Sol2A Class ABA Solar Simulators

The Oriel^® Sol2A™ Class ABA systems take solar simulation to the next level. Certified to IEC 60904-9 Edition 2 (2007), JIS 8904-9 (2017), and ASTM E927-10 (2015) standards, these large area SOL 2A sources use a xenon lamp and proprietary filter to meet, efficiently and reliably, Class ABA performance parameters without compromising the 1.0 SUN output power. The result is a cost-effective system designed for laboratory and/or production environments.

Class A spectral match
Class B spatial non-uniformity of irradiance
Class A temporal instability
Temperature sensors and interlocks ensure operator safety
Includes Class ABA calibration certificate for IEC, ASTM and JIS

See All Features

	Compare	Description	Compatibility	Drawings, CAD & Specs	Avail.	Price
		94042A Class ABA Solar SimulatorsSolar Simulator, Class ABA, 450 W, 4 x 4 in., 4° Collimated Output	UNIVERSAL
		94062A Class ABA Solar SimulatorsSolar Simulator, Class ABA, 1000 W, 6 x 6 in., 3° Collimated Output	UNIVERSAL
		94082A Class ABA Solar SimulatorsSolar Simulator, Class ABA, 1600 W, 8 x 8 in., 2° Collimated Output	UNIVERSAL

Features

Customize Output Beam Direction

We offer the ability to change the direction of the output beam from the standard downward facing configuration. This is ideal for experimental set ups where the device under test cannot be placed directly underneath the instrument. The upward facing (SR1) configuration allows for the solar simulator to be placed underneath a glovebox and illuminate a sample through the port window. This is also convenient for electrical connections to back-contact solar cells while ensuring the entire active area is illuminated. Sideways facing (SR3 or SR4) configurations provide complete flexibility with mounting a device under test. These options are available for most beam sizes. Contact Newport Sales for more information.

Class A Spectral Match

Spectral match is indicated by the first letter in the solar simulators class rating. An ideal spectral match for a solar simulator is based on the percentage of the integrated light intensity in 6 spectral ranges. A solar simulator with a Class A spectral match may not deviate more than 0.75 to 1.25 times the ideal percentage in each spectral range. Spectral match for all Oriel solar simulator models installed with the AM 1.5G spectral correction filter is shown to easily meet IEC, JIS, and ASTM Class A requirements. For more information about these solar simulator standards, please see our "Solar Simulator Standards — Definitions & Comparisons" technical note.

Class B Spatial Uniformity of Irradiance

The irradiance uniformity over the working area is indicated by the second letter in a solar simulator class rating, and is the most difficult requirement to achieve and maintain. Hot spots can lead to significant errors in measured cell efficiency and can cause inaccurate binning of cells. The Class B spatial uniformity performance standard is designed to minimize the impact of hot spots and meets the Class B requirements for the standards. The plot shows the uniformity of the irradiance across a typical 2 x 2 inch simulator working area. For more information about these solar simulator standards, please see our "Solar Simulator Standards — Definitions & Comparisons" technical note.

Class A Temporal Stability

Temporal stability is the third performance parameter of solar simulators. It requires that the output light be stable over time in order to ensure that the lamp fluctuations do not distort the measurement of solar cell efficiency. Newport's solar simulators easily meet the requirements for temporal stability as defined by the IEC, ASTM, and JIS standards. The IEC 60904-9 (2007) has the most stringent requirements for short term instability with a maximum allowable level of 0.5%. Shown is a typical instability response of 0.369% at 50 ms intervals for an 1.6 kW solar simulator. For more information about these solar simulator standards, please see our "Solar Simulator Standards — Definitions & Comparisons" technical note.

Illuminator Housing

The Sol2A housing provides a safe enclosure for the lamp. It is equipped with safety interlock systems to ensure operator and system safety. An integral fan(s) and filter blower provides forced air-cooling to maintain optimal lamp, optics and housing temperature.

Integrated Shutter

The Oriel Sol2A Class ABA Solar Simulator includes a shutter that is a rugged, single-blade shutter design specified for 1 million cycles. Real-world performance has exceeded 10 million cycles. The shutter has a minimum exposure time of 200 ms and can be controlled via a contact closure or logic level input, or a convenient push-button switch on the illuminator housing.

Xenon Arc Lamp

The Oriel Sol2A Class ABA Solar Simulator source is a CW system. This enables testing of all cell materials unlike flashlamp-based systems that are limited by the response time of the material. Regardless of model chosen, the lamp is an ozone-free xenon short arc lamp. Your system is certified with the lamp which is shipped with the unit to insure meeting the performance stated. For continuous production environments, we recommend purchasing replacement lamps when the source is purchased, and certifying each lamp. This will ensure Class A spectral match certification as lamps are replaced.

