Re: [Phys-l] What's to know about photovoltaic panels?

["Woolf, Lawrence" <Lawrence.Woolf@ga.com>]

Using the suggestion below, determine the short circuit current, open circuit voltage, maximum power point, and fill factor, all key characteristics of a solar cell.

Also, you could measure the dark (no light) current vs voltage curve and compare to that obtained when the panel is illuminated with light. Then develop a model for a solar cell.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cell

The effect of cell temperature on the dark and light I vs. V curves could also be evaluated.

Larry Woolf

-----Original Message-----
From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu [mailto:phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu] On Behalf Of chuck britton
Sent: Sunday, August 30, 2009 1:48 PM
To: Forum for Physics Educators
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] What's to know about photovoltaic panels?

If you can maintain a fairly constant amount of sunlight on the panel  
for the lab period you could measure the voltage and current output  
as the applied load (R) is varied over a wide range.
What is the optimum load (maximum power) for this given panel at this  
lighting level?


On Aug 30, 2009, at Aug 30(Sun) 3:20 , Mark Sylvester wrote:

> This year I want to include a lab based around a small photovoltaic
> panel in my IB higher level practical program. I'd appreciate
> suggestions as to what might make an interesting investigation.
>
> Mark
> _______________________________________________
> Forum for Physics Educators
> Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
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