From an existing large area pulsed solar simulator to a high intensity pulsed solar simulator: Characterization, standard classification and first results at ESTI

The development and the characterization of ESTI's new high intensity pulsed solar simulator for concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) cells is presented, as the upgrade of an old large area pulsed solar simulator. The new setup is currently able to reach intensities as high as 1500 suns over a testing area of few centimeter diameter. Classification according to the international standard IEC 60904-9 and the ASTM 927-09 standard is given, resulting in a Class CAA solar simulator. Class C spectrum does not affect the characterization of single-junction CPV devices, thanks to the use of proper reference cells to reduce the spectral mismatch. Nevertheless, a better classification is needed to allow the current-voltage characterization of multi-junction CPV cells. The improvement is ongoing, but a better current balance is already shown when proper spectrally selective filters are used.