Solar Simulator Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2022-2030)

Solar Simulator is defined as a device that provides illumination approximating natural sunlight. The purpose of the solar simulator is to provide a controllable indoor test facility under laboratory conditions. It can be used for the testing of any processes or materials that are photosensitive, including solar cells, sunscreen, cosmetics, plastics, aerospace materials, skin cancer, bioluminescence, photosynthesis, water treatment, crude-oil degradation, and free radical formation. Solar simulators are used in a wide range of research areas including photobiology, photo-oxidation, photodegradation, photovoltaics, and photocatalysis. Additionally, it works as a light source that approximates the illumination of natural sunlight. The ability of a solar simulator to approximate natural sunlight is based on three criteria: spectral match, spatial non-uniformity of irradiance, and temporal instability.

The Solar Simulator Market is expected to grow at a steady rate of around 6% owing to the increasing need for green energy coupled with the evolving solar industry. Major companies in the market are merging with other players for increasing their market for solar simulators. For instance, in Dec 2020, WAVELABS and Aurora Solar Technologies announced their strategic partnership for the integration and marketing of their Insight and LED solar simulator products.

Based on light source, the market is segmented into Xenon Arc Lamp, Metal Halide Arc lamp, LED Lamp, UV Lamp, and QTH Lamp. Xenon Arc Lamp category is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This is mainly owing to the increasing demand for reliable and accurate testing methods, advancements in technology, and government initiatives promoting the use of renewable energy sources. Also, the spectrum of the xenon arc lamp closely approximates that of the sun, with high levels of UV radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation. This allows researchers and manufacturers to test the performance of solar cells and modules under conditions that closely resemble those experienced in the real world.

On the basis of dimension, the market is categorized into Class AAA, Class ABA, and Class ABB. Among these, Class AAA is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This is mainly due to the high level of accuracy and precision in replicating the solar spectrum and intensity. The demand for Class AAA solar simulators is also being driven by government regulations and industry standards. Many countries and regions have implemented regulations and standards that require solar cells and modules to meet certain performance criteria. For example, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has established standards for solar simulators used in the testing of solar cells and modules.

Based on application, the solar simulator market has been classified into PV Cell Module & Material Testing, UV Testing of Materials & Products, Automotive Testing, Biomass Study, and others. The PV Cell Module & Material Testing segment is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This is mainly due to the PV Cell Module & Material Testing being used for utility, residential and commercial sector.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of the solar simulator industry, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in the countries such as North America (U.S., Canada, Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Rest of World. APAC is anticipated to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. This is mainly due to the increasing adoption of solar simulators as these are the devices that replicate the solar spectrum and intensity for testing and measuring the performance of solar cells and modules in the emerging economies of the region is driving the growth of the market. Moreover, increasing demand for renewable energy sources, government initiatives promoting the use of solar energy, and advancements in technology is further expected to support the market growth. In addition, many manufacturers and researchers require accurate testing and performance data to improve the efficiency and reliability of solar cells and modules further accelerating the ATV market growth in the region.

Some of the major players operating in the market include: ABET TECHNOLOGIES, INC; Asahi Spectra USA Inc.; Schneider Electric; Spectrolab; Meyer Burger; TS-Space Systems LTD; Solar Light Company, LLC.; G2V Optics Inc.; Gsola.cn.; IWASAKI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.