Matrix Inc

Solar Testing

We perform solar energy measurements on window treatments and other materials used to block the sun’s intense radiation — heat and light. Through measurements and subsequent calculations, we can determine the Absorptive, Reflective, and Transmission qualities of your materials. We measure and calculate the following solar optical properties of materials:

• Transmittance: Total Solar & Visible Light
• Reflectance: Total Solar & Visible Light
• Total UV Transmittance
• Openness Factor

Our testing is performed per ASTM (American) and/or EN (European) standards. The software utilized for subsequent calculations is either the Window program from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory or custom software provided courtesy of our colleagues at Arizona State University. Our instrumentation is calibrated with traceable standards on a regular basis.

Solar Instuments

Sol-A-Meters are low cost, rugged, weatherproof solar radiometers intended for use under the most severe field conditions. They are completely self-contained and do not require any external power supply. All models incorporate the silicon photovoltaic cell as a sensor. Spectral response is from 0.35 to 1.15 µm. One hundred percent response to a change in signal takes less than one millisecond. All Sol-A-Meters are calibrated for the entire solar spectrum by comparison with thermopile type radiometers in bright sunshine on clear days. Cosine effect and air-mass effect corrections are made during calibration. Standard temperature compensation is from 40 to 140 °F. Each instrument is furnished with a certificate of calibration showing radiation in both English and Metric units.