Air Mass 1.5G Filter

The combination of lamp and air mass filter produces the characteristic Class A spectrum. Our Air Mass 1.5G filter retains its optical properties through the life of the lamp. Replacement filters are sold separately.

Power Supply

The highly regulated power supply provides constant electrical power to the Xenon lamp. Lamp usage can be monitored in accumulated hours from the power supply. It is important to replace the lamp at the end of its rated life to maintain the minimum 1 sun output with appropriate spectral match. The lamp’s output and spectral match can not be assured with continued use beyond the specified lifetime (@1000 hours).

Maintaining The Oriel Sol2A Class ABA Solar Simulator

Oriel Sol2A Class ABA Solar Simulators maintain Class ABA standards during the specified lifetime of the lamp. When the lamp is replaced, the instrument may fall outside of Class ABA performance. Spatial uniformity is the most difficult requirement to meet and maintain. In order to facilitate the measurements and adjustments necessary to maintain spatial uniformity, the Newport team offers a field recertification service performed by a qualified engineer. Extended warranties and installation service are also available. Contact Newport Sales for further information.

PhotoVoltaic Calibration Lab

We are proud to house and manage one of the few commercial photovoltaic and calibration test laboratories in the world. The Photovoltaic Calibration and Test Laboratory is accredited by A2LA to the ISO/IEC 17025 Standard, using state of the art equipment for measurements in accordance with ASTM E948 and E1021. The lab welcomes requests for prototype PV device performance measurements or PV reference cell calibrations. Flexible scheduling and rapid turnaround time ensure minimal downtime to time sensitive devices.

Characterizing I-V Curves of PhotoVoltaic Cells

We offer test solutions to measure current-voltage (IV) characteristics of PV cells. Models are available in 1 or 10 amps configurations, determined by the current generated by the device under test. Solutions include the source meter, cabling, and IV Test Station software to capture data quickly and easily. Additional mounting, probing, and temperature control accessories are available. Newport's IV test solutions are designed to work with any of our solar simulators.

Optional Reference Cell

A calibrated reference cell is an integral part of solar simulator calibration and solar cell I-V characterization. The Oriel model 91150V consists of a readout meter and a 2 x 2 cm calibrated solar cell made of monocrystalline silicon. The cell is also equipped with a thermocouple assembled in accordance with IEC 60904-2. The certification is accredited by NIST to the ISO-17025 standard and is traceable both to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and to the International System of Units (SI). It reads solar simulator irradiance in "SUN" units; where one SUN is equal to 1000 W/m2 at 25 °C and AM 1.5G. The meter includes two connectors for analog outputs for the sun irradiance and the temperature.
We also offer reference cells with KG5 windows in place of the quartz window.

Oriel Solar Simulator Set Up Demonstration

Getting any solar simulator up and running is a straightforward process, as demonstrated in this video.

Accessories

Replacement Lamps and Filters

Description	Compatibility	Price
6255 Xenon Arc Lamp, 150 W, Ozone Free	UNIVERSAL	$625
6272 Xenon Arc Lamp, 1000 W, Ozone Free	UNIVERSAL	$1,200
62726 Xenon Arc Lamp, 1600 W, Ozone Free	UNIVERSAL	$2,080
6280NS Xenon Short Arc Lamp, 450 W, Ozone Free	UNIVERSAL	$1,310
81088A Air Mass Filter, AM 1.5 Global, 150 W Simulators Only	UNIVERSAL
81388 Air Mass Filter, AM 1.5 Global	UNIVERSAL

Replacement Power Supplies and Cables

Description	Compatibility	Price
69920 Arc Lamp Power Supply, Universal, 350 to 1000 Watt	UNIVERSAL	$7,175
69922 Arc Lamp Power Supply, Universal, 800 to 1800 Watt	UNIVERSAL	$8,325
70052 Power Supply Cable Set, 6 ft. Length, for 69920 and 69922 Power Supplies	UNIVERSAL	$250

Compatible Accessories

Description	Compatibility	Price
91150-KG5 Calibrated Reference Cell, Meter, KG5 Window	UNIVERSAL	$4,165
91150V Calibrated Reference Cell, Meter, Quartz Window	UNIVERSAL	$4,005
PVIV-10A I-V Test Station, 10 Amp Max, Software and Meter Included	UNIVERSAL
PVIV-1A I-V Test Station, 1 Amp Max, Software and Meter Included	UNIVERSAL