Solar cell characterization

Solar cell characterization services at TAU

We host three solar simulators, quantum efficiency and other measurement setups for characterization of high-efficiency solar cells:

• OAI Trisol dual purpose solar simulator: Equipped with a 7 kW xenon lamp, two measurement stages, a Keithley Source meter, an Arroyo temperature controllers and a IV-rider software. The system uses filters to control the spectral conditions. AM0, AM1.5D, AM1.5G spectra are available. The system can be used for measuring single 15.6 cm x 15.6 cm solar cells at one sun illumination and a few mm sized solar cells at continuous ~1000 suns illumination with concentrated light.
• G2V Pico LED-based solar simulator. The system is capable of simulating AM0, AM1.5D and AM1.5G solar spectra (from 350 nm to 1500 nm) and other spectral conditions with an array of tunable LEDs.
• Oriel solar simulator: Equipped with a 1000 W Xenon lamp to produce wide light spectrum for solar cell measurements, source meters and and in-house build control software. The system uses filters to simulate different solar conditions such as AM0 or AM1.5. It is dedicated for light-current-voltage measurements. It also has a limited capability for concentrated sunlight measurements (a few suns).
• External quantum efficiency measurement system: A system based on an Oriel 250 W QTH lamp, DK240 monochromator, SRS830 lock-in amplifier and NIST-calibrated reference detectors for measuring quantum efficiency of solar cells in the wavelength range from 350 nm to 1800 nm. The system is also equipped with various light sources and can accommodate laser light sources for optical biasing enabling characterization of individual sub-junctions of the multi-junction solar cells.
• Dark current measurement system
• Solar simulator Asahi Spectra HAL-C100 (contact person Kimmo Lahtonen, 400-1100 nm wavelength)
• Solar simulator Asahi Spectra MAX-350 (Xenon UV/VIS/IR Light Source 300 W, contact person Kimmo Lahtonen)

Parallel JV and Stability Measurement Platform for Solar Cells

Fluxim Litos Lite system equipped with a Sinus-70 Multicolor LED solar simulator (exceeds class AAA) from Wavelabs for parallel (32 channels) current-voltage (I-V) of solar cells. The Litos Lite system is also capable of stress testing devices in accordance with ISOS protocols—maximum power point tracking at different temperatures up to 125 °C while simultaneously monitoring humidity levels. Measurements under inert conditions are also possible. (Contact person: Suvi Lehtimäki)

Indoor Photovoltaic Characterization Setup

This setup measures the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics and stability of photovoltaic cells at different color temperatures and variable illuminance levels of indoor lighting. A Philips HUE white-light emitting diode is used as the illumination source, and a Keithley 4250 source-monitor unit with a 4-wire setup is used for measuring I-V characteristics. The setup consists of a black box with a stage for positioning the sample and the white-light emitting diode at the top. A photomask separates the device under test from the light source to eliminate stray light. The internal walls of the box are coated black to minimize diffused light. Maximum power point tracking of the photovoltaic cells can be performed under various indoor illumination conditions, both in ambient and inert environments. (Contact person: Suvi Lehtimäki)

Electrical Characterization of Solar Cells

Paios from Fluxim automates frequency and time-dependent electrical and optical measurements, including transient photovoltage/photocurrent, impedance spectroscopy, Photo-CELIV, and intensity-modulated photocurrent/photovoltage spectroscopy. These measurements help analyze solar cell performance and charge carrier dynamics. A white LED with a very short lifetime is used as an optical source. A module combined with function generator and digital oscilloscope is used for sourcing and sensing the electrical signals. (Contact person: Suvi Lehtimäki)

Solar cell characterization services at VTT

VTT’s LumiSolarCell System utilizes the photoluminescence, electroluminescence, and infrared phenomena to image micro cracks, shunts, regions of low lifetime, inhomogeneities, hot spots or other cell failures of photovoltaic cells or wafers. Contact person is Thomas Kraft and more information can be found from https://www.greateyes.de/en/systems.html?mCtrl=Model&mOp=View&m_Products%5BmodelId%5D=48

VTT also has solar simulators to test thee operation of solar cells:

• Atlas Solartest 1200 (IV-measurement test system for solar cells and modules under AM1.5 sun, N2 atmosphere, https://www.atlas-mts.com/products/custom-solar-simulation/mhg-solar-simulation/solartest-1200, contact person Mari Ylikunnari)
• Pantone light booth, 3-light configuration (IV-measurement test system for solar cells and modules under indoor light, ambient atmosphere, https://www.pantone.com/products/devices/pantone-light-booth, contact person Kaisa-Leena Väisänen)