The PSS1x1 flash solar simulator is designed to test large photovoltaic devices up to 3 x 3m (120” x 120”) in size.

An optional full featured workstation with illumination table and Current-Voltage (I-V) measurement system for use in both in-line low volume production and off-line quality control environments is available (SSTwrkstn).

The flash solar simulator utilizes a heavy duty xenon flash lamp and AM1.5G calibrated solar filter to approximate the sun’s true spectral distribution following ASTM E927-05 (2006) Class A standards. The flash solar simulator fires short flashes of light to measure the performance of a photovoltaic device without heating it.

The system can operate as a single flash/point which will produce an I-V data point of the photovoltaic device can be captured by connecting it to an optional current-voltage measurement system, or multipoints per flash (Max. number of points in a flash is either 48 or 120 depending on standards to be used).

A computer controller sequences the light flashes with the current-voltage measurement system to capture and store a multi-point I-V curve for the photovoltaic device.

Photovoltaic Cell Compatibility

The Sciencetech PSS1x1 flash solar simulator can be used on any type of photovoltaic devices including thin films, amorphous silicon, and traditional crystalline silicon materials. The optional current-voltage measurement system has a active load and wattage range that can be tailored to each type of PV material. Sciencetech also supplied a Concentrator for this device with a maximum solar density of 5,000 Suns (Please see the Concentrator in this Website). 

Performance

The flash solar simulator utilizes a heavy-duty/low-duty cycle xenon flashtube powered by a digitally controlled power supply. This provides a stable and repeatable flash in a multi-exposure I-V test sequence. The power supply also provides a wide operation range from 70-2400 Joules to accommodate different sizes of photovoltaic panels ranging from 20 x 20cm (8” x 8”) to 3 x 3m (120” x 120”) and at various intensities from 70-150 mW/cm². To withstand heat stress in a continuous use production operation, the heavy duty xenon flashtube has over dimensioned tungsten electrodes tested to 60,000 Joules.

Definition of Class A

The ASTM E927-05 (2006) standard states that a solar simulator must match the spectral distribution of the reference spectral irradiance to within ± 25% to be classified as a Class A solar simulator. For large area solar simulators (test plane > 30 x 30cm (12" x 12")) the spatial uniformity shall be ±3% or better. Temporal stability for a flash intensity must not vary by more than ±2% from an average value over the total test time. Speak with the Special Developments Group to customize a PSS1x1 that meets your needs. Email sales@sciencetech-inc.ca

Solar Simulator Components

• Light source unit
• PC controller
• AM1.5G filter

Larger model under development

To better serve its customers, Sciencetech is currently developing a measurement system for a larger panel version. It is also offering systems to measure beyond the traditional maximum wavelength of 1,100 nm. We can supply systems to measure up to 2,400 nm.