Service & Support

Knowledge Base

FAQs - Solar Simulator

What is the Solar Spectrum?

Sunlight is electromagnetic radiation from the sun across its entire spectrum, closely resembling that of a 5,800K black body. 99.9% of its energy is concentrated in the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet regions. In order of increasing wavelength, it is divided into five regions: UVC (100-280 nm), UVB (280-315 nm), UVA (315-400 nm), Visible Light (400-760 nm), and Infrared (760 nm – 1 mm)

Air Mass (AM) defines the effect of the Earth’s atmosphere on the solar radiation reaching the surface. Different AM values represent different solar spectra. It is calculated by the formula: AM = 1 / cosθ, where θ is the solar zenith angle (the angle between sunlight and the ground).
  • AM0: Means “zero atmosphere,” referring to the spectrum outside the Earth’s atmosphere, approximating 5800K blackbody radiation. Used for characterizing solar cells for space applications. Irradiance is about 1366 W/m².
  • AM1: Means “one atmosphere,” referring to the spectrum when the sun is directly overhead and sunlight passes vertically through the atmosphere to sea level.
  • AM1.5: Represents sunlight passing through 1.5 times the atmospheric thickness, corresponding to a solar zenith angle θ=48.2°. This is the standard condition for terrestrial photovoltaic testing.
  • AM1.5D (Direct): Direct beam radiation. The component of sunlight that reaches the test plane directly after passing through the atmosphere at a 48.2° angle.
  • AM1.5G (Global): Global total radiation. Includes both the direct beam radiation and all the diffuse radiation from various angles that reaches the test plane.

According to standard IEC 60904-3, under standard test conditions:

  • The irradiance intensity for AM1.5G is 1000 W/m² (or 100 mW/cm²).
  • The irradiance intensity for AM1.5D is 900 W/m² (or 90 mW/cm²).
  •  
  • Solar Constant: The total solar irradiance received perpendicular to the sun’s rays outside the Earth’s atmosphere, approximately 1366 W/m². This intensity is referred to as ‘One Sun’ under AM0 conditions.
  • 1 Sun: Commonly refers to the irradiance of 1000 W/m² under standard terrestrial test conditions (AM1.5G).

International standards ASTM and IEC define different spectral ranges. IEC 60904-9 defines two standard spectral ranges for terrestrial photovoltaics:

  • Restricted Range: 400 nm to 1100 nm
  • Extended Range: 300 nm to 1200 nm
    •  

According to IEC 60904-9, a solar simulator is equipment equipped with a light source whose spectral distribution approximates natural sunlight, used for determining the characteristics of photovoltaic devices. It is an artificial light source that mimics the sun’s spectrum and intensity.

Applications are broad, including:

  • Energy Science (Solar cell testing, Hydrogen production)
  • Biotechnology (Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics testing)
  • Materials Application & Development (Photocatalysis, Material testing)
  • Construction (Weathering tests, Coatings research)
  • Agricultural Science (Cultivation experiments)
  • Environmental Engineering

According to the international standard IEC 60904-9, performance is evaluated based on three key parameters:

  1. Spectral Match: Conformity to the standard AM1.5 spectrum.
  2. Spatial Non-Uniformity: Uniformity of irradiance across the test plane.
  3. Temporal Instability: Stability of the output beam over time.

IEC 60904-9 classifies each of the three performance parameters into four grades: A+, A, B, C. The overall simulator class is denoted by three letters, representing the grade for Spectral Match, Non-Uniformity, and Instability in that order (e.g., CBA means Class C Spectral Match, Class B Uniformity, Class A Instability).

An AAA Solar Simulator refers to a simulator whose three key performance parameters—Spectral Match, Spatial Non-Uniformity, and Temporal Instability—all achieve the highest Class A rating.

  • Short-term Instability (STI): 
    Evaluates the fluctuation in light intensity at the moment of a single IV data point acquisition (simultaneous measurement of voltage, current, and irradiance).
  • Long-term Instability (LTI): 
    Evaluates the fluctuation in light intensity during the entire IV curve sweep.

  • Laboratories

  • Automotive/Aerospace industries

  • Semiconductor material testing

  • PV cell manufacturing

  • Agriculture & Technology sectors

FAQs - UV Equiment

Does SAN-EI have a machine that I can use for adhesion of refined parts?

With our UVF serious and variety of fibers and lenses can work for that. We have experiences working with big companies and have sold thousands of our machines. Please trust and contact us.

Specified wavelength transmission filter (B and Pass Filter) with either UVF series (small size, high power) or UVE series (80~300mm, equalized irradiation light) can work. Based on UV energy (mj/cm²) and irradiation diameter that customers request, output of lamp can be selected.

With UVM-MP from UVM series, it is possible. We can observe and monitor 6 devices of UV strength (mW/c‡u) with one UVM-MP at the maximum level. When relay amplifier box installs, it works even though measuring instrument and UV device are 10m far from each other.

We have wide experiences to make the light source of Mask aligner device for each brand. (UVE series) We try to cooperate with Aligner device companies to make proposal for custom-made. Our products can also work for the light imprinter of recent nano-imprinter. Please consult with us.

  • Printing & Coatings
  • Electronics
  • Medical Devices
  • Optics & Glass
  • Automotive & Aerospace

Solutions

perovskite solar cells

Perovskite Solar Cells

SAN-EI has provided numerous solar simulators and measurement-related systems to domestic and overseas research institutes and companies for many years. This experience allowed us to accumulate a wealth of know-how and technology in solar cell research and development and manufacturing.

E-Catalog

Need Help with Easier Industrial Solutions? We Are Experts!

Contact us