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

[Bernard Cleyet <bernardcleyet@redshift.com>]

Keithley has an application note  (#3026 http://www.keithley.com/ 
support/keidoc_searchresult?keyword=2602&item_type=All  ) It may give  
"you" some ideas.  I didn't easily find the instrument's price  (4200- 
SCS semiconductor characterization system), which means it's a yacht.

Much better is to make solar cells.  One then can "research" using  
the techniques previously posted to find the better formula.  RAFT  
had a workshop last year, which included making them.   I've  
forgotten the method -- All I remember is they use copper.

However, here's one from the web:

http://scitoys.com/scitoys/scitoys/echem/echem3.html#flatpanel

My impression was the RAFT one produced much more power and didn't  
involve an electrolyte.

bc







On 2009, Aug 30, , at 21:52, Woolf, Lawrence wrote:

> 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
> > https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l
>
> _______________________________________________
> Forum for Physics Educators
> Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
> https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l
> _______________________________________________
> Forum for Physics Educators
> Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
> https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l