Photovoltaic cell solar simulator

A process for testing a solar cell structure, comprising:

• transferring the solar cell structure into an enclosure defining a testing region therein;
• horizontally positioning the solar cell structure within the testing region;
• grasping the solar cell structure with a positioning robot;
• rotating the solar cell structure from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position;
• electrically connecting the solar cell structure to a probe nest;
• emitting a flash of light simulating the solar spectrum in a substantially horizontal orientation toward the vertically oriented solar cell structure;
• measuring the electrical characteristics of the solar cell structure;
• rotating the solar cell structure from the substantially vertical position to the substantially horizontal position;
• releasing the solar cell structure;
• and
• transferring the solar cell structure out of the enclosure.

A solar simulator module, comprising:

• an enclosure having a top, walls, and a retractable bottom defining a testing region of the module, wherein at least one wall of the enclosure has a slit formed therethrough sized for transferring a solar cell structure therethrough;
• a roller guide configured to guide an edge of the solar cell structure into the testing region;
• an automation device in communication with an alignment mechanism configured to longitudinally position a plurality of solar cell structures within the testing region;
• a plurality of locating members configured to laterally translate the plurality of solar cell structures within the testing region;
• a robot disposed within the enclosure, wherein the robot comprises a gantry having a plurality of support elements disposed thereon and configured to grasp the plurality of solar cell structures and a rotary actuator configured to rotate the gantry from a substantially horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation;
• a plurality of probe nests, each positioned to make electrical contact with one of the plurality of solar cell structures, wherein at least one of the probe nests is laterally positionable;
• and
• a light source configured to emit a flash of light simulating the solar spectrum substantially horizontally toward the vertically oriented solar cell structures.

A solar cell device processing system, comprising:

• an automation device positioned to receive a horizontally oriented solar cell device from a junction box attachment module of the processing system and transfer the solar cell device through a slit in a wall of an enclosure and into a testing area defined within the enclosure;
• an alignment mechanism in communication with the automation device for horizontally positioning the solar cell device within the testing area;
• a positioning robot disposed within the testing area, wherein the robot comprises a gantry with support elements attached thereto and configured to grasp and hold the solar cell device and a rotary actuator for rotating the gantry from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position;
• a probe nest positioned to make electrical connection with junction leads from the solar cell device when the gantry is in the substantially vertical position;
• a light source configured to emit a flash of light simulating the solar spectrum substantially horizontally toward the vertically oriented solar cell device;
• and
• an automated labeling mechanism configured to affix a label to a back surface of the solar cell device.