Sunlight simulation in investigating characteristics of small-size sunlight concentrators and multijunction solar cells

Presented are technical solutions on constructing optical systems for experimental simulating the sunlight parameters. Designs of two types of solar simulators are proposed. In the first one, the spectrum and the radiation angular divergence are simulated on the basis of a continuous light source, what corresponds to the principle "necessity and sufficiency" of simulated parameters of the light flux in investigating optical and power characteristics of small-size sunlight concentrators (Fresnel lenses). In the second type simulator, based on a pulsed radiation source, the emphasis has been placed on high-quality simulation of irradiance and spectrum for satisfying requirements in recording current-voltage characteristics of multijunction solar cells and in determining their efficiency.