Que: Can you share the story behind how Avalon ST came into existence and what inspired you to focus on the LED solar simulator market?

Ans: Avalon ST was born from a need to innovate in the solar simulator market, where existing technologies had become stagnant. During our time working at TÜV, a global leader in testing and certification services, we repeatedly encountered issues with conventional solar simulators – whether it was accuracy issues, inefficiencies in the set-up, software limitations or safety concerns. It became clear that a lack of competition in the market had rendered the sun-sim technological progress stagnant.

We believed that addressing the urgent need for more reliable and innovative solar simulators, especially as more high hysteresis panels became the norm, would not only improve the efficiency of solar panel testing but also drive the advancement of solar technology itself. And that LEDs were the perfect solution to bring the sun simulation technology to the next level. This belief formed the foundation of Avalon ST.

We set out to develop an LED solar simulator that would address all the shortcomings we had encountered, and to deliver unmatched accuracy, flexibility, and user-friendliness. Today, with over 30 years of combined experience in IV measurement, Avalon ST is proud to serve reputable clients worldwide.

Que: Can you highlight the product range that Avalon offers?

Ans: At Avalon ST, we specialise in high-accuracy A+ and A++ sun simulators. Our products serve a wide range of testing needs, from panel manufacturers and research labs to in-field testing at solar farms as well as AM0 solar simulators for multi-junction aimed space applications like satellites and rovers.

Specifically for the Indian market, we have developed and launched the Nexun Neo, a Swiss-engineered A++A+A++ solar simulator. We have worked tirelessly to make this high-accuracy LED technology available at a very competitive price point, equivalent to low-cost Xenon, ensuring Indian panel manufacturers can access high-class measurement tools at affordable prices.

Its TÜV-verified Nexun LED light source offers unmatched typical Pmax repeatability of about ±0.01 percent, with cycle times under 10 seconds and versatile pulse lengths between 20 to 200 ms. In an era where manufacturers offer highly competitive and closely matched panel performance, every watt counts, making accurate measurement the cornerstone of their marketing and reputation.

With its exceptional and unmatched price-performance ratio, the Nexun Neo is the perfect solution for solar panel manufacturers aiming for top-quality production in India. The Nexun Mobile Lab is another high-demand product, tailored to the dynamic needs of the Indian market.

Mounted in a van, container or trailer, it can perform in-field testing directly at the power plant to ensure EPCs get the power they paid for, assess panels after incidents like hail damage, and test panel efficiency for any degradation issues.

It integrates IV curve measurement, electroluminescence imaging, bypass diode check as well as HiPot and grounding testing in an A++A+A++ Nexun-based lab grade solar simulator. With its fastest market throughput, the Nexun Mobile Lab is the ideal tool for EPCs and solar farm investors to ensure timely project implementations, high panel efficiencies, and the best possible energy yields.

For stationary labs, our Nexun Pro (A++A+A++) and Nexun Ultra (A+++A++A+++) models offer industry-leading performance. With their unmatched repeatability down to 0.01 percent, pulse lengths of up to 500ms, and advanced features like Dynamic IV, spectral balancing, multiple irradiances, and EǪE, they provide outstanding metrology possibilities for lab and R&D applications. Upgradable with a steady-state light-soaking source for perovskites and a thermal chamber, you can measure most module types.

The largest source of uncertainty, which cannot easily be corrected, is light non-uniformity. This can contribute to as much as 70 percent of total uncertainties. Ironically, it is also one of the least frequently addressed issues due to the time-consuming process of measuring and adjusting uniformity. In traditional Xenon machines, the standard procedure requires a uniformity check each time the lamp is replaced. However, this is often skipped in production as it would result in a full day of downtime approximately every 20 days, leading to compromised measurement accuracy.

With Avalon’s Nexun LED technology, this problem is eliminated. Each of our machines is equipped with fully automated uniformity control, ensuring consistent accuracy without manual intervention.

All Avalon solar simulators come with acclaimed software with advanced functionality and the ability to interface with any MES system and PLC. Our effective combination of innovation and top-tier customer service helps our customers achieve exceptional accuracy in their measurements at affordable prices.

Que: What makes Avalon ST different?

Ans: What sets Avalon ST apart is that when you purchase one of our solar simulators, you're not just buying equipment – you are investing in accuracy, security, and peace of mind. We ensure our customers can have complete confidence in their measurements, which is critical for preventing costly disputes over panel efficiency.

EPCs or investors often bring claims based on questionable lab reports, and manufacturers can end up spending valuable time and resources resolving these issues.

Not only do we provide you with a solar simulator, but also tailor top lab-grade uncertainties estimation as well as training and processes to ensure your measurement quality. If you follow our processes, calibration and traceability, we will back your measurement. If anyone challenges your Pmax, we will directly go to that lab and work to find the reason of discrepancies on your behalf – saving you time, effort, and money.

Que: The solar industry is evolving rapidly with technologies like HJT, PERC, and bifacial panels. How is Avalon ST preparing to meet these advancements?

Ans: Avalon ST is fully equipped to meet the demands of evolving solar technologies, including HJT, PERC, and bifacial panels.

Our Nexun Pro, with its 500 ms pulse and Dynamic IV functionality, has proven to be the most reliable tool for testing high-capacitance solar panels, such as HJT panels. Avalon’s systems have become the first choice for a tier-1 HJT manufacturer after reviewing and testing most solar simulators for over a year. For manufacturers working on tighter budgets, the Nexun Neo offers an affordable solution without compromising on accuracy.

For bifacial panels, we have launched the Nexun Neo Dual, which measures both the front and back sides during production to ensure thorough quality control. It can detect issues like backside defects or shading from junction boxes, glue or process defects, providing manufacturers with accurate and valuable feedback to optimise the line and further improve their product efficiency. Our cutting-edge technology helps laboratories and manufacturers keep up with innovation while ensuring optimal product performance.

The graph below shows Dynamic IV vs normal measurement at different pulse lengths over direct and reverse measurements for an HJT panel.

Que: With solar energy being a key focus of India’s RE future, what role do you see Avalon ST playing in helping the country achieve its solar capacity goals?

Ans: Avalon ST is positioned to play a crucial role in helping India achieve its ambitious solar capacity goals by ensuring that the installed solar panels meet the highest quality standards. Our core objective is to deliver tools and solutions that provide accurate measurements, which are vital for ensuring long-term performance and sustainability in the solar energy sector.

Accurate measurement is essential for the photovoltaic industry for several reasons. First, it guarantees the quality and reliability of the solar panels being produced, allowing manufacturers to detect defects early in the production process. This is critical for ensuring that the panels perform to their rated specifications, maximising energy yields and providing long-term reliability for EPCs and investors.

Moreover, precision in measurement helps optimise production processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. As the solar industry adopts new technologies such as bifacial panels and high-efficiency HJT cells, accurate testing and validation become even more important to drive innovation and ensure these advancements reach the market effectively. This is where Avalon ST's advanced measurement tools come into play – enabling manufacturers to continuously improve production, reduce waste, and increase the durability of their products.

As India accelerates its solar energy transition, Avalon ST’s expertise in providing precise and innovative testing tools will support the country's push toward a sustainable energy infrastructure. Our solutions ensure that solar installations perform optimally from the start and continue to deliver maximum energy yields, helping India meet its renewable energy targets efficiently and cost-effectively.