Press Release:
Measure your solar simulator for temporal stability of the spectrum with a Spectral Evolution spectroradiometer

Lawrence, MA – January 21, 2016 – Rapid and accurate measurement of electrical power output and related characteristics of PV modules and panels is critical to solar manufacturers to ensure that the panels will perform to promised levels during their outdoor life. To ensure these performance levels, solar simulators are used to test the panels under a set of standardized conditions. The solar simulators themselves must be tested to ensure that 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 to it based on performance measurements in wavelengths from 400-1100nm. Uniformity measures the irradiance at different points on the area the simulator covers. Temporal stability measures performance over time. Spectral Evolution spectroradiometers like the SR-3501, SR-1901, and SR-1901PT can provide accurate measurements for these characteristics for continuous and pulsed solar simulators.

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

  • SR-3501 — 280-2500nm one — one silicone photodiode array detector and two InGaAs photodiode array detector
  • SR-1901 – 280 – 1900nm – one silicon photodiode array detector and one InGaAs photodiode array detector

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 spectroradiometer is built for measuring and testing both long and short pulse solar simulators. It has a spectral range from 280-1900nm with one silicon and one InGaAs photodiode array. The SR-1901PT features adjustable integration and scan averaging time , an internal phototrigger with SMA-905 port, 0-100 millisecond trigger delay increments, external TTL triggering input port, and NIST traceable irradiance
calibration. You can measure spectra wherever you wish in the light flash – beginning, middle, or end. These measurements will provide data on whether there are changes in the spectrum during the duration of a long or short pulse. In addition you can measure the stability of the simulator over longer-periods of time – for example the lifecycle of the xenon lamps in the simulator, which might be 100,000 or more flashes.

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

All these systems are:

  • Ideal for measuring irradiance, spectral match, uniformity, and temporal stability
  • High reliability, with no moving optics to breakdown;
  • Complete with 1M fiber optic and right angle diffuser;
  • NIST traceable calibration;
  • Weigh less than seven pounds;
  • Autoexposure and autoshutter for easy, one-touch operation.

All systems work with DARWin software to capture and show actual irradiance in their respective spectral ranges. Built-in software routines provide class status as a function of wavelength and generate a spectral match report.

For more information on measuring temporal stability, visit:
http://www.spectralevolution.com/applications_temporal_stability.html

About Spectral Evolution

Established in 2004, Spectral Evolution is a leading manufacturer of laboratory and handheld portable spectrometers, spectroradiometers and spectrophotometers. Spectral Evolution spectrometers are used worldwide for many mission-critical lab, field and on-line process assignments due to their reliable, robust, rugged design and user-friendly one-touch features.

Spectral Evolution maintains a facility in Lawrence, Massachusetts which houses all operations including, design, prototyping, manufacturing and in-house repair facilities for the instruments that it markets and sells worldwide, either through direct sales, OEM sales or through distributor agents. Spectral Evolution also maintains state of the art spectral, spectral radiance and spectral irradiance calibration facilities for periodic calibration of equipment in the UV, VIS, NIR and SWIR wavelength regions.

Press Contact
Nicolas Venjean
Marketing & Sales
978-687-1833
Nicolas.Venjean@spectralevolution.com
SPECTRAL EVOLUTION
26 Parkridge Road, Suite 104
Haverhill, MA 01835 USA
www.spectralevolution.com