Newport now offers its Sol3A family variety of Class AAA solar simulator products for demanding photovoltaic (PV) applications, marketed under the company's Oriel brand. The company offers the largest output beam available at 300 x 300mm (12 x 12-inch). The constant-wave (CW) sources use a xenon lamp and feature a highly stable, proprietary spectral correction filter and unique optical design to meet Class A performance qualifications, including spectral match, non-uniformity of irradiance, and temporal instability for all three standards (IEC, JIS, and ASTM). The large beam output is a new addition to Oriel's line of solar simulators (which range in size from 50 x 50mm, 100 x 100mm, 150 x 150mm, and 200 x 200mm) offering maximum flexibility for PV test and measurement capabilities. Class AAA performance makes the Sol3A family ideal for demanding photovoltaic applications that require a constant-wave light source.
The Sol3A solar simulator features easy lamp replacement of the 1600W xenon lamp, and requires no special hard wiring to the electrical mains. It offers a highly-collimated output ideally suited for concentrator applications. With the available (optional) partial sun attenuator, the Sol3A meets the performance criteria at the standard 1 Sun output power and allows for variable partial sun settings. Like all Sol3A products, the 300 x 300mm model has a black non-reflective finish to minimise stray light, and also incorporates captive screws for all panels that require user access to facilitate lamp replacement, alignment, and filter changes. Temperature sensors and safety interlocks prevent inadvertent exposure to UV light, ensuring the safety of the operator.