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Manual Solar Cell

This document describes an experiment to draw the I-V characteristics of a solar cell. The apparatus used includes a light source, solar cell panel, ammeter, voltmeter, and variable resistance box. The procedure measures the open circuit voltage and short circuit current of the solar cell under illumination. Readings of voltage and current are recorded for different resistive loads in the circuit. A graph is plotted between voltage and current, from which the optimum voltage and current for maximum power output are determined. Precautions are outlined to properly conduct the experiment and avoid damaging the solar cell.

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Sourabh Saini
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88 views4 pages

Manual Solar Cell

This document describes an experiment to draw the I-V characteristics of a solar cell. The apparatus used includes a light source, solar cell panel, ammeter, voltmeter, and variable resistance box. The procedure measures the open circuit voltage and short circuit current of the solar cell under illumination. Readings of voltage and current are recorded for different resistive loads in the circuit. A graph is plotted between voltage and current, from which the optimum voltage and current for maximum power output are determined. Precautions are outlined to properly conduct the experiment and avoid damaging the solar cell.

Uploaded by

Sourabh Saini
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Experiment: 8

1. OBJECT

To draw the I-V characteristics of a solar cell.

2. APPARATUS USED
1. Light Source
2. Solar cell panel
3. Ammeter
4. Voltmeter
5. Resistance box (variable resistance)
6. Reading lamp
7. Connecting wires

3. THEORY

Solar cell is a p-n junction. We know that built-in voltage exists across a p-n junction, but this
voltage cannot deliver current in an external circuit. However, if light falls on the junction
(particularly on n-side of diode) a current flow in the circuit. This effect is called as the photovoltaic
effect. To understand the principal underlying the photovoltaic effect, let the junction be
illuminated. Under this condition many excess electron hole pairs are generated in the regions on
either side of the junction via absorption of photons. As the field within the junction is from n-side
to p-side, the excess minority carriers thus generated diffuse to the junction where they are carried
across and become the majority carriers – the holes generated towards n-side move towards p-side
and the electrons generated on p-side move towards the n-side. If the junction is now open
circuited the majority carrier’s excess charge will build on both sides of the junction(positive
charge on p-side and negative charge on n-side) tending to lower the built in voltage from ϕo to
some value (ϕo– VO) as shown in figure. This change in built in voltage i.e. VO appears as a
measurable P.D. across the junction, which thereby behaves as if a source of voltage VO.

Fig. 1Eenergy level diagram

If the external circuit is closed, the current will therefore flow therein. This current will continue so
long as there is diffusion of excess electrons from n-side and of excess holes from p-side. This in
turn means that the current will flow so long as the semiconductor regions are illuminated. This
explains how the incident light sets up the current flow in the external circuit.
Fig. 1 mechanism

PROCEDURE

Fig. 3 Set up
1. Keep the solar cell for 15-20 minutes in sunlight so that it gets activated.
2. Complete the circuit connections as shown in the figure (2). Then place the light source ‘S’ at
a distance of 10 cm away from the solar cell.
3. Now find out the open circuit voltage Voc by opening the connecting wire joining the –ve
of milli-ammeter to the load (i.e. the rest of the circuit will remain same: connecting +ve cell
to +ve of voltmeter and –ve cell of –ve of voltmeter). In this case, now note down the voltage
from voltmeter (Voc).
4. Once again complete the circuit connections as shown in fig. 2
5. Bring load selector switch at S.C. position and note the reading in the ampere meter under
short circuit condition (if meter shows out of scale then decrease the light intensity). This
maximum current is called short circuit current Isc.
6. Now introduce the load resistance in the circuit (start from low value of resistance) and
note down the corresponding current and voltage readings.
7. Repeat the same with different values of load resistances.
8. Draw a graph between V and I.

OBSERVATION

1. Least count of voltmeter = 0.02 Volt


2. Least count of ammeter = 0.5 mAmp
3. Open circuit Voltage (Voc) = 0.64 Volt
4. Short circuit value of current(Isc) = 16 mAmp

TABLE

S.No. Load Resistance Voltage (V) Current I (mA) PowerP (mW)


(ohm)
1 10 Ω 0.18 15 2.7
2 22 Ω 0.22 12.5 2.75
3 33 Ω 0.30 11 3.30
4 47 Ω 0.42 10 4.20
5 68 Ω 0.50 8.5 4.25
6 82 Ω 0.56 7 3.92
7 100 Ω 0.58 6.5 3.77
8 150 Ω 0.60 5 3.00
9 180 Ω 0.62 4.5 2.79
10 220 Ω 0.64 3.5 2.24

RESULT

Optimum value of voltage of given solar cell = 0.50 volt

Optimum value of Current of given solar cell = 8.5 mAmp


PRECAUTIONS

1. See that the light from the source falls vertically on the solar cell.
2. Make sure that the connections are made properly and ensure good contact.
3. Solar cell should not be short circuited for longer duration while taking down the reading I sc
otherwise the cell will be damaged permanently. (Pointer knob should not be kept on S.C.
position point while instrument is not in use).

LEARNING OUTCOME

Power of a solar cell varies with load. It is maximum (Pmax) for a particular value of load.

Application

Solar cells are used to harvest solar energy.

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