 mm diameter, so you also can test larger cells with the Ossila solar simulator with ABA or ACA classification.
Temporal instability
The temporal instability classification measures the output consistency of a solar simulator.
The temporal instability graph proves that the light output from the solar simulator is stable over a long time frame, so it achieves a Class A Temporal Instability classification. This means you can conduct long-term experiments with the Ossila Solar Simulator without worrying about spectral fluctuation. This includes measurement such as solar cell lifetime measurements or experiments to measure light degradation effects.
Solar Simulator Features
Powerful LED Lamp
The Ossila Solar Simulator uses light-emitting diodes to reliably and accurately reproduce the solar spectrum. LEDs offer high efficiency, a long lifetime, good temporal stability, zero maintenance, spectral tunability, ozone-free operation, and no explosion risk.
Modular Design
The modular design gives you the freedom to create a solar testing system that fits into your laboratory. Various accessories and kits designed around the solar simulator suit different substrates, device architecture, and measurement needs.
Easy-to-Use Software
By default, the lamp will deliver a calibrated output optimized to meet the solar spectrum. Our free, downloadable software allows you to control the LED outputs individually as well as change the total irradiance output. This is useful for specialist measurements or non-conventional spectral output.
Compact Design, Adaptable Functionality
The small footprint is perfect for high-density laboratories and it can also be used in closer spaces where space is limited, such as a glove box*, or in a laminar flow hood. With its own optical breadboard included, it can be placed on any work top, or even fixed to larger optical benches.
* Not for use in volatile environments.
The Ossila Solar Simulator is AAA rated for small area devices, which is ideal if you already use our 20 mm x 15 mm substrates. The Ossila Solar Simulator also delivers class ABA illumination over a larger area (25mm diameter). This is suitable for testing large area devices which can be made on our 25 mm x 25 mm substrate systems. We individually calibrate each system with a NIST traceable photo radiometer and include a performance report with each unit. Click on the image below to download a sample certificate.
Solar Simulator Gallery
Software
The Ossila Solar Simulator Console enables you to control and customize the output of your solar simulator. You can choose the overall power level or control each LED individually to tailor the output to your specific requirements. The user-friendly software can be installed on as many PCs as you want and you can access future updates for free.
In the Box
- LED solar simulator
- Optical breadboard
- Adjustable height stand
Resources and Support
How to Check Solar Simulator Calibration
It is important to ensure that your solar simulator is outputting a consistent spectral output. You should check the calibration of your solar simulator periodically.
Read more...
How to Set Up Your Solar Simulator Light Source
The purpose of a solar simulator is to recreate the sunlight received on Earth. This guide details how to assemble the Ossila Solar Simulator.
Read more...