Solar Panel testing

gurhan

I have an interesting question:

Could we simulate the solar array operating
under sunlight, by covering the solar panel with dark paper and using a
constant current source to pass rated current INTO the solar panel (e.g.
using a bench power supply on constant current mode with a DC link
inductor if necessary). I will probably need a fan to cool the solar
panel. I am not sure if this would damage the solar panel however.
I could vary sunlight "intensity" by changing the value of the current
passed into the solar panel.

Regards

Danger

That just doesn't sound right to me, but I'm not an expert in electricity by any means. As far as I know, though, a solar cell won't pass electricity from an outside source. That would be similar to expecting an LED to produce current when exposed to its emission frequency.

Averagesupernova

Quote by Danger

That would be similar to expecting an LED to produce current when exposed to its emission frequency.

Actually, it will produce current. Not much, but it will.

Danger

..

berkeman

Quote by gurhan

I have an interesting question:

Could we simulate the solar array operating
under sunlight, by covering the solar panel with dark paper and using a
constant current source to pass rated current INTO the solar panel (e.g.
using a bench power supply on constant current mode with a DC link
inductor if necessary).

What do you mean by "simulate"? What is it that you are trying to learn from this experiment? A solar panel is just a bunch of parallel connected photodiodes. The panel has datasheet characteristics like dark current, reverse saturation current, efficiency (light in to photocurrent out), capacitance, etc. Which characteristics are you interested in experimenting with?

dlgoff

Are you maybe thinking that solar panels work like Peltier Heaters/Coolers?

gurhan

I have done that and that worked. Actually it is called Dark I-V test. However I did not use for that purpose. I used to test my inverter under lab conditions without the sun. This does not damage the PV panel it even does not get hot. However you need a big power supply for that. Set the current exactly Isc from the data sheet of the PV module and set the voltage 10-20 percent higher than Voc.

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Danger Recognitions: Gold Member	That just doesn't sound right to me, but I'm not an expert in electricity by any means. As far as I know, though, a solar cell won't pass electricity from an outside source. That would be similar to expecting an LED to produce current when exposed to its emission frequency.

Danger Recognitions: Gold Member	Solar Panel testing ..

dlgoff Recognitions: Gold Member Science Advisor	Are you maybe thinking that solar panels work like Peltier Heaters/Coolers?

gurhan	I have done that and that worked. Actually it is called Dark I-V test. However I did not use for that purpose. I used to test my inverter under lab conditions without the sun. This does not damage the PV panel it even does not get hot. However you need a big power supply for that. Set the current exactly Isc from the data sheet of the PV module and set the voltage 10-20 percent higher than Voc.