The Role of Test Chambers in Propelling Solar Technology

Solar Panel Testing

Solar technology continues to make incredible breakthroughs. As the world strives for clean, renewable energy, solar panels, in particular, continue to make leaps and bounds. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports that concentrated solar power and photovoltaic technologies can create emissions-free electricity, reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Solar panel technology can transform sectors—from transportation to commercial, residential, and industrial—by lessening fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions and maximizing space utilization.

Associated Environmental Systems (AES) is helping to pave the way toward a more energy-efficient tomorrow. Working closely with various industries, including the energy storage industry, AES continues to offer environmental test chambers for solar panel technology, which help determine how they withstand challenges—whether on rooftops, satellites, or solar farms.

How to Test Solar Panels 

While solar panel technology offers incredible potential in helping the U.S. meet its climate and energy goals, ongoing challenges arise.

• Standards and Regulations: Solar panels must comply with standards and regulations to help ensure safety, reliability, and durability, before ultimately bringing a product to market. Industry standards such as IEC 61215 call for specific design qualifications suitable for long-term operation in open-air climates. 

• Cost: While federal and state initiatives have reduced the overall cost of solar panel technology, material and production costs can suspend efforts. Additionally, tariff circumvention due to government strategy can slow down U.S. climate goals and the solar panel manufacturing industry.

• Environmental Conditions: Solar panels are exposed to a wide range of weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold and humidity. If not properly tested, these panels can quickly become ineffective. 

Although challenges will continue to rise and fall, environmental testing can steer businesses away from pitfalls. Photovoltaic test chambers, known for testing solar panels,, can recreate conditions businesses may face in the real world, helping to identify performance issues and prepare for the unanticipated.

Environmental Test Chambers for Testing Solar Panels

Temperature and Humidity Chambers 

Solar technology, including solar panels, can be exposed to extreme temperatures, including rain, wind, and humidity. A temperature and humidity chamber can effectively conduct highly accelerated life testing (HALT) to test a product's lifespan, discover any weaknesses or failures, and even plan for upcoming maintenance issues.

Temperature-Only Chambers

Also known as thermal chambers, temperature-only chambers can provide valuable data to businesses, giving them visibility into how a product can perform over time when exposed to extreme temperatures such as heat or cold. They can vary in size, from small benchtop chambers to large solar panel walk-in chambers. 

Additional solar test chambers, such as a vacuum chamber, may be required to test a solar panel. For example, NASA is currently leveraging a vacuum chamber to learn more about how specific technologies react to the Moon’s extreme weather conditions. Knowing what you're looking for before making a purchase and how the chamber will support your research is essential.

The Future of Solar Testing

The solar energy industry is expected to experience significant growth in 2025. With more investments in clean energy, businesses may see more policies directed toward supporting clean technologies. Additionally, AI is booming at a rapid rate. The power needed to sustain AI’s growth is exponential, though, and there is a race around the clock to create more data centers that can provide the energy AI systems require. 

As we await and experience change, AES will be here to support you. Let us know your needs; we’re happy to supply you with test chambers for solar testing products. Browse our variety of chambers and get in touch with us. Let’s lead the charge together.