A solar simulation research with an academic learning experience

This paper aims to explain the unique learning process students from the Solar Simulator Research Team passed through while working in a solar simulation and instrumentation development research project. The project was started based on the need, of various groups in the university, for a tool to perform indoor tests to photovoltaic systems, because of this the team decided to design and construct a solar simulator. A Solar simulator is an instrument used to imitate the spectrum and irradiation of the sunlight [8]; usually used to test photovoltaic panels in a controlled environment. The goal of this research is to create a LED solar simulator. However, to exceed LED solar simulators already in the market, the device the team is aiming for will be cost-effective, transportable and accessible to educational entities with a limited budget for instrumentation or research. The research is interdisciplinary, combining students from mechanical, electrical and industrial engineering majors.