Solar Light

What Solar Light does

Solar Light Company, LLC is a privately held US manufacturer of precision light measurement instruments, solar simulators, radiometers, spectroradiometers, NIST-traceable sensors, and atmospheric instrumentation, operating through three wholly owned brands: Solar Light (SPF testing solar simulators and laboratory radiometers), Optronic Laboratories (spectroradiometric calibration standards, integrating spheres, and OL-series measurement systems), and Solarmeter (handheld UVA/UVB/UVC/visible/IR meters for consumer, horticultural, and zoological use). The company sells proprietary technologies including the patented Model 601 Multiport 6-output solar simulator, the HDRS Hybrid Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy method for non-invasive sunscreen SPF/UVAPF/Critical Wavelength testing, and CheckPlate industrial sensors, supported by ISO 17025 calibration services, NIST-traceable standards, and recurring consumables (PMMA plates, certified SPF standards, ozone-free xenon lamps with 900-1000 hour life). Its products are reportedly used in over 95% of global SPF testing laboratories and serve customers including NASA, ARPANSA, NREL, and 65,000+ scientific, industrial, and consumer accounts across atmospheric research, dermatology, materials testing, photovoltaic QC, healthcare UVGI sterilization, horticulture, and reptile husbandry.

The business operates a quote-based enterprise sales motion for B2B instruments with multi-year contract billing, complemented by Amazon marketplace retail pricing for Solarmeter consumer products. Manufacturing is vertically integrated across two US facilities in Orlando, Florida and Glenside, Pennsylvania. Distribution combines direct enterprise sales, a global distributor network, and Amazon for consumer SKUs, while demand generation runs through trade shows (e.g., NYSCC Suppliers' Day), technical webinars (Photonics Spectra), and active social media presence on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, and YouTube. The product portfolio holds compliance with FDA, JCIA, ISO 24442/24443/24444/23675/23698, ASTM, IEC, and MIL-L-85762A standards, and includes extended warranty (RestAssured), validation, and repair services that drive recurring revenue from the installed base.

Name

Solar Light

Legal name

Solar Light Company, LLC

Website

https://solarlight.com/

Company type

Private

Founded year

1967

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Solar Light is engaged in manufacturing of precision light sources, sensors, light measurement instrumentations, radiometers, and others.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Scientific Light Measurement Instruments

NAICS

Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

SIC

Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Test & Measurement Equipment (Oscilloscopes, DAQ, signal analyzers, calibration benches) (IMAGAFAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Machine Vision & Inspection Lighting (Ring lights, bar lights, backlights, strobed illumination) (IMAGAIAG), Optoelectronic Components (LEDs, photodiodes, optocouplers, optical sensors) (IMAGAJAF), Optical & Light Sensors (Photodiodes/ALS/Color/UV) (HDAHALAE)

Keywords

• Solar simulators
• UV measurement instruments
• Spectroradiometers
• SPF testing equipment
• NIST-traceable sensors

Headquarters

HQ city

Glenside

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Scientific Instrumentation Sales: Sale of precision research-grade instruments including solar simulators, radiometers, spectroradiometers, sensors, and atmospheric instrumentation. Products range from $150W to 1000W output units with various configurations.
2. Calibration and Repair Services: ISO 17025 calibration services, NIST-Traceable calibrations, validation services, and repair services for their instruments and competitors' equipment. Includes calibration at Mauna Loa Observatory for atmospheric instruments.
3. Testing Services: Spectroradiometric testing, spectral transmission testing, reflectance testing, accelerated outdoor/indoor UV testing, and Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) testing services.
4. Testing Consumables: Sale of PMMA plates (molded and sandblasted), certified SPF/UVA sunscreen standards, disposable hypoallergenic pads, and replacement xenon lamps.
5. OEM/Private Label: Custom sensor manufacturing, private labeling, and OEM production with customized settings for specific applications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Solar Light Company designs and manufactures precision light measurement instruments including solar simulators, radiometers, spectroradiometers, NIST-Traceable UV/Vis/IR sensors, UV transmittance analyzers, atmospheric instrumentation, and specialty handheld light meters. The company also provides ISO 17025 and NIST-Traceable calibration services, spectroradiometric and accelerated UV testing services, and OEM/private-label sensor manufacturing for scientific, industrial, and consumer applications.

