Solar Simulator for Measuring Temperature Dependent I-V Characteristics of Solar Cells

Authors: Engin KIRAN, Demir İNAN

Abstract: A solar simulator is designed and erected for measuring the solar cell I-V characteristics which must be known in order to determine conversion efficiency and maximum power points. Incandescent lamps are used in solar simulator. Peltier cells are used for keeping constant the temperature of solar cells as desired. Measurement system can measure I-V characteristics of solar cells having a maximum size of 10x10 cm^2 for different temperatures (0-50°C) and under different illumination (400-2000 W/m^2). I-V Measurements and temperature controlling are made by a computer data acquisition system in a time less than one second.

Keywords: Solar Cell, Solar Simulator