Characterisation of solar cells and modules under actual operating conditions

A PC-based measuring system is presented for outdoor testing of solar cells and modules under real operating conditions. It consists of a sun-tracked sample holder, different electronic loads (including control), digital multimeters, a PC and a laser printer. Insolation is measured and recorded with pyranometers, pyrheliometers and a reference cell. Current-voltage curves are acquired in the range of irradiance from 10 W/m2 to over 1000 W/m2. Small single cells of size down to 3 mm by 3 mm as well as large modules and laminates up to 1 m by 1.5 m can be tested. The measurement time for one test can be varied between 5 to 15 seconds. The maximum power point (mpp) is normally detected on-line. However, it can also be determined in a subsequent mathematical analysis, if more precise mpp data are required. The maximum relative uncertainty in the efficiency (determined from mpp data) has been estimated to be less than ± 1 %, depending on type and size of cell or module and on the constancy of the insolation during the testing time. Using a new dynamic method, the temperature coefficient of the efficiency can be determined within a relative uncertainty of about ± 3 %. The coefficient is used to derive standard test condition data. Results are given for two commercial modules.