Compare Model Drawings, CAD & Specs Availability Price
94041A
Solar Simulator, Class ABB, 450 W, 4 x 4 in., 4° Collimated Output
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 94041A Solar Simulator, Class ABB, 450 W, 4 x 4 in., 4° Collimated Output
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94061A
Solar Simulator, Class ABB, 1000 W, 6 x 6 in., 3° Collimated Output
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 94061A Solar Simulator, Class ABB, 1000 W, 6 x 6 in., 3° Collimated Output
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94081A
Solar Simulator, Class ABB, 1600 W, 8 x 8 in., 2° Collimated Output
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 94081A Solar Simulator, Class ABB, 1600 W, 8 x 8 in., 2° Collimated Output
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Specifications

Features

Class A Spectral Match

Spectral match is indicated by the first letter in the solar simulators class rating. An ideal spectral match for a solar simulator is based on the percentage of the integrated light intensity in 6 spectral ranges. A solar simulator with a Class A spectral match may not deviate more than 0.75 to 1.25 times the ideal percentage in each spectral range. Spectral match for all Oriel solar simulator models installed with the AM 1.5G spectral correction filter is shown to easily meet IEC, JIS, and ASTM Class A requirements. For more information about these solar simulator standards, please see our "Solar Simulator Standards — Definitions & Comparisons" technical note.

Class B Spatial Uniformity of Irradiance

The irradiance uniformity over the working area is indicated by the second letter in a solar simulator class rating, and is the most difficult requirement to achieve and maintain. Hot spots can lead to significant errors in measured cell efficiency and can cause inaccurate binning of cells. The Class B spatial uniformity performance standard is designed to minimize the impact of hot spots and meets the Class B requirements for the standards. The plot shows the uniformity of the irradiance across a typical 2 x 2 inch simulator working area. For more information about these solar simulator standards, please see our "Solar Simulator Standards — Definitions & Comparisons" technical note.

Class B Temporal Stability

Temporal stability is the third performance parameter of Class ABB standards. It requires that the output light be stable over time in order to ensure that the lamp fluctuations do not distort the measurements of solar cell efficiency. The Sol1A Class ABB meets Class B stability standards for all three standards without the need for a feedback based controller, but can be upgraded with our optional Digital Exposure System to substantially reduces lamp output fluctuation to values that are significantly better than the Class B standard. For more information about these solar simulator standards, please see our "Solar Simulator Standards — Definitions & Comparisons" technical note.

Typical Output Variation of a 1.6 kW Oriel Sol1A Solar Simulator Over Time.

Illuminator Housing

The Sol1A housing provides a safe enclosure for the lamp. It is equipped with safety interlock systems to ensure operator and system safety. An integral fan(s) and filter blower provides forced air-cooling to maintain optimal lamp, optics and housing temperature.

Integrated Shutter

The Oriel Sol1A Class ABB Solar Simulator includes a shutter that is a rugged, single-blade shutter design specified for 1 million cycles. Real-world performance has exceeded 10 million cycles. The shutter has a minimum exposure time of 200 ms and can be controlled via a contact closure or logic level input, or a convenient push-button switch on the illuminator housing.

Xenon Arc Lamp

The Oriel Sol1A Class ABB Solar Simulator source is a CW system. This enables testing of all cell materials unlike flash lamp-based systems that are limited by the response time of the material. Regardless of model chosen, the lamp is an ozone-free xenon short arc lamp. Your system is certified with the lamp which is shipped with the unit to insure meeting the performance stated. For continuous production environments, we recommend purchasing replacement lamps when the source is purchased, and certifying each lamp. This will ensure Class A spectral match certification as lamps are replaced.

Air Mass 1.5G Filter

The combination of lamp and air mass filter produces the characteristic Class A spectrum. Our Air Mass 1.5G filter retains its optical properties through the life of the lamp. Replacement filters are sold separately.

Power Supply

The highly regulated power supply provides constant electrical power to the Xenon lamp. Lamp usage can be monitored in accumulated hours from the power supply. It is important to replace the lamp at the end of its rated life to maintain the minimum 1 sun output with appropriate spectral match. The lamp’s output and spectral match can not be assured with continued use beyond the specified lifetime (@1000 hours).

Customize Output Beam Direction

We offer the ability to change the direction of the output beam from the standard downward facing configuration. This is ideal for experimental set ups where the device under test cannot be placed directly underneath the instrument. The upward facing (SR1) configuration allows for the solar simulator to be placed underneath a glovebox and illuminate a sample through the port window. This is also convenient for electrical connections to back-contact solar cells while ensuring the entire active area is illuminated. Sideways facing (SR3 or SR4) configurations provide complete flexibility with mounting a device under test. These options are available for most beam sizes. Contact Newport Sales for more information.

Maintaining The Oriel Sol1A Class ABB Solar Simulator

Oriel Sol1A Class ABB Solar Simulators maintain Class ABB standards during the specified lifetime of the lamp. When the lamp is replaced, the instrument may fall outside of Class ABB performance. Spatial uniformity is the most difficult requirement to meet and maintain. In order to facilitate the measurements and adjustments necessary to maintain spatial uniformity, the Newport team offers a field recertification service performed by a qualified engineer. Extended warranties and installation service are also available. Contact Newport Sales for further information.

Optional Reference Cell

A calibrated reference cell is an integral part of solar simulator calibration and solar cell I-V characterization. The Oriel model 91150V consists of a readout meter and a 2 x 2 cm calibrated solar cell made of monocrystalline silicon. The cell is also equipped with a thermocouple assembled in accordance with IEC 60904-2. The certification is accredited by NIST to the ISO-17025 standard and is traceable both to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and to the International System of Units (SI). It reads solar simulator irradiance in "SUN" units; where one SUN is equal to 1000 W/m2 at 25 °C and AM 1.5G. The meter includes two connectors for analog outputs for the sun irradiance and the temperature.
We also offer reference cells with KG5 windows in place of the quartz window.

Oriel Solar Simulator Set Up Demonstration

Getting any solar simulator up and running is a straightforward process, as demonstrated in this video.

PhotoVoltaic Calibration Lab

We are proud to house and manage one of the few commercial photovoltaic and calibration test laboratories in the world. The Photovoltaic Calibration and Test Laboratory is accredited by A2LA to the ISO/IEC 17025 Standard, using state of the art equipment for measurements in accordance with ASTM E948 and E1021. The lab welcomes requests for prototype PV device performance measurements or PV reference cell calibrations. Flexible scheduling and rapid turnaround time ensure minimal downtime to time sensitive devices.

Characterizing I-V Curves of PhotoVoltaic Cells

We offer test solutions to measure current-voltage (IV) characteristics of PV cells. Models are available in 1, 3, 5, or 10 amps configurations, determined by the current generated by the device under test. Solutions include the source meter, cabling, and IV Test Station software to capture data quickly and easily. Additional mounting, probing, and temperature control accessories are available. Oriel IV test solutions are designed to work with any Oriel solar simulator.

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