Solar Cell Characterization at Rockwell International
Abstract
The Solar Cell Test Facilities at Rockwell International are described. The facilities enable the characterization of cells in the dark and under a variety of illumination conditions. A basic automated measurements system has been built around an Analog Devices MACSYM II minicomputer. Computerized dark I-V and C-V tests allow automatic determination of barrier height, diffusion potentials, doping profiles, diode n-factors, and extrapolated reverse saturation currents. The same system is used to measure the illuminated I-V characteristics and determine ISC, VOC , F.F., and locate the maximum power point. The facility also contains a computerize spectrophotometer which performs simultaneous measurements of either absolute spectral response and reflectivity or transmissivity and reflectivity. Concentrator solar cells can be characterized at up to 200X insolation using a chopped, concentrated Schoeffel solar simulator. A unique, high concentration test facility utilizing sunlight has also been built.
- Publication:
-
Role of electro-optics in photovoltaic energy conversion
- Pub Date:
- November 1980
- DOI:
- 10.1117/12.970593
- Bibcode:
- 1980SPIE..248..109C
- Keywords:
-
- Computer Techniques;
- Electrical Measurement;
- Optical Measurement;
- Solar Cells;
- Test Facilities;
- Volt-Ampere Characteristics;
- Automatic Test Equipment;
- Capacitance;
- Concentrators;
- Energy Conversion Efficiency;
- Solar Simulators;
- Spectral Sensitivity;
- Energy Production and Conversion