EXPERIMENT NO.

1
CURRENT-VOLTAGE CHARACTERISTIC, POWER CURVE AND
EFFICIENCY OF A SOLAR MODULE

Objective

1. Determine the relationship between the incidence angle of radiation and the generated
voltage, current and power of a solar module.
2. Define maximum power point (MPP) as it applies to photovoltaic (PV) panels.
3. Determine the current-voltage relationship of the solar module.

Theoretical Background

In this experiment the solar module was introduced to find out the current-voltage
characteristic of it and some other parameters like power curve and its efficiency. The solar
module is also the solar cell or photovoltaic cell, it is an electrical device that converts the energy
of light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect, which is a physical and
chemical phenomenon. It is a form of photoelectric cell, defined as a device whose electrical
characteristics, such as current, voltage, or resistance, vary when exposed to light. Solar cells are
the building blocks of photovoltaic modules, otherwise known as solar panels.

Solar cells are described as being photovoltaic irrespective of whether the source is sunlight or
an artificial light. They are used as a photodetector (for example infrared detectors), detecting
light or other electromagnetic radiation near the visible range, or measuring light intensity.

The operation of a photovoltaic (PV) cell requires 3 basic attributes:

The absorption of light, generating either electron-hole pairs or excitons.

The separation of charge carriers of opposite types.

The separate extraction of those carriers to an external circuit.

In contrast, a solar thermal collector supplies heat by absorbing sunlight, for the purpose of either
direct heating or indirect electrical power generation from heat. A "photoelectrolytic cell"
(photoelectrochemical cell), on the other hand, refers either to a type of photovoltaic cell (like
that developed by Edmond Becquerel and modern dye-sensitized solar cells), or to a device that
splits water directly into hydrogen and oxygen using only solar illumination.

Fig. 1.1. Principle of operation of a solar module device

In figure 1, the sun is the source of energy but in this experiment the source was lamp. Below the
following statements are the principle of operation of a solar module device

Photovoltaic power generation employs solar panels comprising a number

of cells containing a photovoltaic material. Materials presently used for photovoltaics
include monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, cadmium
telluride, and copper indium selenide/sulfide .

Photovoltaic (PV) cells are made up of at least 2 semiconductor layers. One layer
containing a positive charge, the other a negative charge.

Photovoltaic cells are connected electrically in series and/or parallel circuits to produce
higher voltages, currents and power levels.

Photons in sunlight hit the solar panel and are absorbed by semiconducting materials,
such as silicon.

Electrons (negatively charged) are knocked loose from their atoms, allowing them to flow
through the material to produce electricity. Due to the special composition of solar cells,
the electrons are only allowed to move in a single direction.
 An array of solar cells converts solar energy into a usable amount of direct current (DC)
electricity.

Apparatus

Solar module
A light, if necessary, for operating the solar module (available as an accessory)
Variable resistor as well as a measuring instrument for electric current and voltage,
e.g:
- Multidecade
- Decade resistor, various resistors, potentiometer and two multimeters
Instrument for determining the radiant power of the light:
a. Measuring instrument for the direct measurement of the radiant power of the
light, e.g.: Pyranometer
b. Altenative: The radiant power of the light is determined using the short-circuit
current of the solar module.

Procedures

1. Point the lamp at the solar module at a right angle (90o angle). Observe the safety
clearances.
2. In order to prevent errors due to temperature fluctuations, wait at least 1 minute after
switching the lamp on.
3. Start recording the current-voltage characteristic using the open-circuit voltage (R =
) and switch the decade resistor to the lower resistances. Record the voltage, current
and power for the respective resistance in table 2.
4. In table 2, given the resistances from 0 to 330 ohms based on the table. Calculate the
required parameters in a table.
5. After changing the resistance, wait for approximately20 seconds in between
measurements.
Setup

Create the circuit as shown in the following circuit diagram.

Fig. 1.2. Circuit diagram of the solar module

Fig. 1.3. Actual set-up of the solar module

Table 1. Voltage-Current Characteristic of a Solar Module

R () V (v) I (mA) P (W)

0

0.1
0.33
1
3.3
10
33
100
330
Question and Problems

1. Using the data from the table of measurements, plot a graph showing the
photoelectric current as a function of the photoelectric voltage.

2. Plot a graph showing the power as a function of the voltage. Identify the maximum
power point (MPP) in this diagram.

3. Calculate the efficiency of the solar module. Describe the loss processes that reduce
the efficiency of solar cells.