How To Evaluate Solar Cells
How to test our solar cells
You can test out your solar cells on a clear warm day,if possible during summer when the sun is in its maximum point in the solstice,or near solar noon.
However you need not await summer time to evaluate them. You can test your solar cells at any time of the season in the daytime,but keep in mind that you are going to get a reduced output for the cells therefore you would not find their top potential .
To match our solar cells we do not need to know their highest possible output though,and here any illumination circumstances may be used to do a comparison of cells together.
Eventually,comparing your solar cells and matching them appropriately is a lot more crucial than finding their best output.
The Tools We Use
The first element you will want to test your cell is known as a multimeter that gives amperage and voltage readings.
Along with the multimeter you will need something that holds your cells in the same position/direction,a stand which will house your cells and stay aimed in the direction of direct sunlight.
Actually when i check solar cells i use a test stand that contains the cells within a cooper circuit board.It's convenient to me as i only need to hook up the multimeter with the circuit board to obtain a reading for the cells.If you choose to work with this approach,make sure the cells are adequately linked to the circuit board to get proper readings.
When taking readings like this,i just join the negative probe from the multimeter on to the face of a solar cell (the finger on the cell) and the positive probe on the back of the cell,or in my case,on the cooper circuit board in my stand.
While doing this,ensure that your cells are properly facing the sun's rays.
Take the readings from the multimeter and note it down,eventually doing the exact same for all the cells,grouping all of them as you test.
It is advisable to test all cells on a single day.You'll always get unique readings on different days,regardless how similar the lighting conditions are. Aerosol can influence the available sunlight on a daily basis and also other factors such as pollution,moisture ,particulates and pollen.
As you test more and more solar cells you should eventually be competent to identify aerosol levels on a given day.
Testing Using Calibrated Cells
Calibrated solar cells are being used when working with solar panels to estimate light intensity.
This sort of cell is artificially subjected to AM1 solar condition (1kW/m2 light) and possesses the output designated on the back.
You may use this calibrated cell to know what percentage of AM 1 conditions are present when evaluating your solar cells.
For instance, if your calibrated cell provides a current output of two amps,and you get only one amp while evaluating it,it means that you are testing in 50% light conditions,or one half AM1.
While evaluating other cells by making use of a calibrated one,draw down the output of the calibrated one,together with the output of the non-calibrated solar cells.
This may provide the cell output for your current light conditions.
Calibrated solar cells can be purchased via all major solar cell manufacturers and are excellent when you compare various kinds of cells,or cell lots which you can group for specific projects.
Make sure you utilize the stand i pointed out earlier when testing based on a calibrated cell.
You can test out your solar cells on a clear warm day,if possible during summer when the sun is in its maximum point in the solstice,or near solar noon.
However you need not await summer time to evaluate them. You can test your solar cells at any time of the season in the daytime,but keep in mind that you are going to get a reduced output for the cells therefore you would not find their top potential .
To match our solar cells we do not need to know their highest possible output though,and here any illumination circumstances may be used to do a comparison of cells together.
Eventually,comparing your solar cells and matching them appropriately is a lot more crucial than finding their best output.
The Tools We Use
The first element you will want to test your cell is known as a multimeter that gives amperage and voltage readings.
Along with the multimeter you will need something that holds your cells in the same position/direction,a stand which will house your cells and stay aimed in the direction of direct sunlight.
Actually when i check solar cells i use a test stand that contains the cells within a cooper circuit board.It's convenient to me as i only need to hook up the multimeter with the circuit board to obtain a reading for the cells.If you choose to work with this approach,make sure the cells are adequately linked to the circuit board to get proper readings.
When taking readings like this,i just join the negative probe from the multimeter on to the face of a solar cell (the finger on the cell) and the positive probe on the back of the cell,or in my case,on the cooper circuit board in my stand.
While doing this,ensure that your cells are properly facing the sun's rays.
Take the readings from the multimeter and note it down,eventually doing the exact same for all the cells,grouping all of them as you test.
It is advisable to test all cells on a single day.You'll always get unique readings on different days,regardless how similar the lighting conditions are. Aerosol can influence the available sunlight on a daily basis and also other factors such as pollution,moisture ,particulates and pollen.
As you test more and more solar cells you should eventually be competent to identify aerosol levels on a given day.
Testing Using Calibrated Cells
Calibrated solar cells are being used when working with solar panels to estimate light intensity.
This sort of cell is artificially subjected to AM1 solar condition (1kW/m2 light) and possesses the output designated on the back.
You may use this calibrated cell to know what percentage of AM 1 conditions are present when evaluating your solar cells.
For instance, if your calibrated cell provides a current output of two amps,and you get only one amp while evaluating it,it means that you are testing in 50% light conditions,or one half AM1.
While evaluating other cells by making use of a calibrated one,draw down the output of the calibrated one,together with the output of the non-calibrated solar cells.
This may provide the cell output for your current light conditions.
Calibrated solar cells can be purchased via all major solar cell manufacturers and are excellent when you compare various kinds of cells,or cell lots which you can group for specific projects.
Make sure you utilize the stand i pointed out earlier when testing based on a calibrated cell.
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