Source: MDPI

Understanding Dark IV Measurements in Solar Cells

The Significance of Dark IV Measurements

Dark IV measurements, despite the name, play a crucial role in analyzing the properties of photovoltaic cells. While solar cells are designed to convert light into electricity, examining their behavior in the dark provides valuable insights into their diode properties.

Difference Between Dark IV and Illuminated IV Measurements

When solar cells are illuminated, fluctuations in light intensity can introduce noise into the system, making it challenging to obtain accurate measurements. In contrast, dark IV measurements involve injecting carriers into the circuit using electrical means, offering a clearer understanding of the cell’s characteristics for diagnostic purposes.

Interpreting Dark IV Curves

Dark IV measurements of a solar cell reveal an exponential curve typical of a diode. By plotting current versus voltage on a semilog scale, more detailed information about the diode can be extracted compared to a linear graph.

Limitations of Dark IV Measurements

Dark IV analysis relies on the principle of superposition, assuming that the light IV curve is simply the dark IV curve shifted by the light-generated current. However, variations in cell properties can lead to discrepancies in this assumption. Additionally, differences in current flow and paths between dark and illuminated measurements can result in lower series resistance in dark conditions.

Source: MDPI