> ## 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 simulation nets

<Note>
  **Coming Soon:** The Solar Simulator Python API for EA PSI/EL series two-quadrant power supplies is currently under development. The Net-based API (`Net.get('solar1', type=NetType.PowerSupply2Q)`) and associated methods are documented for preview purposes, but full testing and validation are pending hardware availability. Check back in a future release for production-ready functionality.
</Note>

Simulate solar panel characteristics for testing solar-powered devices.

## Import

```python theme={null}
from lager import Net, NetType
```

## Methods

| Method              | Description                             |
| ------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| `enable()`          | Connect and start solar simulation mode |
| `disable()`         | Disconnect and stop solar simulation    |
| `irradiance(value)` | Set or read irradiance (W/m²)           |
| `mpp_current()`     | Read maximum power point current        |
| `mpp_voltage()`     | Read maximum power point voltage        |
| `voc()`             | Read open-circuit voltage               |
| `temperature()`     | Read simulated cell temperature         |
| `resistance(value)` | Set or read panel resistance            |

<Note>
  Solar methods return string values from the instrument. Convert to float if needed for calculations.
</Note>

## Method Reference

### `Net.get(name, type=NetType.PowerSupply2Q)`

Get a solar simulation net by name.

```python theme={null}
from lager import Net, NetType

solar = Net.get('SOLAR', type=NetType.PowerSupply2Q)
```

**Parameters:**

| Parameter | Type      | Description                     |
| --------- | --------- | ------------------------------- |
| `name`    | `str`     | Name of the solar net           |
| `type`    | `NetType` | Must be `NetType.PowerSupply2Q` |

**Returns:** Solar simulation Net instance

### `enable()`

Connect to the instrument and start solar simulation mode.

```python theme={null}
from lager import Net, NetType

solar = Net.get('SOLAR', type=NetType.PowerSupply2Q)
solar.enable()
```

### `disable()`

Disconnect from the instrument and stop solar simulation.

```python theme={null}
solar.disable()
```

### `irradiance(value=None)`

Set or read the irradiance level.

```python theme={null}
# Set irradiance
solar.irradiance(1000)  # Standard test condition (1000 W/m²)

# Read current irradiance
irr = solar.irradiance()
print(f"Irradiance: {irr}")  # Returns string
```

| Parameter | Type              | Description                                                |
| --------- | ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| `value`   | `float` or `None` | Irradiance in W/m² (0-1500). If None, reads current value. |

**Returns:** `str` - Current irradiance value

### `voc()`

Read the open-circuit voltage.

```python theme={null}
voc_str = solar.voc()
print(f"Voc: {voc_str}")
voc = float(voc_str)  # Convert to float for calculations
```

**Returns:** `str` - Voltage value

### `mpp_voltage()`

Read the maximum power point voltage.

```python theme={null}
v_mpp = solar.mpp_voltage()
print(f"MPP voltage: {v_mpp}")
```

**Returns:** `str` - Voltage value

### `mpp_current()`

Read the maximum power point current.

```python theme={null}
i_mpp = solar.mpp_current()
print(f"MPP current: {i_mpp}")
```

**Returns:** `str` - Current value

### `resistance(value=None)`

Set or read the dynamic panel resistance.

```python theme={null}
# Set resistance
solar.resistance(5.0)

# Read resistance
r = solar.resistance()
print(f"Resistance: {r}")
```

| Parameter | Type              | Description                                       |
| --------- | ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| `value`   | `float` or `None` | Resistance in ohms. If None, reads current value. |

**Returns:** `str` - Resistance value

### `temperature()`

Read the simulated cell temperature.

```python theme={null}
temp = solar.temperature()
print(f"Cell temp: {temp}")
```

**Returns:** `str` - Temperature value

## Examples

### Basic Solar Simulation

```python theme={null}
from lager import Net, NetType
import time

solar = Net.get('SOLAR_INPUT', type=NetType.PowerSupply2Q)

# Start simulation
solar.enable()

# Set standard test conditions (1000 W/m²)
solar.irradiance(1000)
time.sleep(1)

# Read panel characteristics (returns strings)
voc = solar.voc()
v_mpp = solar.mpp_voltage()
i_mpp = solar.mpp_current()

print(f"Voc: {voc}")
print(f"MPP: {v_mpp}V @ {i_mpp}A")

# Calculate max power (convert to float first)
v = float(v_mpp)
i = float(i_mpp)
print(f"Max Power: {v * i:.2f}W")

# Clean up
solar.disable()
```

### Test Multiple Irradiance Levels

```python theme={null}
from lager import Net, NetType
import time

solar = Net.get('SOLAR', type=NetType.PowerSupply2Q)
solar.enable()

conditions = [200, 500, 800, 1000, 1200]

for irr in conditions:
    solar.irradiance(irr)
    time.sleep(1)

    # Read and convert values
    voc = float(solar.voc())
    v_mpp = float(solar.mpp_voltage())
    i_mpp = float(solar.mpp_current())

    print(f"Irradiance: {irr} W/m²")
    print(f"  Voc: {voc:.2f}V")
    print(f"  MPP: {v_mpp:.2f}V @ {i_mpp:.3f}A")
    print(f"  Power: {v_mpp * i_mpp:.2f}W")
    print()

solar.disable()
```

### MPPT Tracking Test

```python theme={null}
from lager import Net, NetType
import time

solar = Net.get('SOLAR', type=NetType.PowerSupply2Q)
dut_current = Net.get('DUT_CURRENT', type=NetType.ADC)

solar.enable()
solar.irradiance(1000)

# Monitor MPPT tracking
for i in range(30):
    i_mpp = float(solar.mpp_current())
    actual = dut_current.input()

    efficiency = (actual / i_mpp) * 100 if i_mpp > 0 else 0
    print(f"Target: {i_mpp:.3f}A, Actual: {actual:.3f}A, Eff: {efficiency:.1f}%")
    time.sleep(1)

solar.disable()
```

## Supported Hardware

| Manufacturer | Model         | Features                    |
| ------------ | ------------- | --------------------------- |
| EA           | PSI/EL series | Two-quadrant, PV simulation |
| EA           | PSB 10060-60  | Bidirectional               |
| EA           | PSB 10080-60  | Bidirectional               |

## Notes

* Solar simulation requires bidirectional (two-quadrant) power supplies
* Standard Test Conditions (STC): 1000 W/m², 25°C, AM1.5
* The I-V curve is automatically generated based on irradiance
* Call `enable()` before using solar-specific methods
* Always call `disable()` when finished
* **Return values are strings** - convert to float for calculations