Development of a Low Budget Solar Simulator for Testing the Solar Radiation Effects

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a low-cost solar simulator designed for testing the effects of solar radiation on various materials and photovoltaic cells. The simulator aims to replicate the solar spectrum identified as AM1.5G, adhering to the IEC 60068-2-5 standard, while significantly reducing acquisition costs compared to commercially available devices. The construction utilizes light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as the primary light source due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and spectral adjustability. An optical simulation was conducted using Ansys SPEOS software to optimize the LED arrangement and ensure uniform spectral irradiance across a test area of 200mm×200 mm. The results indicate that while the simulator meets several spectral requirements, further modifications are necessary to improve radiation intensity and homogeneity. This research contributes to the accessibility of solar testing technologies for educational and research institutions with limited budgets.