PAConsult
Solar simulation
What is the goal of a solar radiation?
The purpose of sun simulation is to determine how resistant a product is to direct sunlight.
These findings help to detect colour or structural changes early on, enabling the manufacturer to react during development. Consequently, this test plays a key role in improving product quality and durability. Sun simulation demonstrates how resistant a product is to combined UV and infrared radiation.
Parameters such as light transmission, heat resistance, and the evaporation of plasticisers from plastics are also tested.
Plastics, colours and surfaces can undergo changes under the influence of solar radiation that vary depending on the type of material and the duration of exposure. Possible effects are:
- Plastics can become brittle, leading to cracking and breakage, or colour changes can occur, causing plastics to fade or turn yellow.
- Surfaces oxidize or their structural integrity is impaired, resulting in a loss of gloss or a change in texture.
What happens during a solar simulation?
Using a solar radiation test, PAConsult can simulate different temperatures and solar intensities depending on the time of day. The levels of sharpness can be taken from a standard or specified freely by the customer (e.g. using a global radiation map or Global Solar Atlas).
This allows you to test your products in various relevant climatic conditions and ensure they can withstand radiation influences.
In which areas is a solar simulation used?
Sun simulation is used, for example, in:
- Automotive: paints, plastics, materials for seats
- Aerospace:Solar cells, thermal insulation systems, surface coatings
- Shipping: Paints for outer shells, plastics on deck and interior, navigation instruments, sensors
- DefenseCoatings, sensors and equipment for military vehicles, personal equipment for soldiers
- Electronics:Solar modules, displays, sensors
Standards: DIN EN 60068-2-5, MIL-STD-810
Accredited testing laboratory PAConsult
Experience & expertise
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Dirk Paulsen
Technical management & sales
"I am personally at your side“
Dirk Paulsen has been with the company since 2007 and has been responsible for sales across all locations since 2024. As technical manager, he was and is significantly involved in the establishment and further development of our laboratories in Hamburg, Baden-Württemberg, Berlin and Switzerland. His many years of expertise and his cross-industry specialist knowledge of all testing methods make him the ideal contact person for complex and innovative projects.
"Whether standard tests or customized individual solutions. I am happy to help and advise you with any concerns - together we will find the best solution“
