Simple flashlamp I-V testing of solar cells

Keogh, William; Cuevas, Andrés

doi:10.1109/pvsc.1997.654063

Cited by 12 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Measurements under concentrated illumination were also taken on the encapsulated solar cell using a flashlamp-based system with a measuring principle similar to the one described in. 17 The main feature of this system is that the tracing of an I-V curve at a given concentration requires as many flashes as points on the I-V curve.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Explanation for the dark I–V curve of III–V concentrator solar cells

Galiana

Algora

Rey‐Stolle

2007

Progress in Photovoltaics

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The measurement of the dark I-V curve is one of the most straightforward methods for characterizing solar cells. Consequently, an accurate knowledge of its meaning is of high relevance for the comprehension and technological feedback of these devices. In this paper, an explanation of the dark I-V curve for concentrator III-V solar cells is presented using a 3D (three-dimensional) model in order to provide a proper data fit that provides meaningful physical parameters that are also compatible and coherent with a data fit from illumination curves. The influence on the dark I-V curve of the most significant series resistance components of concentrator solar cells is also analysed concluding that only the vertical component as well as the front contact-specific resistance can be assessable by means of this characterization method while both emitter and metal sheet resistances cannot be detected. For comparison purposes, the same experimental data have been fitted by means of a traditional two-diode model showing that, although an accurate dark I-V curve fitting can be achieved, the extracted parameters are unable to reproduce illumination data since lumped models assume the same ohmic losses distribution for both dark and illumination conditions.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Explanation for the dark I–V curve of III–V concentrator solar cells

Galiana

Algora

Rey‐Stolle

2007

Progress in Photovoltaics

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“…13). However, multiple irradiance values can be recorded during the same values, so the measurement provides a family of I-V curves at different concentration levels [57]. This is a convenient feature when measuring concentrator cells, the performance of which must typically be analyzed as a function of a large range of concentration levels.…”

Section: Types Of Solar Simulatorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of Multijunction Concentrator Solar Cells

Domínguez

García‐Linares

2015

High Concentrator Photovoltaics

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This chapter summarizes the state of the art in instruments and methods for the characterization of concentrator multijunction (MJ) solar cells (MJSC). The current-voltage characteristic (I-V curve) under illumination and the spectral response or quantum efficiency (QE) are the main properties of a solar cell. The measurement of the I-V curve as a function of light concentration provides the most relevant information on cell performance such as peak efficiency or series resistance losses. Concentrator solar simulators should fulfill strict spatial uniformity and spectral requirements to provide accurate measurements. Precise spectral tunability is required to reduce errors in the measurement of latest-generation cell architectures, especially those not based on a germanium bottom cell with an excess of current. The main types of concentrator solar simulators are described, and advice on appropriate reference sensors and measurement precautions is provided. Spectral characterization under controlled simulator conditions is essential to analyze MJ cell behavior under the ever-varying spectral conditions found in real operation. The relevance of the QE is that it allows calculating the photocurrent generated by each subcell under a particular spectral irradiance and diagnosing possible malfunctioning of the different regions of the cell. Cell electroluminescence (EL) is also discussed as a useful tool for assessing defects. Spatially resolved EL can be used to analyze solar cell internal defects, sheet resistivity, or thermal inhomogeneity under steady concentrated light. Typical characterization set-ups, test procedures, and potential instrumentation issues are discussed for QE and EL.

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“…In addition, if the light source used has a power of several hundred kW also a system for disposal of the ozone gas produced by the lamp must be arranged. Alternatively, for concentrated photovoltaics, pulsed systems can be employed: they reach considerable powers but only for short time intervals [17][18][19].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Technique for Outdoor Test on Concentrating Photovoltaic Cells

Sansoni

Fontani

Francini

et al. 2015

International Journal of Photoenergy

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Outdoor experimentation of solar cells is essential to maximize their performance and to assess utilization requirements and limits. More generally tests with direct exposure to the sun are useful to understand the behavior of components and new materials for solar applications in real working conditions. Insolation and ambient factors are uncontrollable but can be monitored to know the environmental situation of the solar exposure experiment. A parallel characterization of the photocells can be performed in laboratory under controllable and reproducible conditions. A methodology to execute solar exposure tests is proposed and practically applied on photovoltaic cells for a solar cogeneration system. The cells are measured with concentrated solar light obtained utilizing a large Fresnel lens mounted on a sun tracker. Outdoor measurements monitor the effects of the exposure of two multijunction photovoltaic cells to focused sunlight. The main result is the continuous acquisition of theV-I(voltage-current) curve for the cells in different conditions of solar concentration and temperature of exercise to assess their behavior. The research investigates electrical power extracted, efficiency, temperatures reached, and possible damages of the photovoltaic cell.

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Simple flashlamp I-V testing of solar cells

Cited by 12 publications

References 2 publications

Explanation for the dark I–V curve of III–V concentrator solar cells

Explanation for the dark I–V curve of III–V concentrator solar cells

Characterization of Multijunction Concentrator Solar Cells

Technique for Outdoor Test on Concentrating Photovoltaic Cells

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