PV Characterization Lab

K-12 Outreach Kits and Labs

Overview

This is a good high school or introductory undergrad lab for physics or chemistry. It uses a simple technique with computer probeware to measure the current/voltage curve of a solar cell to determine its peak power. It allows you compare various types of cells and shows how difficult it is to get an accurate absolute measurement of performance.

Procedure

<embed_document width="100%" height="600">http://depts.washington.edu/cmditr/mediawiki/images/a/a5/PV_Characterization_Lab.pdf</embed_document>

Download the Lab PDF

External Links

• NREL
• Cornell PV modules
• Estimating PV system size and cost
• live insolation data for Las Vegas
• wikipedia:Solar_cell
• Other Solar Lesson plans

Sources for kit materials

• $2.95 each CIS solar cell
• $2.95 Pitsco amorphous silicon cell with clips.
• Electronics Goldmine- A good source for solar cells.
• Pasco PASPort USB link $59
• voltage/current probe $99
• Vernier Go!Link USB interface (alternative to Pasco version)