Reference : P2410901

Principle

The current-voltage characteristics of a solar cell are measured at different light intensities by varying the distance between the light source and the solar cell.

The influence of temperature on the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current is also investigated.

Benefits

• Enables quantitative measurement of the solar cell characteristics while taking light intensity into account.
• Allows the influence of temperature to be minimized and its effects to be measured quantitatively.
• Enables the relationship between short-circuit current and light intensity to be determined.

Experimental Objectives

• Determine the light intensity using a thermopile at different distances from the light source.
• Measure the short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage at different distances from the light source.
• Evaluate the influence of temperature on the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current.
• Plot the current-voltage characteristics at different light intensities.
• Investigate the current-voltage characteristics under different experimental conditions: cooling with an air blower, no cooling, and illumination through a glass plate.
• Determine the current-voltage characteristic of the solar cell when illuminated by natural sunlight.