Characteristics of Photovoltaic Cells

Aim: study of I-V characteristics of a solar cell

Theory and Description:

Solar cell is basically a two terminal p-n junction device designed to absorb
photon
absorption through the electrical signal or power in the external circuits. Incident
sunlight can be converted into electricity by photovoltaic conversion using a solar cell. The solar
cells are large-area semiconductor diodes, constructed so that light can penetrate into the region of
the p-n junction. The junction formed between the n-type silicon wafer and the p-type surface layer
governs the diode characteristics as well as the photovoltaic effect. Light is absorbed in the silicon,
generating both excess holes and electrons. These excess charges can flow through an external circuit
to produce power.

Circuit Diagram:

Procedure: Complete the circuit as shown in circuit diagram. Illuminate the solar
cell. Adjust the rheostat position for resistance so that the volt meter reads zero.
This is the short circuit connection and adjust the ammeter till it reads a value of
about 500 mA. Note down the value of the current as short circuited current, I sc .
Increase the resistance in the circuit by varying the rheostat and note down the
readings of current(I) and voltage(V) till a maximum voltage is read. Ensure to
take more number of readings(at least 20 readings) in this region. Now,
Disconnect he rheostat and note down the voltage. This voltage is the open
circuit voltage, Voc. Repeat the experiment with different illuminations.

Graph: Plot I vs. V with Isc on the current axis at the zero volt position and Voc on
the
voltage axis at the zero current. Identify the maximum power point P m on each
plot. Calculate the series resistance(V/I) of the solar cell.
Fig: V-I charecteristics of solar cell

Table:

S.N Current(I Voltage(V Power(P=VI

o. mA) mV) mW)

Results:
1. The I-V characteristic for given solar cell have been studied.
2. The open circuit voltages and short circuit currents for two different
illuminations
are measured as :
Voc1 = ___________;Voc2 = ____________;
Isc1 = _____________ and Isc2 = ____________
3. The series resistance of the cell calculated using the graph is = (V/I) =
4. Fill factor =FF = (Pm/Isc) Voc =