Standardized testing can accelerate indoor solar power for smart devices
Researchers from Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) School of Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE) have introduced a new framework to standardize indoor solar testing – an advance that could accelerate the deployment of self-powered smart devices and increase confidence in performance data across the field.
Led by SEE Professor Vincenzo Pecunia and his Sustainable Optoelectronics Research Group, the study sets a benchmark for accurate, reproducible measurement of indoor photovoltaic (IPV) efficiency under real lighting conditions. The work, recently published in the journal Joule, marks SFU’s first research article to appear in the powerhouse energy publication – and the university’s first journal cover in Joule.
Indoor solar photovoltaics convert ambient light into electricity to power small electronics such as sensors, IoT systems and smart devices. These technologies could reduce dependence on disposable batteries, which pose major environmental problems due to their toxic chemical components and waste. However, IPV testing has long been hampered by inconsistent measurement methods arising from the high variability of indoor lighting environments.
“IPV development requires accurate, benchmarkable performance data, which is currently hampered by inconsistencies in characterization and benchmarking methods,” Pecunia said. “The field is currently facing a reliability crisis, with reported progress often overshadowed by measurement inaccuracies.”
To address this, the SFU team analyzed how various test setups and lighting conditions affect performance results. They found that IPV efficiency measurements can vary dramatically under diffuse or scattered light – the type most common indoors – making data difficult to compare between laboratories. The researchers developed a series of standardized testing strategies to ensure that IPV performance measurements remain reliable under realistic lighting scenarios.
Their work also addresses a major gap in how indoor light spectra are classified. The research found that simply describing a lamp as ‘warm white’ or ‘cool white’ is insufficient, as these labels cover hundreds of spectral variations. To overcome this, the group has proposed a universal ‘reference cell’ that acts as a calibration tool and translates indoor lighting into standardized performance benchmarks for different research facilities.
By establishing a consistent foundation for IPV characterization and reporting, Pecunia and his team aim to remove one of the key barriers to commercial adoption. Their guidelines are expected to help researchers and manufacturers design more efficient devices capable of harvesting light from everyday indoor environments, powering the next generation of smart, sustainable technology.
Research report:Accurate performance characterization, reporting and benchmarking for indoor solar photovoltaics
