Potential for LED solar simulators

LED solar simulators have been discussed recently as a potential next generation solar simulator. This contribution evaluates the possibilities of generating a light field of appropriate spectrum with good uniformity. LEDs have very different optical characteristics compared to standard lights and this needs to be considered in the optical design. The aim in this paper is to achieve a close spectral match to the AM1.5 solar spectrum from 350nm to 1300nm. A total irradiance of 1000 W/m2 needs to be acquired. Additionally, the non-uniformity of light needs to be equal to or less than 1%. The key to mix spectra and achieve the desired intensity and uniformity is the optics. This paper evaluates different optical layouts to assess the potential for fully LED based solar simulators. The TIRs perform better collecting more light than other optics tested

Towards a fully LED-based solar simulator - spectral mismatch considerations

LED solar simulators have a high potential for high quality characterisation of solar cells. One of the main challenges is to achieve a close spectral match to the AM1.5 solar spectrum from 350nm to 1300nm. The main sources of measurement uncertainty are the spectral mismatch, the non-uniformity of light and the reference cell. The spectral mismatch can increase the measurement uncertainty significantly. In order to minimize a major uncertainty factor a close spectral match needs to be acquired. It will be shown that the usage of LEDs, which are narrow wavelength emitting light sources, can improve the measurement accuracy of the solar simulator by accurately matching the solar spectrum. The process of choosing the best combination of wavelengths and the LED population per wavelength is a complex, dual optimization problem. This paper evaluates the optimisation algorithms chosen and examines the influence of different fitness functions in acquiring a Class A+ spectral match

LEDs based characterisation of photovoltaic devices

This work discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using LEDs in a solar simulator. Details of a prototype simulator developed in CREST are given and ongoing developments of the system are discussed. Possible applications unique to simulators using LEDs are outlined, which show its potential to outperform conventional systems and reduce measurement uncertainties while at the same time offering an extensive variety of device performance investigation avenues

Potential for LED solar simulators

LED solar simulators have been discussed recently as a potential next generation solar simulator. This contribution evaluates the possibilities of generating a light field of appropriate spectrum with good uniformity. LEDs have very different optical characteristics compared to standard lights and this needs to be considered in the optical design. The aim in this paper is to achieve a close spectral match to the AM1.5 solar spectrum from 350nm to 1300nm. A total irradiance of 1000 W/m2 needs to be acquired. Additionally, the non-uniformity of light needs to be equal to or less than 1%. The key to mix spectra and achieve the desired intensity and uniformity is the optics. This paper evaluates different optical layouts to assess the potential for fully LED based solar simulators. The TIRs perform better collecting more light than other optics tested