Characteristic curves of a solar cell
Article No: P2410901
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. Learning objectives 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