The system enables measurements under controlled irradiation, spectrum and temperature conditions. According to Ciemat, it can combine 0.4% spatial radiation uniformity, 500 ms illumination pulses and dynamic IV acquisition to accurately test high-capacity photovoltaic modules in a single pulse.
Spain Center for Energy, Environment and Technological Research (CIEMAT) has commissioned a state-of-the-art large-area solar simulator designed for the electrical characterization of commercial photovoltaic modules and the experimental study of emerging PV technologies, the institute said. pv magazine.
The new system, developed by CIEMAT’s Photovoltaic Solar Energy Unit, enables highly accurate current-voltage (IV) measurements under tightly controlled irradiance, spectral distribution and temperature conditions. The simulator is specifically designed for testing full-size commercial PV modules while providing flexibility for research into next-generation technologies.
The core of the system consists of a multi-spectral LED array consisting of emitter modules arranged on 15 cm x 15 cm plates covering the entire test area of the module. The configuration includes 37 LED types and 32 independently controlled spectral channels, allowing the system to accurately reproduce the solar spectrum.
According to CIEMAT, the simulator achieves a spatial radiation uniformity of better than 0.4%. It can also generate lighting pulses of up to 500 ms. Combined with dynamic IV acquisition, this capability enables accurate testing of photovoltaic modules with high electrical capacity in a single pulse.
The combination of long pulse duration, dynamic voltage swing control and high temporal stability enables accurate characterization of modern high-efficiency modules, the institute said. Independent spectral channel control also allows researchers to optimize spectral matching for various photovoltaic technologies, including crystalline silicon, heterojunction (HJT), PERC, TOPCon, perovskites and thin-film devices.
CIEMAT notes that this multispectral LED approach offers improved spectral tuning compared to conventional solar simulators based on xenon lamps.
The system features a high-speed acquisition platform that can perform dynamic IV curve sweeps during the illumination pulse, simultaneously recording current and voltage. Based on these measurements, the simulator determines the most important electrical parameters of photovoltaic modules, including short-circuit current, no-load voltage, maximum power, maximum power point (MPP) and fill factor (FF).
The equipment also supports radiation and temperature corrections in accordance with the procedures defined in IEC 60904-9.
Based on the measured performance, the simulator achieves a classification of A+++ / A++ / A+++ according to the IEC 60904-9 criteria for solar simulators. The classifier evaluates three key parameters: spectral match, spatial uniformity and temporal stability.
CIEMAT said the simulator’s performance exceeds the requirements for Class A devices, making it one of the most accurate solar simulation systems currently available.
The simulator is also integrated with a large-volume thermal chamber that allows testing of modules over a wide temperature range. This configuration allows researchers to perform electrical characterization under controlled thermal conditions.
The setup supports studies of module temperature coefficients, maximum power point variations with temperature and electrical behavior under representative operating conditions.
According to CIEMAT, the combination of the solar simulator with temperature-controlled test infrastructure provides a powerful experimental platform for evaluating the performance of photovoltaic modules under conditions that closely mimic field practice.
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