Tektronix Keithley SourceMeter 2450 - Section 9 Measuring I-V Characteristics of Solar Cells; Introduction and Equipment

In this section:
Introduction .............................................................................. 9-1
Equipment required .................................................................. 9-1
Set up remote communications ................................................ 9-2
Device connections .................................................................. 9-2
Solar cell characterization ........................................................ 9-5
Introduction
This example application demonstrates how to use the 2450 SourceMeter
®
Instrument to measure
the I-V characteristics of a solar cell.
From the I-V characteristics measured by the 2450, you can determine important parameters about
the solar cell, including:
• Maximum current (I
MAX
) and voltage (V
MAX
)
• Maximum power (P
MAX
)
• Open circuit voltage (V
OC
)
• Short-circuit current (I
SC
)
Because the 2450 has four-quadrant source capability, it can sink up to 1 A of cell current as a
function of the applied voltage.
Equipment required
• One 2450 SourceMeter
®
Instrument
• For front-panel connections, use four insulated banana cables, such as the Keithley Instruments
Model 8608 High-Performance Clip Lead Set (one set included with the 2450; you will need
another set)
• For rear-panel connections, use four triaxial cables
• One solar cell
Section 9
Measuring I-V characteristics of solar cells