electronic circuit for I-V measurements of solar cells

[Velyana]

Hello
Can you help me with creating a electronic scheme fot I-V measurements of solar cell. I have an example for this but it is some sort of block diagram, I need a principle scheme. If somebody can help me , please send me an answer and I will send the block diagram.

 

[alec_t]

You could put a current-sense resistor in series with the solar cell load and use two analogue inputs and the ADC of a micro to measure and log the cell voltage and sense resistor voltage (hence current). Depending on the cell max voltage you might need a potential divider between the cell and the micro input.

 

[MikeMl]

Do you just want to characterize a single solar cell for hobby use, or do you want to automate this for production?

 

[Grossel]

Are you planning doing this using discrete component only or do you have µ-controllers in mind?

 

[KeepItSimpleStupid]

Since I did this and set up systems for this and other research solar cell characterizations professionally, the first thing I have to ask is what are you after? Research grade cells, modules? Are you just looking for a few points such as Vmp, Imp, Pmax, Isc, Rsc, Rs, Rsh. I did not do high current arrays. Voltage sweep was from about -1 to +1 V max. Isc was never more than about 30 mA. The latest system was based on Keithley's Source meter line with up and down sweeps. Agilent has a source meter line too.

Activation energy measurements are a bit more complicated with currents in the pA range and voltages around +-100 V and an environmental chamber that went from +200 C to -80C. It wasn't ideal because of the fan, but it was OK.

The light source and temperature control will be your biggest headaches.

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