What are the characteristics of a solar cell?

The short-circuit current density, the open-circuit voltage, the maximum power point and the voltage and current density at the maximum power point are denoted by ISC, VOC, mpp, Vmp and Imp, respectively. A current–voltage characteristic (I–V characteristic) of a solar cell is a plot of all possible working points in a considered range.

How are solar cells measured?

Concepts are described for measuring the basic characteristics of solar cells and their dependencies on light intensity, temperature and light spectra. Attention is paid to principle work with various kinds of load resistances, to the function of a pyranometer, of a sun simulator and to the measurement of the quantum efficiency of solar cells.

What are the standard test conditions for solar cells and PV modules?

The standard test conditions (STC; AM1.5 with 1000 W/m2 and T of the solar cell 25◦C) are the common standard for the characterization of the η of solar cells and PV modules (IEC, 2008). sun simulator is an artificial light source with an intensity spectrum very close to that of the sun at AM1.5.

What standards are used for solar cells?

For now, the researchers mainly use the standards that were originally set for silicon solar cells such as the 85 °C/85% RH test.

What is the ideality factor of a solar cell?

The ratio of the measured slope and 60 mV per decade is called the ideality factor and is equal to one for an ideal solar cell. The ideality factor is usually on the order of 1.1–1.3 for c-Si solar cells. The value of I0 is also found from the

What is the maximum electric power of an illuminated solar cell?

The maximum electric power of an illuminated solar cell is the product of the ISC, the VOC and the FF. Loads are used to extract the power from solar cells. From an illuminated solar cell, the maximum power is extracted with a load, the resistance of which has to be equal to the quotient of the potential and of the current in the mpp.