Product overview

Solar Light Company is a comprehensive light measurement and testing technology company operating three distinct brands: Solar Light (specializing in SPF testing instruments and light measurement), Optronic Laboratories (specializing in spectroradiometric calibration standards and measurement systems), and Solarmeter (specialty handheld light meters for consumer and industrial applications). The portfolio centers around precision research-grade instruments including solar simulators (Model 601 Multiport, LS1000-Series, 16S-Series), radiometers (PMA2100, PMA2200), over 130+ PMA-Series sensors, UV transmittance analyzers (SPF-290AS), atmospheric instrumentation (Microtops II, 501-Series), and spectroradiometers (OL 750, OL 756, OL 770 Series). Supporting products include integrating spheres, calibration standards, testing consumables (PMMA plates, SPF standards, xenon lamps), and comprehensive services including 17025 calibration, NIST-traceable calibrations, and accelerated UV testing. The company serves 65,000+ customers across industries including sunscreen/cosmetic testing, dermatology, materials testing, photovoltaics, atmospheric research, and industrial process sensing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Optronic Laboratories: Spectroradiometers, calibration standards, and light measurement instruments for scientific and industrial applications
• Solarmeter
• CheckPlate
• Microtops II
• RestAssured

Products and services

• HDRS Method for Sunscreen Testing (Mono602, Poly602) Hybrid Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy instruments (Mono602 and Poly602) enabling fast, non-invasive SPF, UVAPF, and Critical Wavelength testing of sunscreen products, reducing cycle time for raw material, formulation, and clinical testing. Targeted at cosmetics R&D and SPF testing laboratories.
• Solar Simulators (Model 601 Multiport, LS1000-Series, 16S-Series) Precision research-grade instruments producing UV radiation for materials testing, in vitro and in vivo scientific research, PMMA plate pre-irradiation, photobiological applications, and SPF testing. Includes the patented 6-output Model 601 Multiport and single-output units ranging from 150W to 1000W.
• SPF-290AS UV Transmittance / Sunscreen Protection Factor Analyzer Integrated turnkey desktop system for quick, efficient, and accurate UV Transmittance analysis of sunscreens, liquids, lotions, creams, sprays, gels, powders, emulsions, textiles, and more.
• Radiometers (PMA2100, PMA2200) Laboratory-grade datalogging radiometers that work with over 85 PMA-Series Sensors to serve as photometers, pyranometers, or UV meters, with advanced data logging and software packages.
• PMA-Series Sensors NIST-Traceable sensors measuring discrete bands of the electromagnetic spectrum from UVA, UVB, UVA+B, UVC, Visible Light, and Infrared regions. Available in over 130+ variations in both digital and analog configurations for indoor, outdoor, and underwater environments.
• Atmospheric Instrumentation (Microtops II, 501-Series, Model 511) Premium atmospheric instrumentation including Microtops II portable Sunphotometers and Ozonometers, 501-Series Radiometers and Biometers for permanent installations, and Model 511 UV Warning Signal device. Deployed by NASA, ARPANSA, NREL, and other research agencies.
• Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) Products UVC sensors and radiometers for disinfecting PPE via Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation, including PMA UVC germicidal sensors, Solarmeter Model 8.0, and Model 8.0-RP for determining UVC intensity and dose during sterilization.
• Testing Consumables (PMMA Plates, SPF Standards, Xenon Lamps, Disposable Pads) Consumables including high-quality Molded and Sandblasted PMMA Plates, Pre-Analyzed and Certified SPF and UVA Sunscreen Standards (P2, P5, P8, S2), Disposable Hypoallergenic Pads, and Ozone-Free Short Arc Xenon Lamps rated for 900-1000 hours of life.
• Spectroradiometers (OL 750, OL 756, OL 770 Series) Turn-key spectroradiometer systems for highly sensitive optical radiation measurements in ultraviolet, visible, and infrared ranges. Includes OL 750 Automated System, OL 750-NVG for NVG compatibility, OL 756 Portable UV-VIS, and OL 770 series for LED, display, and NIR measurements.
• Integrating Spheres (OL IS Series) Optronic Laboratories integrating spheres with various sphere sizes, baffle and port configurations, and coatings for UV through IR wavelength ranges, including OL IS-430-DP 4-inch, OL IS-1800I-I 18-inch, and OL IS-670-LED 6-inch spheres.
• Spectral Irradiance / Illuminance Standards (OL FEL, OL UV-40, OL 200 Series) NIST-traceable calibration standards for optical radiation measurement instrumentation, including 1000-W FEL-A Irradiance Standards (250-750nm), OL UV-40 Ultraviolet Irradiance Standards (30W deuterium lamp), and OL 200/220/245 High-Accuracy Standards.
• Current Sources (OL 410, OL 46D) Microprocessor-controlled, precision DC current sources for operating calibration standards, featuring controlled ramp up/ramp down and a lamp library for storing and recalling operating parameters.
• Radiometer / Photometer (OL 730E, OL 731) Research-grade precision radiometer/photometers. OL 730E is microprocessor-controlled with high sensitivity and USB interface; OL 731 is a low-cost, hand-held, programmable unit tailored to specific application requirements.
• Spectral Radiance / Luminance Standards (OL 440, OL 458, OL 459, OL 480, OL 426-S, OL 455-S) High-quality spectroradiometric, radiometric, and photometric calibration standards including variable temperature blackbody standards (OL 480), LED-based standards (OL 458, OL 459), and integrating sphere standards (OL 426-S, OL 455-S).
• Detector Standards (OL 730-5A/5C, OL 740-17, OL 730-TE, OL 750-HSD) High-quality detector standards for calibration, including UV-enhanced silicon detectors, pyroelectric detectors, thermoelectrically cooled detector packages, and high sensitivity detector modules.
• Plug-in Standards (OL 752 Series) Pre-aligned plug-in irradiance standards for spectroradiometer calibration that eliminate tedious setup and alignment by attaching directly to the input port of integrating spheres.
• Replacement Lamps & Accessories Replacement lamps including OL 400-RP for OL Series standards, and standard lamp accessories for calibration instrumentation.
• Solarmeter Brand Handheld Light Meters (UVA, UVB, UVC, Visible, IR) Specialty handheld light meters for consumer, light industry, zoological, and life sciences applications with a 25+ year track record, covering UV index measurement for reptiles and humans, window film tint measurement, UV curing, sterilization lamp measurement, red/blue light phototherapy, LED measurement, and photovoltaic metrology.
• Solar Simulator System Bundles Comprehensive turnkey testing kits including Solar Simulators, Power Supplies, Automatic Dose Controllers, Radiometers, NIST-Traceable Sensors, safety glasses, and accessories for academic research, materials testing, photobiology, PMMA pre-irradiation, PV cell testing, SPF testing, and custom wavelength applications.
• Testing, Calibration, and Validation Services Comprehensive services including Spectroradiometric Testing, Spectral Transmission Testing, Reflectance Testing, Accelerated Outdoor/Indoor UV Testing, UPF Testing, ISO 17025 Calibration Services, NIST-Traceable Calibrations, Validation Services, Repairs, and RestAssured Extended Warranty.

