> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.lagerdata.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Solar Simulation

> Control solar panel simulator settings and output

Control solar panel simulator Nets through the Lager CLI. Solar simulation enables testing of solar-powered devices by simulating various irradiance conditions, temperatures, and panel characteristics.

## Syntax

```bash theme={null}
lager solar [OPTIONS] NET_NAME COMMAND [ARGS]...
```

## Global Options

| Option      | Description                 |
| ----------- | --------------------------- |
| `--box BOX` | Lagerbox name or IP address |
| `--help`    | Show help message and exit  |

## Commands

| Command       | Description                                |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| `set`         | Initialize and start solar simulation mode |
| `stop`        | Stop solar simulation mode                 |
| `irradiance`  | Set or read irradiance (W/m²)              |
| `mpp-current` | Read maximum power point current (A)       |
| `mpp-voltage` | Read maximum power point voltage (V)       |
| `resistance`  | Set or read dynamic panel resistance (Ω)   |
| `temperature` | Read cell temperature (°C)                 |
| `voc`         | Read open-circuit voltage (V)              |

## Command Reference

### `set`

Initialize and start the solar simulation mode.

```bash theme={null}
lager solar NET_NAME set [--box BOX]
```

This command configures the power supply to operate in solar panel simulation mode, enabling I-V curve emulation.

### `stop`

Stop the solar simulation mode and return to normal operation.

```bash theme={null}
lager solar NET_NAME stop [--box BOX]
```

### `irradiance`

Set or read the irradiance level in watts per square meter (W/m²).

```bash theme={null}
lager solar NET_NAME irradiance [VALUE] [--box BOX]
```

**Arguments:**

* `VALUE` - Irradiance value in W/m² (0.0 - 1500.0). If omitted, reads current value.

**Examples:**

```bash theme={null}
# Set irradiance to 1000 W/m² (standard test condition)
lager solar SOLAR1 irradiance 1000

# Read current irradiance
lager solar SOLAR1 irradiance
```

### `mpp-current`

Read the maximum power point (MPP) current in amps.

```bash theme={null}
lager solar NET_NAME mpp-current [--box BOX]
```

Returns the current at which the simulated solar panel produces maximum power.

### `mpp-voltage`

Read the maximum power point (MPP) voltage in volts.

```bash theme={null}
lager solar NET_NAME mpp-voltage [--box BOX]
```

Returns the voltage at which the simulated solar panel produces maximum power.

### `resistance`

Set or read the dynamic panel resistance in ohms.

```bash theme={null}
lager solar NET_NAME resistance [VALUE] [--box BOX]
```

**Arguments:**

* `VALUE` - Resistance value in Ω (0.1 - 100.0). If omitted, reads current value.

### `temperature`

Read the simulated cell temperature in degrees Celsius.

```bash theme={null}
lager solar NET_NAME temperature [--box BOX]
```

### `voc`

Read the open-circuit voltage (Voc) in volts.

```bash theme={null}
lager solar NET_NAME voc [--box BOX]
```

Returns the voltage when no load is connected to the simulated solar panel.

***

## Examples

```bash theme={null}
# Start solar simulation mode
lager solar SOLAR_PANEL set --box my-lager-box

# Set irradiance to standard test condition (1000 W/m²)
lager solar SOLAR_PANEL irradiance 1000

# Read MPP voltage and current
lager solar SOLAR_PANEL mpp-voltage
lager solar SOLAR_PANEL mpp-current

# Read open-circuit voltage
lager solar SOLAR_PANEL voc

# Set panel resistance
lager solar SOLAR_PANEL resistance 5.0

# Stop solar simulation
lager solar SOLAR_PANEL stop
```

***

## Supported Hardware

| Manufacturer | Model Series  | Features                                     |
| ------------ | ------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| EA           | PSI/EL series | Two-quadrant operation, I-V curve simulation |
| EA           | PSB 10060-60  | Bidirectional power supply                   |
| EA           | PSB 10080-60  | Bidirectional power supply                   |

***

## Solar Panel Simulation Concepts

### I-V Curve

Solar panel simulators create an I-V (current-voltage) characteristic curve that mimics real solar panel behavior:

* **Short-circuit current (Isc)**: Maximum current when terminals are shorted
* **Open-circuit voltage (Voc)**: Voltage with no load
* **Maximum Power Point (MPP)**: Optimal operating point for maximum power

### Standard Test Conditions (STC)

Industry standard for solar panel testing:

* Irradiance: 1000 W/m²
* Cell temperature: 25°C
* Air mass: AM1.5

***

## Notes

* Solar simulation requires compatible bidirectional power supplies
* The EA PSI/EL series supports two-quadrant operation for realistic simulation
* Use `lager nets` to see available solar nets on your box
* Irradiance values above 1500 W/m² are outside the valid range