Use a torch with concave lens so the light is evenly distributed in the solar panel. The solar panels peak output Wp (Watt peak) is when the source is perpendicular to it. since your source it artificial u can adjust to the position where you get maximum output. use the Mr. Ecko's suggestion to check output.





Keep in mind the solar panels does't work with heat but with the amount of light radiated on it.

You could use a lamp, but the results will be inconclusive unless the whole panel is illuminated evenly. This is easier to achieve with a small panel or a single cell or the lamp well back from the panel, even though the reading is small. The output of the panel is measured by connecting an ammeter across it. The current is proportional to illumination. The lamp is much dimmer than the sun, so the current is lower. The voltage is not what you use for this, as it doesn't change much with illumination. Another issue is that reflections can cause errors for this measurement. Best done outdoors after dark with no other lights around.





You expect to get the cosine of the angle for light illuminating a flat surface (until it is close to a right angle, where it should be zero but may still have a small reading. Thus when flat on to the lamp, cos (0) = 1, at 45 degrees cos(45) is 0.707. These correcpond to brightness ratio, with the peak when the panel is square on. Obviously the angle is in 2 axes, X and Y. Just plot for each one of them separately. The second link shows how the output varies with suns angle over the day, and how this is much flatter for a panel that follows the sun.

Incandescent lamps are not a very good match for sunlight. A pulsed xenon light source is a much better match, but they are specialty items used in graphic arts. A high intensity halogen type incandescent lamp may be your best choice. They use those very small bulbs that get really hot. The newer pigtail fluorescent lamps are even worse than regular incandescent. The color spectrum is a lot different and the amount of near IR is a lot different. Another possibility is a high powered xenon strobe that is used for psychedelic affects at parties. Run at a high flash rate.

You can use wind for another source,but you need to have a least 10 to 20 mph of wind for wind turbine to work. look for alternative energy. www.lightitbright.com

you can use the bulb as replacement for sunlight.

I am trying to see at which angle a solar panel would absorb more light but most of the time it's cloudy so I'm going to have to use an alternative source. Which source should I use as a good replacement for sunlight?