Principle

The current-voltage characteristics of a solar cell are measured at different light intensities, the distance between the light source and the solar cell being varied. The dependence of no-load voltage and short-circuit current on temperature is determined.

Benefits


Set-up allows quantitative measurement which also takes light intensity into account

Set-up allows to avoid but also to measure temperature effect quantitatively

Determine relationship between short-circuit and light intensity


Tasks


To determine the light intensity with the thermopile at various distances from the light source.

To measure the short-circuit current and no-load voltage at various distances from the light source.

To estimate the dependence of no-load voltage, and short-circuit current on temperature.

To plot the current-voltage characteristic at different light intensities.

To plot the current-voltage characteristic under different operating conditions: cooling the equipment with a blower, no cooling, shining the light through a glass plate.

To determine the characteristic curve when illuminated by sunlight.


What you can learn about


Semiconductor

p-n junction

Energy-band diagram

Fermi characteristic energy level

Diffusion potential

Internal resistance

Efficiency

Photo-conductive effect

Acceptors

Donors

Valence band

Conduction band