Quantifiable outcome

• HDRS method reduces SPF testing cycle time compared to traditional methods
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Newport Corporation (MKS Instruments): Newport, now part of MKS Instruments, is a direct competitor in optical instrumentation, light sources, and solar simulators. Its Oriel brand of solar simulators and radiometric measurement products directly compete with Solar Light's SPF testing and UV measurement lines.
• Thorlabs: Thorlabs manufactures a broad catalog of optical components, light sources, power meters, and spectroscopy instruments. It competes with Solar Light in UV/Vis/IR measurement, integrating spheres, and calibration standards for research labs.
• Hamamatsu Photonics: Hamamatsu is a leading manufacturer of photodetectors, optical sensors, and spectrometric instruments. Its photodiodes and spectroradiometric products directly overlap with Solar Light's PMA-series sensors and OL-series spectroradiometers.
• Ocean Insight (formerly Ocean Optics): Ocean Insight specializes in spectrometers, light measurement, and UV-Vis-NIR systems. It competes with Solar Light's Optronic Laboratories brand in spectroradiometric measurement and calibration for research and industrial applications.
• International Light Technologies: International Light Technologies manufactures radiometers, photometers, and detectors for UV, visible, and IR light measurement. It is one of the closest direct competitors to Solar Light's PMA-series radiometers and light measurement sensors.

Peers

• Atlas Material Testing Solutions (Ametek):

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SolarLight_Co
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/SolarLightCoInc
• Facebookfacebook.com/SolarLightCompany
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/solar-light

Compliance14 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Solar Light