Solutions for Solar Cell and Module Testing
Applikationsberichte
To fully characterize the performance of a solar cell or module with a power supply, you need to apply voltage in forward and reverse polarities. When the solar device is illuminated, the power supply acts as a variable voltage load and you can measure the power I-V curve. When the solar device is dark, voltage is applied in both forward and reverse directions and you can measure the entire dark I-V curve. Complete characterization of a solar device generally requires a four-quadrant-capable power source.
Measuring the I-V performance of an illuminated solar device requires the power supply to sink current while sourcing positive voltage. Measuring the I-V performance of a dark cell requires the power supply to source positive and negative voltage and current to cover the full range of solar device operation. A bipolar power supply is generally the instrument of choice. When a bipolar source is not available, a pair of two-quadrant power supplies can be a viable alternative if you conigure them appropriately.