Development of a photovoltaic I-V testing system with integrated solar simulator

• Main Authors: Pineda, Juan Miguel P., Pulmano, Francis Deo S., Ramos, Kirk Michael Vince S., Zapanta, Ernel L.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2014
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/12147
• Institution: De La Salle University

Given the high expense of solar cells, it is important to properly check its characteristics for users to verify its quality. Cells can be checked using ordinary meters, but it provides an incomplete overview of the cell characteristics. Also, significant amounts of sunlight for tests are not always available given varying weather conditions. A solution for these testing dilemmas is presented in this paper through the development of an I-V testing system with an integrated solar simulator. The solar simulator is designed to meet class C specifications of the IEC simulator standards for AM 1.5G spectrum, using a combination of LED’s and halogen lamps to match the visible and infrared spectrum respectively. The uniformity and stability of the light output in comparison with sunlight is also taken into consideration.