PV Measurements, Inc.
Instrumentation for photovoltaics industry and research

I-V Testing Equipment for Solar Cells and Small PV Modules

PV Measurements can supply the I-V testing equipment you need for testing solar cells and modules—whether you're starting from scratch or you want to incorporate existing equipment.

I-V Testing System

This system includes the light source, the measurement electronics, computer, and software needed to measure solar cell I-V curves. Its solar simulator illuminates the test device while the electronic load sweeps the cell voltage from a reverse-bias condition, through the power quadrant, and beyond Voc. The system's computer gathers data, calculates solar cell parameters, generates printable test reports, and saves test data in text files.

The solar simulator and test fixture are selected according to your requirements. Sweep range, direction, and rate are adjustable.

Basic System Features

• Class-ABA solar simulator with 21-cm by 21-cm beam
• Voltage range ±2.0 volts
• Current range ±10.0 amperes
• Computes solar cell parameters including Voc, Isc, Jsc, Vmax, Imax, Pmax, and efficiency
• Measures light and dark I-V characteristics
• Irradiance monitor to compensate for lamp flicker and drift
• Uses 4-wire interface to test device mounting and contacting fixtures
• Automatic solar simulator shutter control
• Computer, LCD monitor, keyboard, printer, and I-V measurement software
• Instruction manual

Options

• Setup and training at customer's site
• Class-AAA solar simulator (instead of Class-ABA)
• Alternative solar simulator beam sizes, including 16 x 16, 10 x 10, and 5 x 5 cm
• Additional current and voltage ranges
• Temperature-controlled vacuum test fixture
• Provide measurement results to your database

Other options are available; contact us to discuss your requirements. Please note that customized systems are designed to meet your needs. Individual systems vary in appearance, components, and features.

I-V Curve Data Acquisition Systems

Intended for customers who already have a light source or wish to purchase one separately, these systems interface with your continuous solar simulator and test device mounting fixture to measure the current-voltage characteristics of solar cells and small PV modules.

These easy-to-use systems sweep
I-V curves, calculate solar cell parameters, generate printable test reports, and save test data in text files. Sweep range, direction, and rate are adjustable.

Model SCD1 with
Irradiance Monitor Option

Model SCD1N

Basic System Features

• Designed for use with customer's solar simulator and test fixture
• Voltage range ±2.0 volts and ±10.0 volts
• Current ranges ±0.1 mA to ±1.0 amperes
• Computes solar cell parameters including Voc, Isc, Jsc, Vmax, Imax, Pmax, and efficiency
• Measures light and dark I-V characteristics
• Uses 4-wire interface to test device mounting and contacting fixture
• Computer and I-V measurement software
• Automatic solar simulator shutter control
• Instruction manual

Options

• Irradiance monitor to compensate for lamp flicker and drift
• Additional current and voltage ranges
• Provide measurement results to your database
• Setup and training at your site

Other options are available; contact us to discuss your requirements. Please note that customized systems are designed to meet your needs. Individual systems vary in appearance, components, and features.

I-V Measurement Software

This versatile program runs on your computer and interfaces with your Keithley SourceMeter™ to measure the current-voltage characteristics of solar cells and small PV modules. Its simple and informative user interface enables you to adjust sweep range, direction, and rate as well as access different voltage and current ranges. It calculates solar cell parameters, generates printable test reports, and saves test data in text files.

Please contact us to discuss your hardware requirements.