Application - Photovoltaic Devices

Solar Simulator for Photovoltaic Research

Test tandems, thin films, Si, and beyond with one instrument

Our LED Solar Simulators Are Trusted By

Precision Light for Photovoltaic Cell Testing

Photovoltaic cell research depends on one simple question: how does a device perform under controlled and repeatable light? For conventional silicon cells, this often means testing under a standard AM1.5G spectrum at 1 sun. For emerging photovoltaic technologies, however, the question is more complex. Tandem cells, multi-junction devices, perovskites, organic photovoltaics, indoor PV, and space-oriented solar cells can all respond differently to changes in spectrum, intensity, angle, temperature, and time.

That is why precision solar simulation is about producing the right spectrum, at the right intensity, with the right stability, and with the ability to repeat the same condition later. In photovoltaic labs, small spectral differences can change short-circuit current, current matching, efficiency, degradation behavior, and performance ranking between devices. This is especially important because multi-junction and tandem solar cells often require spectrally adjustable simulators to correctly balance the response of each sub-cell.

A high-quality LED solar simulator gives researchers direct control over light conditions. Instead of relying on a fixed lamp spectrum, researchers can tune wavelengths, adjust irradiance, reproduce AM1.5G or AM0 conditions, simulate low-light environments, and study location- or time-dependent sunlight profiles. This helps PV labs move from basic illumination toward controlled, wavelength-resolved photovoltaic characterization.

Create the Future of Solar With Better Photovoltaic Testing

Solar-powered devices are one of the keys to creating a cleaner, more sustainable world. Making these devices effective and scalable means creating realistic and repeatable test conditions. When researching and developing PV devices, your light sources should never be “good enough.”

People depend on your research. You need to depend on your solar simulation.

At G2V, we’ve created large- and small-area solar simulation lights that provide the precision you need to accurately innovate, test, and iterate – easily, efficiently, and repeatedly.

reproduce sunlight

LED Solar Simulation for Photovoltaic Cell Testing

2.5 cm x 2.5 cm
350 nm - 1500 nm
32 tunable channels
2 year warranty
10,000 hour lifetime
Replicate any solar spectra including AM1.5G, AM0 – AM40
Python API (part of the optional Variable Spectra module) to automate testing

Get a solar simulator that supports every stage of your PV validation.

15 cm x 15 cm (Class AAA) and 10 cm x 10 cm (Class A+A+A+)
350 nm - 1200 nm
32 tunable channels
2 year warranty
20,000 hour lifetime
Replicate any solar spectra including AM1.5G & AM0
Integrated Python API
Plug and Play with Keithley models (2400 and 2460) for IV capture
Enhanced GUI and improved user function

The Sunbrick provides a stable platform to grow with your PV cells.

Photovoltaic Cell Testing Needs and Most Common Requests

PV researchers usually need more than a simple light source. They need a controlled experimental platform that supports standard testing, advanced characterization, and repeatable research workflows.

Common requests include:

Reproducing AM1.5G for terrestrial PV testing
Reproducing AM0 for space-oriented photovoltaic applications
Testing at 1 sun, low light, or elevated irradiance conditions
Measuring I-V curves with stable and repeatable illumination
Studying tandem and multi-junction current matching
Testing perovskite, organic, dye-sensitized, thin-film, and silicon cells
Running long-term stability and degradation experiments
Simulating indoor lighting conditions for IoT and low-power electronics
Studying diurnal cycles using automated intensity and spectral control
Creating and saving custom light recipes for repeatable testing
Integrating the simulator with SMUs, potentiostats, reference cells, spectrometers, and automated lab workflows
Reducing thermal artifacts caused by unwanted infrared heating
Comparing how devices perform under different geographic or seasonal sunlight conditions

For many labs, the most valuable feature is not only high classification under standard conditions. It is the ability to control, save, repeat, and modify light conditions based on the photovoltaic technology being tested.

Customize the intensity and wavelength profiles

We test the performance of our perovskite solar cells in a special chamber that controls variables like humidity and temperature to measure their behavior in real-life conditions. At the heart of our chamber is solar illumination, provided by the G2V Sunbrick simulator. The ability to customize the intensity and wavelength profiles, all while maintaining excellent uniformity and stability has been key in our perovskite manufacturing process.

Ajan Ramachandran, PhD

Optics Research Scientist, Rayleigh Solar Tech

Photovoltaic Testing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I’m developing a solar cell with a wider bandwidth of spectral responsibility. Can an LED solar simulator produce the light I need further in the infrared region?

Yes. LED technology has come a long way and continues to develop at a rapid pace, which has allowed longer and longer wavelength infrared LEDs to become commercially available.

Aren’t long-wavelength infrared LEDs so expensive that the solar simulator I need will cost too much?

No. Infrared LEDs are somewhat more expensive because they are newer technology, but G2V has worked hard to ensure that the overall solar simulator cost is on par or cheaper than competing technologies.

I’m moving from small device testing to large solar panels. Do you have a solution for that?

Yes! For large-area solar simulation, see the G2V Sunbrick, which can be tiled into arrays as large as you need.

I’m testing devices with specific current and voltage ranges, and am unsure if the Pico’s IV module will meet my needs.

If you haven’t gotten the answers you need from the Pico spec sheet, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to discuss your particular application.

Knowledge Base

Our Expertise. Your Home Base.

We ensure that our customers have access to resources that help them understand more about our products, relevant applications, and standards. Visit the knowledge base to learn more about the field of solar simulation, Class AAA standards, Aerospace PV, and more.

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Talk to a Photovoltaic Expert About Your Project

You’re building a more sustainable world. You’re creating a better future. You deserve the information you need, when you need it.

That’s why we’d love to be in touch. We want to know if our innovations can make your project work better, your research be more accurate, and your product get to market more quickly. So let’s talk about your needs. We’re curious about what you’re working on.