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Calibrating the sun's strength

Solar scientists need a common reference to test solar panels. Solar scientists gather simultaneously every year in Sicily to calibrate the sun's strength. 

The European Solar Test Installation laboratory uses sun simulator to produce affordable reference tools for industry. The strength of sunshine changes depending where you are in the world and what time of day it is, affecting the energy output of solar panels and cells. But researchers need a common reference and that’s why they meet to adjust their instruments each year. These simultaneous measurements allow scientists to produce what they refer to as “reference cells”. These references are vital for the growing photovoltaic industry.

Find out more about the European Solar Test Installation laboratory.

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