PV Characterization Lab
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.
<embed_document width="100%" height="600">http://depts.washington.edu/cmditr/mediawiki/images/a/a5/PV_Characterization_Lab.pdf</embed_document>
External Links
- NREL
- Cornell PV modules
- [1]
- live insolation data for Las Vegas
- [wikipedia:Solar_cell]
- Lesson plan
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)