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Test System for dusting solar cell modules | Soiling Tester
BACKStandards:
VDI 3956-1:Evaluation of the soiling properties of surfaces - Test method for the dust soiling behaviour of solar energy systems
Applications:
tests according to VDI 3956
temperature-dependent dusting and cleaning tests of other types of samples
Product Information:
The test system serves laboratory testing according to VDI 3956 (Test method for the dust soiling behaviour of solar energy systems).
This includes tests on the behaviour of glass surfaces under the influence of dusting, changing air humidity and glass temperature and the resulting condensation effects as well as cleaning by wind.
Experiments on other test specimens exposed to these environmental conditions are also possible.

Technical data
| Parameter | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Air flow velocity | m/s | ≤ 15 |
| Test specimen dimensions | mm | Thickness ≤ 10 |
| Specimen holder | – | Base area 200 × 200 mm; setting angle 0 … 60° (discrete) |
| Test conditions | – | Environmental temperature and relative humidity (controlled) |
| Compressed air supply (operating gas/air) | bar | 6 … 10 (quality class ISO 8573-1:2010 [6:4:2]) |
| Power supply | – | 3 – TN-C-S network/PEN; 400 VAC, 50 Hz |
| Test chamber dimensions | mm | 700 × 720 × 700 |
| Aerosol generation technology | – | Dust disperser SAG 410 |
| Power consumption | W | max. 6000 |
| Noise emission | dB(A) | LpA ≤ 76.7 ± 1.5 |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | mm | 2107 × 890 × 1647 |
| Weight | kg | approx. 450 (including devices) |
Features
adjustable angle of the sample holder
selectable dust dosing positions
data logger
largely automated processes
optimised handling
Principle
The test specimen is mounted on a sample holder in an air lock and then drawn into the preconditioned main chamber. The air lock prevents the dust-containing atmosphere from entering the environment. The desired angle of the specimen is set (up to 60° to the horizontal). The environmental scenarios to be investigated are imitated using the following equipment:
- dusting using generator with dual-positionable nozzle
- temperature control of sample holder: with heating mat/cooling unit
- blowing off the sample using a movable air blade
When air is introduced into the chamber by dust dosing, humidification or sample cleaning, a negative pressure must be present in the chamber to prevent the emission of dust into the atmosphere.
Maintenance Information
Regularly clean the dust generator and chamber interior to ensure consistent test conditions.
Check seals and air-lock components to maintain negative pressure integrity.
Verify airflow velocity, temperature, and humidity sensors periodically.
Inspect compressed air quality to comply with ISO 8573-1 requirements.
Perform routine system calibration according to laboratory quality procedures.
FAQ
1.What is this product?
It is a laboratory test system for evaluating dust soiling behavior of solar modules and glass surfaces according to VDI 3956.
2.What is this product used for?
You use it to study dust deposition, condensation, and wind-cleaning effects under controlled environmental conditions.
3.How does this product work?
It simulates environmental scenarios using controlled dust dosing, airflow, temperature, and humidity inside a sealed test chamber.
4.Why is this product important?
It helps you understand and quantify performance losses of solar modules caused by dust and environmental exposure.
5.Which industries is this product suitable for?
Photovoltaic manufacturers, solar research institutes, material laboratories, and third-party testing organizations.
