Solar Simulators and Light Sources

Solar simulators and light sources produce a simulated solar spectrum for plant growth, material-degradation simulations, weathering tests for coatings, photovoltaic (PV) cell testing, sunblock evaluations, and window transmission studies. Product features may include a computer interface, hour meter or timer, internal filter, light emitting diode (LED) source, and multiple wands. Solar simulators and light sources that are pulsed or NIST-traceable are also available. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce.

There are many applications for solar simulators and light simulators. Some products are designed to test coatings and paints, paper and labels, optical components, or plastic and rubber. Others are used to study degradation and weathering, photostability and color fastness, plant growth, or packaging effectiveness. Solar simulators and light sources for PV cells and solar cells, textile studies, and transmission studies are also commonly available. Products that are designated as standards or references sources can provide a reference for comparison the attributes of a system, material or component.

Solar simulators and light sources carry specifications for spectral range and illuminated area. Choices for spectral range include full spectrum, UVA (long wave), UVB (middle band), UVC (short wave), and visible light. Lamp output power and lamp intensity are also important parameters to consider. With regard to illuminated area, solar simulators and light sources are defined by illuminated width and illuminated length. Solar simulators and light sources with other product specifications and features may also be available.

Selecting solar simulators and light sources requires an understanding of available configurations. Solar chambers consist of a power supply, light source and enclosure. The enclosure or chamber provides a work surface and shields the operator from radiation. Flood lamps are solar simulators and light sources that provide a broad or wide beam of light. By contrast, focused lamps provide a narrow or collimated beam of light. Portable or handheld solar simulators and light sources can be carried manually. Spot or wand systems are benchtop units that provide a beam of light with a relatively small spot size. Wall or ceiling-mounted systems consists of a power supply, light source and bracket for attachment to a wall or ceiling.

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