Spectral Evolution provides accurate, affordable spectroradiometers for testing, measuring, and classifying continuous and pulsed solar simulators.

Rapid and accurate measurement of electrical power output and related characteristics of PV cells, modules, and panels is critical to solar manufacturers to ensure that their products will perform to promised levels during their outdoor life. Solar simulators are used to test the cells, modules, and panels under a set of standardized conditions. The solar simulators mimic the natural sunlight that the panels will see when installed. The solar simulators themselves are tested to be sure they meet ASTM and IEC standards for three areas: spectral match, spatial uniformity, and temporal stability.

Spectral match classifies a solar simulator based on the amount of light (irradiance) it outputs and assigns a Class A, B, or C status based on performance measurements in wavelengths from 400-1100nm. Uniformity measures the irradiance at different point in the area covered by the simulator. Consistent output must be measured at different points. Temporal stability measures performance over time. Spectral Evolution’s SR-3501, SR-1901, and SR-1901PT spectroradiometers can provide accurate testing, measurement and classification for these characteristics for both continuous and pulsed solar simulators.

The SR-3501 and SR-1901 are used for continuous solar simulators:

• SR-3501: 280-2500nm – one silicon photodiode array detector and two InGaAs photodiode array detectors
• SR-1901: 280-1900nm – one silicon photodiode array detector and one InGaAs photodiode array detector
• Spectral match to AM0, AM1.5, and AM1.5 global tilt

Equipped with a fiber optic cable and right angle diffuser, these spectroradiometers can measure continuous output over user- defined time periods to ensure long-term stability.

The SR-1901PT is built for measuring both long and short pulsed solar simulators. It has the following features:

• 280-1900nm spectral range
• One silicon and one InGaAs photodiode array
• Adjustable integration and scan averaging time
• Internal phototrigger with SMA-905 port
• 0-100 millisecond trigger delay increments
• External TTL triggering input port
• NIST traceable irradiance calibration
• Measure spectra wherever you want in the flash
• Measure and changes in the spectrum for long and short pulse
• Measure the stability of the simulator over longer lifecycle time periods

DARWin SP Data Acquisition software is included with every spectroradiometer and provides a spectral match report, uniformity measurement, temporal stability capability, and energy integtation utility that allows the user to integrate total energy detected over a user-defined wavelength range.

Solar simulators can provide an accepted method for measuring and testing the power ratings of photovoltaic modules and solar panels at the manufacturer’s facility. Uncertainties in the validity of these measurements can significantly impact a manufacturer’s revenue. DARWin SP Data Acquisition software allows you to measure irradiance and spectral match over a full 280-1900 nm range. Class status is provided as a function of wavelength and generates a spectral match report to provide confidence in the continuous output solar simulator in use.

SR-3501, SR-1901 and SR-1901PT  Spectroradiometers

The SR-3501, SR-1901 and SR-1901PT are designed for validating the output of continuous or pulsed solar simulators. The systems are especially well-suited for testing the power ratings of photovoltaic modules and solar panels. All systems come with the subroutines necessary to generate high quality solar spectra.

For photovoltaic (PV) cell development we also offer a reflectance/transmittance sphere to measure the optical properties of different materials, textures, and coatings on different PV cell designs. The RT sphere works with our spectroradiometers and is portable. For the ultimate in optical property measurement stability, it can be configured with our SR-4500 TE-cooled spectroradiometer.