Solar simulator for indoor characterization of large area high-concentration PV modules

This paper presents a complete description of a novel solar simulator for large area concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules, which has been designed and manufactured at Instituto de Energía Solar of Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (IES-UPM). The main problem overcome in developing such a solar simulator is explained, and a whole description of the system elements is given. In addition, it is presented a characterization of the latest improvements of the simulator, focusing specially in the spectral requirements. The paper also reviews the development history of the simulator until its current commercialization as a tool for the CPV industry.