Accredited
Test Laboratory
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 can oxidise, or their structural integrity can be 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 radiation used?
Sun simulation is used, for example, in:
- Automotives: paints, plastics, materials for seats
- Aerospace: solar cells, thermal protection systems, surface coatings
- Shipping: paints for outer hulls, plastics on deck and interior, navigation instruments, sensors
- Defense: coatings, sensors and equipment for military vehicles, personal equipment for soldiers
- Eletronics: solar modules, displays and sensors
Standards: DIN EN 60068-2-5, MIL-STD-810
Accreditations of our Test Laboratories
Accredited test laboratory PAConsult
Experience & Expertise
96
Test Methods
+
8
Industries
49
Employees
5
Locations
Dirk Paulsen
Technical Manager & Sales
“I am personally at your side”
Dirk Paulsen has been with the company since 2007 and has been responsible for sales across all sites since 2024. As Technical Manager, he has been and continues to be significantly involved in the establishment and further development of our laboratories in Hamburg, Baden-Württemberg, Berlin and Switzerland. His many years of experience and his cross-industry expertise in all testing procedures make him the ideal contact for complex and innovative projects.
“Whether standard testing or customized individual solutions – I am happy to support and advise you with any request. Together, we will find the best solution.”
